Gillette Blue Blade, 1947 They had been selling razors since 1903. The Blue Blade, named because it was dipped in blue lacquer, was introduced in 1932.
Before stainless steel, Rusting was a huge problem with steel blades. So lacquer helps prevent rust - sort of...
Even today the aficionados of quality, super sharp blades say that, stainless is not as good as conventional formulations. To this end, quality blades that last, are oiled with a special oil, after every use.
"Stainless," is also a relative term_ There a dozens of different grades and formulation of stainless. Some for special purposes, other , to be cost effective. So my most treasure cutting blades are all finely coated after use. No rust yet. But darkroom equipment is another matter! :-)
Stainless cookware is great. I had an induction stove for a while in the USA, I know radical, and I had to replace my stainless cookware because it was Ferrous Free stainless.
Stephen Russell, interesting. "Ferrous," means iron. And all Steel formulas, including stainless varieties, have a major component of iron. Are you saying you had "iron free stainless?" I am just curious, as my impression is, you need something like stainless to work with induction, because it contains iron. :-) Thanks! :-)
Ferrous: From Wikipedia In chemistry, ferrous (Fe2+), indicates a divalent iron compound (+2 oxidation state), as opposed to ferric, which indicates a trivalent iron compound (+3 oxidation state). This usage has decreased, with current IUPAC nomenclature having names containing the oxidation state in bracketed Roman numerals instead, such as iron(II) oxide for ferrous oxide (FeO), and iron(III) oxide for ferric oxide (Fe2O3). Outside chemistry, ferrous indicates the presence of iron. The word is derived from the Latin word ferrum ("iron"). Ferrous metals include steel and pig iron (with a carbon content of a few percent) and alloys of iron with other metals (such as stainless steel). Manipulation of atom-to-atom relationships between iron, carbon, and various alloying elements establishes the specific properties of ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals and alloys do not contain an appreciable amount of iron.
For anyone thinking of an induction cooktop instead of running gas there, GO AND BUY the induction. it is as fast and easy as gas is and less costly than traditional electric cooktop. When I moved I yanked the induction range and put in regular one for my tenants. Stil trying to sell it but not doing much about it.
Had no idea why those were called blue. I certainly remember those weighty razors.
ReplyDeleteBefore stainless steel, Rusting was a huge problem with steel blades. So lacquer helps prevent rust - sort of...
ReplyDeleteEven today the aficionados of quality, super sharp blades say that, stainless is not as good as conventional formulations. To this end, quality blades that last, are oiled with a special oil, after every use.
"Stainless," is also a relative term_ There a dozens of different grades and formulation of stainless. Some for special purposes, other , to be cost effective. So my most treasure cutting blades are all finely coated after use. No rust yet. But darkroom equipment is another matter! :-)
Stainless cookware is great. I had an induction stove for a while in the USA, I know radical, and I had to replace my stainless cookware because it was Ferrous Free stainless.
ReplyDeleteStephen Russell, interesting. "Ferrous," means iron. And all Steel formulas, including stainless varieties, have a major component of iron. Are you saying you had "iron free stainless?" I am just curious, as my impression is, you need something like stainless to work with induction, because it contains iron. :-) Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteFerrous: From Wikipedia
In chemistry, ferrous (Fe2+), indicates a divalent iron compound (+2 oxidation state), as opposed to ferric, which indicates a trivalent iron compound (+3 oxidation state). This usage has decreased, with current IUPAC nomenclature having names containing the oxidation state in bracketed Roman numerals instead, such as iron(II) oxide for ferrous oxide (FeO), and iron(III) oxide for ferric oxide (Fe2O3). Outside chemistry, ferrous indicates the presence of iron. The word is derived from the Latin word ferrum ("iron"). Ferrous metals include steel and pig iron (with a carbon content of a few percent) and alloys of iron with other metals (such as stainless steel). Manipulation of atom-to-atom relationships between iron, carbon, and various alloying elements establishes the specific properties of ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals and alloys do not contain an appreciable amount of iron.
Some stainless steels aren't magnetic. Apparently there's austenitic and ferritic types of stainless.
ReplyDeleteTom Brydon, Thank you! I was not aware of this. It is good to know! :-)
ReplyDeleteen.wikipedia.org - Austenitic stainless steel - Wikipedia
For anyone thinking of an induction cooktop instead of running gas there, GO AND BUY the induction. it is as fast and easy as gas is and less costly than traditional electric cooktop. When I moved I yanked the induction range and put in regular one for my tenants. Stil trying to sell it but not doing much about it.
ReplyDelete