Thread: First restoration!! Would love some feedback or pointers from the old pros!!!

This is my first Razor restoration, and I must admit, I picked a pretty clean blade with good scales to begin. I didn't want anything overly difficult to start with and was mainly wanting to gain the experience. I will try to post more detailed pics soon, however, I'm only working with my phone. lol. Pretty basic resto, unpinned it by the tang so I could sand the blade. Started at 100, then on to 320, 400, 600, 800, 1200, 1500, and finally 2000, all wet sand. The pitting was not overly bad to begin with, so I mainly cleaned the tarnish off the blade and added a little luster. I received micro-mesh in the mail shortly after I completed this, and I am looking forward to trying it out on my next project. I will definitely have to work more on sanding out the scratch marks from the paper as I move up the grit, because I can still see some grit scars on the blade, but nothing too awful bad. As stated before, the scales were in great shape and only needed to be cleaned up. Sanded them with 800, 1500, and 2000 wet sandpaper, then put a couple coats of wax on them. I still would like to see a little more "shine" to the scales if at all possible and would love some advice on how to achieve this. Re-pinned it with 1/16" brass round rod and #0 SS washers. I reused the brass lock washers against the blade. My wet stones will be arriving in a few days and I will be able to hone the blade. Strop already arrived. I'm ready to try this bad boy out!

Buy some $3.00 junk razors and practice taking them apart without breaking the scales. When you master the art of removing scales successfully, you will be able to restore just about any razor. Good luck.

Are these all before pics? If I even look at an etch while holding 320 it disappears. On sanding I use the following method. Go back and forth with one grit and up and down with the next. This makes it very easy to see the last grits marks. I even look through a magnifier before moving on. Nothing I hate worse than going back a few grits because I didn't notice a deep line. Also make sure you clean the surface your sanding on. Any grit left on the table when you flip the razor will scratch new marks before your done with the other side.

First three are before, last three are after. Thanks!!!

Looks great, especially that's it is your first restoration. To get a good shine on the scales I use mothers (works especially well on horn) but you have used wax already so I don't know if that would work. What stones have you ordered if I may ask? if you haven't honed razor before make sure not to hurry with setting bevel as that's is most important thing. Again great looking blade, enjoy.
Rafal

I ordered the norton 220/1000/4000/8000 and a little chromium oxide for my canvas strop.

Norton are a good choice according to everyone on the forum, myself I wouldn't use the 220 for a straight razor.

You are well on your way. All the advise you have been given is correct. Watch the forum and be a sponge for information. Look at this site SRP for past info on restoring. You will find a wealth of info from the guys that have been doing it a long time. From your explanation of the process you used you are definately on the right track. It looks as though you have done your homework. Keep up the good work and we will look forward to seeing more restores from you! With each one getting better and better!!!
Ray

I received the norton hones in the mail today. I started at 1000 grit and worked my way up. I took my time checking the bevel as I went to ensure I was not getting it out of alignment. After using the stones, I moved to a chromium oxide compound on a canvas strop and did some work! Next I wiped the blade clean and moved to standard canvas and then leather. Whewww!!!! Let me tell you, this thing is sharp, it cleaned up my face with little effort. I have an older razor that I am working with now. As soon as the scales (camel bone, dyed red) are finished, I'll load up some pics! Thanks for all the advice and compliments thus far! I have a long way to go before I am at the level of most of you, but hopefully one day I will be there!