Thread: Two C.V Hejlestrand Eskiltuna restoration questions

Hello all (my first post)

I got myself two vintage CV Hejlestrand Straights as my first cut throat razors. I have several DE's but i am becoming more and more attracted to straights. Whatever on topic

Here some pictures of the two, if some of you have some history and info on the straights let me know. :-)

First razor says:
London 1851
Prisbelönt
C.V Hejlestrand
Eskiltuna

Second:
C.V Hejlestrand
Eskiltuna
And on the other side ASTA




First razor questions:

The scales (are wood) and fragile, I am almost certain that they need to be replaced. Theres rust in the hinge in the scale where the blade connects with the scales. (English is not my first language, sorry)

Theres some rust and pitting and what grit sandpaper should i use to get rid of that rust? If i should use any metal polish which is good? I have some Brasso, but since i am from Denmark i probably wont be able to get the products you guys use.

Second razor:
I would like to know how i can clean the scales (they are bakelite), and the hinge that connects the blade and the hinge. I don't really want to take the scales off, since I don't want to take the risk. Honestly, It would be a shame to ruin such nice original scales, but that bakelite scale have also become fragile over time.

Just like the first razor how should i clean and what grit sandpaper to use? Theres some water damage(/pitting?) and a little rust, and What metal polish to use?

As you can see on the scales there are some numbers written. What could it mean? It says: 1-4 36 G.P


And last but no least :-D how much is swedish/Eskiltuna steel regarded? Is it Solingen worthy, or how would you rate it? Whatever you say i look forward to try them

Thanks

The Dane

I would think that the first razor's scales are horn, not wood.

Wood was not very often used for razor scales(it did happen though) but horn was very common until celluloid and bakelite started taking over.

Unless the horn scales are cracked or have significant bug bites they should be restorable.

Soaking them in neetsfoot oil for a a few days/weeks, and then sanding and polishing them should make them look like new.

You can use metal polish on horn as well as steel.

steel wool and metal polish is probably as far as you need to go for those. Try 0000 steel wool first if you feel that it will take too long drop to 000 steel wool Use the steel wool with the polish and then just the polish. It is very effective.

Welcome to SRP. Helfestrand are among the best of the breed. Once cleaned up, honed to shave ready, you have some ideal razors to begin with. Check out the SRP beginner's guide if you haven't already for tips on shaving, maintenance and just about all things related to straight razor shaving.

Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library

What about the rust in the hinge in the scales? Do I have to take the scales apart to take care of that, or can i clean it without?

Originally Posted by JennerL

What about the rust in the hinge in the scales? Do I have to take the scales apart to take care of that, or can i clean it without?

Well some guys unpin the razor and clean the tang area while others use a q-tip flattened with a hammer, some metal polish, and maybe dental floss to get in there. A soft tooth brush is good on the areas you can reach and the floss and q-tip on the more difficult areas.

There is a bit of art to getting the old pin out without damaging the scales, and certainly with replacing the pin without cracking them. So I personally just get them the best I can without unpinning, if I bother with it at all. There are many tutorials on the subject of pinning and that in the Library and in the Workshop.

Thanks what metal polish is best, is there some i should avoid? I have Brasso but read somewhere here that its bad for the metal.

Hi, and welcome!

For just doing a cleanup and polish you can use Autosol (similar to Maas etc.) you can use it on both the blades and scales, works like a charm