Dropped razor/ rust issue

[KenP]

B&B,

Hopefully this goes here. I mentioned in my 'check-in' post that I dropped my straight awhile back, I came out ok, the blade was not so lucky.

It was suggested to me to put something up around/in this section of the forum to get some advice on repair or re-honing. Luckily enough, I also happen to have a macro lens around the house to get some better pictures of the damage. With the damage, I haven't used the blade in about a year, so it has been sitting in a steamy bathroom, err, shave den and has started to rust a bit. I know I could sand it down, but I would love to keep the work that has been done to it. Pictures speak louder than words however, so here are some photos.
Not a bad as I remember, but any advice helps

Rust Spots on blade

Rust on spine, the craftsmanship is beautiful, I would love to keep the work here if possible.

Damage from the 'back side' of the blade

Thanks,
Ken

 

[eaterofdog]

The ding can be fixed, no problem, the blade will be 2 mm narrower. The rust needs to be sanded off, maybe start with some 600, but kiss that gold goodbye.

 

[Mike H]

Yes, the gold wash will be removed in removing the rust, but the blade will hone up fine and will last many more years.

 

[jrp316]

+1 on the rehoning. I would recommend sending it to a pro; it'll need some TLC on a low grit hone to work that ding out and reset the bevel. As for the rust situation, the gold wash will have to go if you have the rust repaired. The rust will only get worse or stay the same, so I would say to have it sanded out. Chalk up +1 to experience on humidity and moisture with razors.

 

[PClark]

YOU CAN SAVE THE LETTERING!!!


That's only surface rust and it can be removed without sanding. There are sprays and compounds that I have used in my time in tool and die shops and more in mould shops because we couldn't alter the tolerance of the mould but needed to remove rust. First use a light coating of liquid wrench oil and let it sit for a few minutes, wipe it of with a soft cloth. A light scrubbing with the cloth might be better, but don't scrub to hard. It breaks down rust and gunk, the lettering should be ok. If that doesn't work go to a tool supply store, one for machinist's preferred, and ask for a de-rusting compound (I can never remember the brand name) you will want the stuff that's more like a polish than the abrasive stuff. Apply it with any dish cloth or soft rag and follow the instructions with it.


It looks like it's only surface rust it should come off easy. I speak from experience working with metals as a precision machinist.