Help needed from cleaning experts

[wlk]

Two days ago, during my vacations, I found a Slim adjustable at a local antique store.

I did a basic soap cleaning, then applied a soak with bathroom cleaner, and toothbrushed, then 1/4 white vinegar with dish soap soaking overnight then toothbruhed.
I also applied some polish to get rid of the tarnish.

But there is still some yellow/red stains I cannot get rid of.
I'm not sure but it looks like rust to me (definitly seems to be "inside" the metal).
What experts would suggest to get rid of those last stains ?

Thanks.

 

[ctakim]

Those reddish yellow areas won't go away, unfortunately. That is referred to as "brassing" and it is the underlying brass metal where the nickel plating has corroded away. Not that unusual on these old vintage razors, and it won't affect your shave, though!

 

[wlk]

Those reddish yellow areas won't go away, unfortunately. That is referred to as "brassing" and it is the underlying brass metal where the nickel plating has corroded away. Not that unusual on these old vintage razors, and it won't affect your shave, though!

Thanks for the quick reply.
Glad to hear it won't affect my shaving experience, since that was the sole purpose of that cleaning effort

I just hope that the visual aspect won't spoil the pleasure.
Anyway, those closeup above looks ugly but with human eyes, the stains are no more than little yellow points.

I have more questions though:
Is there any risk the brassing extend more ?
If yes, how to prevent it ?

Also, for the visual aspect and/or protection, would that be possible to apply some chromed painting ?

 

[New Orleans]

These are fantastic pictures.

 

[PTurchan]

I have more questions though:
Is there any risk the brassing extend more ?
If yes, how to prevent it ?

Also, for the visual aspect and/or protection, would that be possible to apply some chromed painting ?

After you use the DE, I would thoroughly wash it with your tap and let it dry on a stand or wherever away from the humidity. Keeping up with a polish every so often will help it maintain its appearance (and improve it). I wouldn't paint it, it is like a battle scar.

Edit: Look for MAAS to polish it with.

 

[82R100]

I don't think it will creep around under the nickel plate and spread, like car rust, if that's what you're worried about. I think a "wipe" rather than a "polish" would be safer in the long run. It's safe to assume that the nickel plate isn't very thick anymore.

- Chris

 

[Stubblefield]

These are fantastic pictures.

Shot with a Canon EOS 350D with a focal length of 75mm.

Very nice pictures.

 

[Groundhog]

These are fantastic pictures.

I'll second that.....there's more than a few razor sellers on ebay that could take a lesson.

 

[ctakim]

I was thinking the same thing about the photos. This is someone with serious photography skills. Keeping your razors in generally clean condition, rinse after use, dry and for longer term storage keep dry and remove any old blades. That should keep corrosion away and prevent plating loss.

But I do wonder what exactly causes brassing and nickel plating loss. I have seen old Fat Boys that have lots of soap scum but when this is washed off, the underlying plating is still nice and shiny. So dirt and age alone are not the culprits. Perhaps salts and rust lead to plating loss.