I know I have heard that many razors out there will sometimes have their plating start to flake off. I've heard people say their Merkur or Edwin Jagger has done it. Still when I just noticed my Parker 94R was starting to flake I could barely believe my eyes. I haven't had the razor that long. I never leave it outside. The base-plate has a bare spot on the bottom side. I love this razor. I can't complain too much, it only cost less than $28.00. Still I'm heartbroken.