Thread: Genco Gold Seal Restore

Sweet Whizzyness, that looks Great.

Do you find the Genco's to be extra Hard and chippy steel? I ask Because I have two that are a bear to get the edge up on.

Not super hard, they usually take a good keen edge. On the hollow grinds you do have to watch the pressure, they do flex.

For hard, chippy razors, Film or Natural finishers work well for me.

This inspired me to go clean up some of my finds. It looks great.

One of the coolest vintage things done of late.
Excellent outcome!

Originally Posted by Ecl

The scales are celluloid. Beware of cell rot with this razor!

If this scale composition was predisposed to celluloid rot, it would show on the blade. Especially with the item being a hundred years old.

Yet it does not? I would not worry, myself!

Nice cleanup mate
Just scored one of these last week, still some of the gold was on the tang too, but it will all go I know

Edit correction it is a Shumate LOL

Originally Posted by Substance

Nice cleanup mate
Just scored one of these last week, still some of the gold was on the tang too, but it will all go I know

Edit correction it is a Shumate LOL

Those look like nice razors...they should shine up really well. I just used soap and water on the celluloid scales...and it cleaned them up well.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Yes, I am aware of that possibility...how to prevent cell rot? Keep it out of direct sunlight and extreme heat? Isn't there some kind of preventive program you can implement to prevent this dreaded disease? The scales on this razor are in very good condition...no sign of weakening or deterioration...but I do worry...

I began an annual slathering of 3M silicone on my celluloid razors several years ago as it works wonders with plastics, rubber on car parts and pieces. I flip them for a few days, reapplying and spraying between the scales. I then wipe off excess with paper towel, inside and out.

It certainly makes the colors pop and has not hurt anything. None I have used it on has deteriorated...yet.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

If this scale composition was predisposed to celluloid rot, it would show on the blade. Especially with the item being a hundred years old.

Yet it does not? I would not worry, myself!

I have two Gold Seals which came with identical celluloid scales. One showed obvious signs of cell rot and the other didn't. I've seen several in antique stores and on eBay with anywhere from mild pitting to complete blade-rusted-through rot. The question on this material is not if it will deteriorate, it's when.

Good ventilation is alleged to retard the process a bit. Using the razor regularly (thus cleaning off the decay products) should keep the blade in good order for many years. Rot's a thing to be aware of but not obsess over.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

If this scale composition was predisposed to celluloid rot, it would show on the blade. Especially with the item being a hundred years old.

Yet it does not? I would not worry, myself!

I don't know the date of this Genco. I don't know how old it is. One thing I like about DE razors...dates stamps! Not so for SRs! It take a bit more homework.