How to remove rust from a cutthroat razor?
 

Hey guys. Along with a few vintage lighters I bought at a second hand place today, I found an old 1930somthing Kropp straight razor with a whalebone handle. The old lady in the shop seemed to have no idea how old it was, so I made her a deal for AU$20. The handle looks like it's in mint condition, and the blade looks like it's had a pretty easy life, only after giving it a polish with brasso, there's still a few spots of that raised rusty crap that non stainless blades seem to aquire. Anyway. Is there any way to shine up this blade other than grinding it off or doing somthing else stupid that I will regret? Please help.. my ego's at risk.

Where on the blade are the marks?

If regular sharpening and stropping won't get the rust off, you could try a very fine steel wool and WD-40. If you're nervous about that, a nylon scouring pad for washing dishes will have a similar effect and be even less abrasive. There shouldn't be any need to use a power tool on the razor.

The marks are along the actual curved bit of the blade, towards the tip, and a few more marks along the spine. It's sort of hard to explain it properly without a picture. I've tried using one of those kitchen pads on the handle part of the blade with some success, but I'm too scared to try it anywhere else because of the fear of scratching it. I was hoping somebody might know of some sort of chemical compound that might do the job, but for now it looks like I'll just have to take my time and be careful with it. I'm too tempted to take dangerous shortcuts.. like sanding it or somthing..

I don't know if it would be too caustic for your purposes but for rust removal I have always used Naval Jelly.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=47&plid=169

Naval jelly should do the trick.

Try soaking the blade in vinegar for about 12-24 hours.
Here's an example of vinegar used.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=902066

Thanks for the replies. I managed to clean it up quite well with some wd40, but im considering the vinegar idea. Im a bit worried about the bone handle though, I cant actually remove the blade from it. Still, I'll give it a go

If you've got a Dremel™ or other similar tool, try one of the felt buffing pads. Tripoli or emery would be more abrasive for starters, and white or red rouge can be used to further improve the finish.

Gah.. I tried soaking the tip in vinegar a few hours ago, and the submerged section looks almost black. So much for that I guess..

Under no circumstances should you submerge the bone handle in vinegar!!!!

Why don't you try using Coca-Cola :)

You SURE it's "rust?" ;)