Some help with definitions/descriptions, please.

[CapnPanther]

Are the terms "brassing" and "plating loss" synonymous? If not, how do they differ? Seem to be the same, but I've seen them used in descriptions of razors for sale, both in B/S/T and on e-bay, that makes it appear that there's a difference.

Also, what is "pitting" and what causes it?

This newbie appreciates your patience.

 

[amishmotorboat]

I think they are synonymous for the most part. However, plating loss might be better, since not all underlying materials are brass. Could be copper, or cheap pot metal, or steel, etc.

I don't know if there is a standard definition, but I use the term pitting when there are corroded spots that vary in either depth or integrity from the surface metal.

 

[Radar O\'Reilly]

Are the terms "brassing" and "plating loss" synonymous? If not, how do they differ? Seem to be the same, but I've seen them used in descriptions of razors for sale, both in B/S/T and on e-bay, that makes it appear that there's a difference.

Also, what is "pitting" and what causes it?

This newbie appreciates your patience.

IMHO, brassing is a smooth transition from the plate to the material underneath. Plate loss is when it appears that the plate has flaked off. So something like the corner of a silo door would be "brassing", because it has worn down due to use and if you ran your finger across it, you wouldn't feel a sharp difference.

 

[midniterambler]

what causes dullness- the loss of the shiny surface, that can't be brought back with polishing? i've assumed that that was also caused by a milder degree of plating loss.

 

[CapnPanther]

I think they are synonymous for the most part. However, plating loss might be better, since not all underlying materials are brass. Could be copper, or cheap pot metal, or steel, etc.

I don't know if there is a standard definition, but I use the term pitting when there are corroded spots that vary in either depth or integrity from the surface metal.

So would pitting involve corrosion through the plating and into the underlying metal?

 

[amishmotorboat]

So would pitting involve corrosion through the plating and into the underlying metal?

Well, what I call pitting - keeping in mind that this is just what I call it - is where the underlying metal is both exposed and corroded. I think what happens is that some metals in the brass alloy get eaten away leaving a porous lattice of whatever metals remain, or leaves a hole.
If you're patient, I think we have some members here who are very knowledgeable about metals and can give a definitive answer.

 

[CapnPanther]

IMHO, brassing is a smooth transition from the plate to the material underneath. Plate loss is when it appears that the plate has flaked off. So something like the corner of a silo door would be "brassing", because it has worn down due to use and if you ran your finger across it, you wouldn't feel a sharp difference.

Makes sense to me. Brassing would be the cumulative effect friction against the plating material causing it to wear down or off.

Here is where my confusion kicks in. I've seen the term "brassing" used to describe plating loss on the underside of a razor head, an area not subject to friction in ordinary use. That loss, to me, would be cause by the plate flaking off or corroding.

I guess this is why we're fortunate to have B/S/T and a community that is sensitive to the condition of razors passed on to others.

 

[luvmysuper]

Makes sense to me. Brassing would be the cumulative effect friction against the plating material causing it to wear down or off.

Here is where my confusion kicks in. I've seen the term "brassing" used to describe plating loss on the underside of a razor head, an area not subject to friction in ordinary use. That loss, to me, would be cause by the plate flaking off or corroding.

I guess this is why we're fortunate to have B/S/T and a community that is sensitive to the condition of razors passed on to others.

The plating under the head is the weak leak in the plating process Gillette did on razors, it's the place with the thinnest plating on the razor.
After years of just general cleaning, some of these razors have lost that very thin coat of plating under the head.