Metal "whiskers" on cartridge body


I checked my stylus/cartridge yesterday, the stylus looked great. However, I noticed metal "whiskers" attached to the front of the cartridge body (an ESCCO modified Zu Denon 103R).

I have no idea where these came from, the cartridge is always stored in a clean wooden box, by itself, when not in use.

Is a there a safe way to remove them? They don't seem inclined to go anywhere, but I'd rather they not be there.

I welcome your thoughts.

Regards,
Dan
Ag insider logo xs@2xislandmandan
I pondered this same question,eventually I thought perhaps the filings came from the threaded spindle of my Oracle.
If you have old records, that's likely to be debris in the grooves that is dislodged by the stylus.
Psag's idea sound like a likely source of the whiskers. I haven't tried anything yet, I'm enjoying too much music to take the time to address "shaving" my cartridge.

Regards,
Dan