Thread: Partial restoration of a family antique

This razor was owned by my wife's great-great-grandfather Boone. May have been part of a set, but the razor is all that's left. I don't know if anyone has used it since Boone, but it seems in pretty good condition considering its age. For some reason, it found its way to me, and when I see a rusty thing, I gotta polish it.


The handle is in good shape. Just needs a bit of cleaning. The rust isn't too bad, but I'm leaving a few pits and scores in order to preserve as much metal and engraving as I can. Got a few tools together for handle removal.


I went over the blade with green scotchbright material to remove most of the rust. I had to use a coarser one for the two really bad spots on the spine.


After the wheels, I went over the whole thing with aluminum oxide wet/dry sand paper. I like to use oil with mine instead of water. Doesn't dry out. Started with 320 grit, and moved up in increments of about 200, until I got to 1,200.


Polished with emery, tri-poly, white, and green compounds. For small objects, I use 3" wheels on my drill press at about 3,200 rpm. Not a perfect mirror finish, but still very nice. The handles I just cleaned up with dish soap and water, and put a new pin in place.


Still collecting tools for honing and sharpening, but it should be usable again soon.