Dark Circles on used straight razor -- ??

[Smedley]

I don't know a lot about these, as a newbie.

My haircutting person runs a consignment antique shoppe on the side and she has a vintage straight razor.

The blade itself looks in good shape along the edge. However, close to the edge and at various places are little dark circles. They might be oxidation or rust, I'm not sure. They seem too dark for that, but then the metal of the blade obviously plays a factor in the colour of these defects.

Is there any way for me to tell what they are? I'm willing to haul a magnifying glass over to the shoppe if someone can tell me what to look for...

[jscott]

run some maas or simichrome metal polish on over to the shop.. put some on, rub it up with a cloth.. if they are just water spot or some gunk it should come off. if its pitting then it will stay but alot of the black crap will come off around it and then you will be able to feel the indents of the pits.

~J

ps. don't slice yourself doing the polishing :)

[Smedley]

Well, the point is moot now, because the razor is sold. But thanks for the advice, I'll remember it in case I come across another such blade.