Long time reader, first time poster.

Hi all, my name's Vince, I'm from Melbourne, Australia.

I've been shaving with a straight razor for just on a year now, and have loved every minute of it. I use a dovo special (shaver shop spec) because thats pretty much all we can find here in aus.

I started because I knew that my grandfather (and namesake) used to shave with straights, and I was just curious as to whether it might stop me getting so many ingrown hairs... which it did.

About 2 months ago I was talking to my father about it and he freaked out, saying that the only time he'd ever tried to use one he'd sliced his face open and so he stuck to safety razors. He still has that scar lol.

Any way he then went to his room and found my grandfather's razor, saying that I might as well have it as it was no use to him.

The blade is rusted (but still damned sharp), and the scales need cleaning, but its a very nice razor and quite unique... I cant find anything similar, or anything by the same maker.

One side of the shank says 'Bleckmann Solingen' and the other says 'THE PEACOCK' 'Made in Germany'. The scale, which i think is bone, has a peacock carved in to, and painted on it.

I thought I'd put it up for you all to discuss. I'd like to know if it of any value before I restore it myself, otherwise I'll get it sent to a professional. I plan to shave with it when it is restored, for sentimental reasons.

First and foremost, it was your grandfathers razor, which makes it priceless. Secondly, the scales are more likely celuloid or french ivory but I cant tell from the pictures. Thirdly, to restore that puppy you have a lot of work ahead of you. And finally, welcome aboard and good luck with that razor!
You might want to send it to an SRP restorer so that you dont cause any inadvertant damage!

welcome vince,

that rust looks really scary, but i've seen some blades come back from the grave

Welcome to SRP!

That's really neat that you have your grandfathers razor. The blade looks pretty ruff, but I've seen razors in worse condition restored nicely and used.

The razor looks like it might have some bad pitting, but those scales look fantastic. Because it was your grandfather's razor I think it would definitally be worthwhile resoring it.

Thanks for the comments and welcomes guys.
I would like to get it done by an SRP restorer, but it seems that they're mainly based overseas... anyone know of one based in Australia? I'd just rather have the razor sitting around rusty than risk getting it lost or stolen overseas.
I had said the scales were bone but yeah ivory seems more fitting... to me they seem something natural as they look to have some sort of grain running through them. I tried to take some better photos of the scales for you all.

Looking at those photos I would say it is definitely French ivory which is another way of saying fake or man made ivory.

Welcome to SRP. There is a member named Jasper Kade from Aus as well as some others. Jasper has been dabbling with restoring razors and collecting vintage blades. I'm in the USA and I bought a Merkur from him and a Robert Williams from a fellow in Perth so there is more available in your neck of the woods than you would think. :)

If you can't find anyone to restore your grand dad's razor over there shipping back and forth to the colonies isn't that big a deal. I got that razor from Perth in about a week for $20.00 shipping. :gl: and smooth shaving.

I thought Jasper Kade was from South Africa.

That's a beautiful pair of scales.
Quite frankly, I wouldn't waist time and money on that blade. I think it's lost. Sure, you could get it shiny again, but there's a high chance the edge retaining properties of the steel are seriously compromised. With such lovely scales, I'd retrofit an outstanding modern blade instead.

Of course, this is just what I'd do.

Welcome to SRP,

Bart.

I would also like to welcome you to the SRP as a fellow newbie :) I think I have posted various forms of the same question in various spots on this Forum. As well as trying to read as much as possible on the subject of removing rust.

I haven't heard back from anyone yet. So, just to clarify the ONLY safe way to remove rust is by using sand paper or a dremel, correct? Vinegar and baking soda :nono: won't work and can actually make things worse, from what I gather. So how do restorer's get around engraved blades or gold platting with out ruining it? :confused:

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Originally Posted by cla

I would also like to welcome you to the SRP as a fellow newbie :) I think I have posted various forms of the same question in various spots on this Forum. As well as trying to read as much as possible on the subject of removing rust.

I haven't heard back from anyone yet. So, just to clarify the ONLY safe way to remove rust is by using sand paper or a dremel, correct? Vinegar and baking soda :nono: won't work and can actually make things worse, from what I gather. So how do restorer's get around engraved blades or gold platting with out ruining it? :confused:

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Sanding is the only way to deal with rust, but there are other options than doing it by hand or with a Dremel (or similar device form another brand). For razors, I find flap wheels attached to a drill that's put in a vise, much easier than hand sanding or the Dremel, but that's just me.
It could also be done with very coarse water-based compounds on buffing wheels, but that's a setup that requires some investments.

Unless the corrosion is minor and stays very clear from ornamental etches and/or goldwashed areas, these things cannot be saved, while sanding out corrosion. Engravings and stamps usually can be saved.

With severe corrosion on a hollow blade, often the pitting is so deep that you'll hit cavities in the steel, while honing the razor after the restoration. Less hollow blades, such as those vintage Sheffield wedges you can regularly see on Ebay in heavily rusted state, have more chance of keeping a core of solid steel after the restoration.

Bart.

Bart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bart

I thought Jasper Kade was from South Africa. Bart.

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:gaah: Hmmmm you may be right. I can't recall now that you mention it. :thinking:

Hi Vince,

I'm also from Melbourne. Have you got your Bleckmann restored yet?

I've just had mine cleaned up and honed by Oz (Onimaru55) in Sydney - I only chose to have the blade done at this time and he did a very nice job. My Bleckmann has plain black scales and I picked it up from a local Salvo's.

I'm looking forward to shaving with it in the morning.

I've been using one of my great grandfather's Bengalls which I plan to send off for a proper honing when I can.

All the best,
Michael

So today I started the restoration of my grandfathers razor.
I know its taken a while lol, but this is the first time ive had off in a long time.
hit it with the dremel, now im going to hand sand it till its ready, re-pin, hone and strop and should be good to shave with...
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