How to remove black spots from a vintage straight?

[ferroburak]

Hi,
Do you know if it's possible to remove black spots(possibly oxidation) from a vintage straight?

Thanks.

 

[azmark]

A sure thing is buffing on buffing wheels with greaseless compounds, rougues and cromox and that should be mirror finish but maybe with some pitting but the razor doesn't look that bad.

 

[ferroburak]

A sure thing is buffing on buffing wheels with greaseless compounds, rougues and cromox and that should be mirror finish but maybe with some pitting but the razor doesn't look that bad.

What about fine grit sandpaper with some metal polisher? Would this work too?

Btw it's a Genco razor. Scales look too new maybe not original. What do you think?

 

[johnmrson]

What about fine grit sandpaper with some metal polisher? Would this work too?

Btw it's a Genco razor. Scales look too new maybe not original. What do you think?

It depends on how deep they are but it should if you're prepared to put in the work. If you've got a Dremel, they can be useful with either wet and dry or a brass wire wheel.

 

[azmark]

What about fine grit sandpaper with some metal polisher? Would this work too?

Btw it's a Genco razor. Scales look too new maybe not original. What do you think?

Sandpaper yes indeed. It is not easy and can easily set you back if not done in the right progression. I use circular motions with the sand paper under 400 grit.

Start off with a low grit 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 200, 220, 240, 320, 400, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000.

The one area where I've made a mistake is progressing too fast. That's not removing the scratch pattern from the previous grit ie, start 400 without finishing removing 320 and then go to 600. This method takes hours and even days on some razors but it works. I suggest making some kind of jig to wrap the paper in because your fingers will get tired and will make you want to progress faster. I use a large rubber dowel.

 

[ferroburak]

Sandpaper yes indeed. It is not easy and can easily set you back if not done in the right progression. I use circular motions with the sand paper under 400 grit.

Start off with a low grit 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 200, 220, 240, 320, 400, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000.

The one area where I've made a mistake is progressing too fast. That's not removing the scratch pattern from the previous grit ie, start 400 without finishing removing 320 and then go to 600. This method takes hours and even days on some razors but it works. I suggest making some kind of jig to wrap the paper in because your fingers will get tired and will make you want to progress faster. I use a large rubber dowel.

Have you tried using some low viscosity oil? It can reduce scratches maybe.

 

[azmark]

Have you tried using some low viscosity oil? It can reduce scratches maybe.

You want the scratches, it helps remove any stains or pitting. The finer you go the smoother you start to get the steel. It's actually not that bad but just very time consuming.

 

[ferroburak]

You want the scratches, it helps remove any stains or pitting. The finer you go the smoother you start to get the steel. It's actually not that bad but just very time consuming.

I see. Should I protect the edge from tarnishes while sanding?

 

[honed]

I see. Should I protect the edge from tarnishes while sanding?

Just keep the edge flat against the surface & apply only light pressure & you should be fine.

 

[mdunn]

I see. Should I protect the edge from tarnishes while sanding?

no need. just sand away and be careful not to cut yourself!