[Boatanchors] Razor Blade Rectification

[J. Forster]

Duane Fischer, W8DBF wrote:

> Question: exactly what made the Marlin or the Gillette razor blade work as a
> diode for rectification? Some say it was the special electric printing of the
> product name on the blade and others claim it was what the blade was made of.

Likely, a point contact diode was formed at the interface between the pencil lead
and oxide film. Likely a hacksaw blade or clock spring would work as well.

-John