Zamak experts, will this corrode?

[Alex Jr]

Gentlemen, I’ve accidentally hit the sink when cleaning the top cap and a small scratch (ding?) was found after a quick inspection.

It’s not super deep but I can slightly feel it with my fingernail. Slightly.

There’s always a first time it seems.

Is it doomed? I appreciate any input.

 

[Iridian]

No, no worries. Below the cap near the threads is dangerous, this here will just stay a blemish.

 

[BigJ]

No, no worries. Below the cap near the threads is dangerous, this here will just stay a blemish.

+1! You should be just fine for a long time so long as you continue to take care of the razor.

 

[Old Hippie]

Knowing that zamak can corrode more easily than some other materials you are well-armed. As the others have noted, this is in a place where it's easy to keep it clean and dry and keep an eye on it.

You've got a lotta years left in that razor!

O.H.

 

[kcb5150]

It's most likely fine from my experience.

 

[Alex Jr]

@Iridian @BigJ @Old Hippie @kcb5150 thank you all for your input! I’m happy to know it probably won‘t cause any issues.

Now that being said I’m telling my wife you fine gentlemen reported the razor damaged beyond repair which unfortunately would require me to buy a backup.

Oh such a tragedy…

 

[gpjoe]

...the razor damaged beyond repair which unfortunately would require me to buy a backup.

100% correct and rational decision.

 

[AshleyC]

Well, if it is a top cap to a Merkur (the Progress and the 34C both use the same top cap, as perhaps other Merkur models do as well), then you can just order a new top cap from Merkur. I did that for my Progress. Cost about $15, if I remember it right.

 

[Alex Jr]

Well, if it is a top cap to a Merkur (the Progress and the 34C both use the same top cap, as perhaps other Merkur models do as well), then you can just order a new top cap from Merkur. I did that for my Progress. Cost about $15, if I remember it right.

It’s the Rockwell 6C. I don’t know if it’s possible to buy spare parts. I’ll check.

 

[cakaguna]

It’s the Rockwell 6C. I don’t know if it’s possible to buy spare parts. I’ll check.

Oh yeah - they sell spare parts. You can even build a razor just by the parts, if you know a plate you like and don’t want all three… and it’s not the combination of the 2C for example…

anyway - current landing page for the spare parts: Individual Rockwell Razor Parts - https://getrockwell.com/collections/individual-parts

 

[NorthernSoul]

Is it doomed?

No, it should be OK. Just keep it dry after using it, that will minimize any corrosion. Maybe wipe it down with a cloth or paper towel.

Where it can become a problem is if the threads get dinged up.

 

[Alex Jr]

No, it should be OK. Just keep it dry after using it, that will minimize any corrosion. Maybe wipe it down with a cloth or paper towel.

Where it can become a problem is if the threads get dinged up.

Thank you! Thank god I didn’t smash the threads.

 

[Old Hippie]

Thank you! Thank god I didn’t smash the threads.

That ding will probably bug you for a long time. Pick up a spare. Keep an eye on it. Probably you'd feel it first if the plating around there started getting a little loose.

I have a zamak razor (Fasan Double Slant) that had over the last 80 years or so lost pretty much all the plating on the razor. In an effort to conserve it rather than restore it (since you can't replate zamak) I sent it off to be Cera-Koted and it's apparently fine.

One advantage of modern zamak is the quality of the ingredients is likely a bit higher than it was years ago. Some of that old gnarly zamak is exactly what you'd get from melting down old airplane wrecks after a war.

O.H.

 

[AceyMan]

One advantage of modern zamak is the quality of the ingredients is likely a bit higher than it was years ago.

Additionally, since zinc pest has been understood fully ("solved" in the 1970s or so, iirc), that particular defect isn't an issue with modern zamak alloys.

/AC

 

[Alex Jr]

Pick up a spare

I agree 100%. I can’t imagine taking the chance to go from 35 to 34 razors.

Can you?

 

[92percententropy]

Maybe you need a 6S now

 

[Calyshaver]

Car wax should make the water bead right off that top cap!

 

[Lane101]

@Iridian @BigJ @Old Hippie @kcb5150 thank you all for your input! I’m happy to know it probably won‘t cause any issues.

Now that being said I’m telling my wife you fine gentlemen reported the razor damaged beyond repair which unfortunately would require me to buy a backup.

Oh such a tragedy…

Not to mention that the dent could become a magnet for bacteria should corrosion set in. Recommend you send your Rockwell 6C to me for safe and sanitary disposal.

Actually, if needed, Rockwell does sell replacement parts though I suspect your razor may be fine. Also given the roughly $20 cost of the part you may be better off just buying a back up razor if you start to see corrosion. On Black Friday they offered the 6C with all base plates for $40.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Actually, if needed, Rockwell does sell replacement parts though I suspect your razor may be fine. Also given the roughly $20 cost of the part you may be better off just buying a back up razor if you start to see corrosion. On Black Friday they offered the 6C with all base plates for $40.

'Tis but a scratch.

 

[ERS4]

Although scratches are obviously nothing to worry about.
Remember to complain to your wife about razor damage from time to time, hint in a subtle way that Christmas is coming, and accidentally drop your favorite razor photo on the sofa.
It would be better if there is a complete ordering URL and QR CODE on the back of the photo.