Dark spots - rust or pits?

[starling]

I included a couple examples of dark spots I see on antique straight razors I sell, with blades that are otherwise in excellent shape. I'd like to know how to describe the spots accurately so I don't mislead. They're dark spots that might or might not be very slightly raised under scrutiny with a toothpick, but the spots aren't deeply pitted by any means, and they aren't what you'd call surface rust, but they don't come off with Simichrome or Maas. So do I call them water spots, rust or pits? And/or, is there a better way to make them go away, especially on blades with delicate etching or engraving? Thanks for any help.

 

[Gamma]

A comprehensive response would be quite lengthy. There are a lot of considerations to ponder there.

You might like perusing the restoration threads - there's a bulk of knowledge to be learned there.
A lot of info you'll find deals with the various tarnsh, spotting, and rust distractions you're interested in.

 

[starling]

Okay, I'm new here, so forget I asked for help with polishing.

I'd just like to know what you call those spots, as I don't see that addressed here. Is tarnish a fair description? Thanks.

 

[alpster]

These spots are some form of corrosion. Even though you can't feel any roughness, they sometimes seem to penetrate deeply into the metal. I have spent hours on a powerful buffer trying to make them go away, but some can be very stubborn. You have to decide sometimes to either call them "character" or get out the sand paper and just scrape them off. Fancy etching and gold wash cannot stand up to the kind of friction need to get rid of them. At least that's my experience. I hope this is helpful.

 

[Mikishots]

If you look at the spots under magnification, you will see that they are pitted, albeit very finely. By far the most common blemish seen on vintage blades.

 

[onotoman]

From the images, I'd say that the one in the centre of the picture is a deeper pit, the ones towards the tip seem to be lighter rust marks that will polish out quite easily