Thread: Union Cutlery "SPIKE" makeover

This is the story of a blade, decades left for dead in some damp basement, till someone found and listed on the bay. Along came my eyes noting the beauty beneath the pit I put my bid….

Oh heck!!!!... enough with the poetry…

The following are before and after photos of a Union Cutlery 9/16th wedge razor restored to its full glory. I find myself trying to restore razors back to original as possible, however the pins had to be replaced (never liked the originals anyway), pitting was removed and she was given a mirror polish but left some tool marks as a reminder of her “rugged roots”. The scales were also cleaned and polished.
The steel is really tough, took quite some time to hone, now the edge makes my palms sweat. The shave is simply sloooth, two days growth was wiped away in a flash, very little feedback from this one, I had to force myself to slow down and enjoy the shave, it was one of the best shaves I’ve had (I guess she’s grateful for the makeover).

Vital statistics:
Manufacturer: Union Cutlery Co. Olean N.Y.
Model: SPIKE
Size: 9/16th
Point Spike
Grind: Wedge
Edge: Straight
Bearings: Brass
Scales: Branded, translucent Emerald-Green celluloid
Pins: (New) solid brass

Absolutely splendid job.
Wish I had the time!

Tony H

beautiful! I like to keep a razor as original as possible unless there is major damage to the blade and/or handles. If that's the case I regrind and rehandle them or turn them into my razor knives.

Beautiful work!

Another razor returns from the dark into the light I love it !!!!!!
There is something to be proud of bringing back a piece of history......

Nice job. Nothing like a great shave with a blade you saved from the scrap heap yourself.

That is one really nice razor, great job!

See through green handles are my favorite vintage handles.


Charlie

That's a beautiful transformation! Thanks for posting up some inspiration for us other restorers.

I must say, you did a beautiful job and the finished result is quite enviable. The green scales are great.

Great work. Don't say too much good about the spikes. They will go up in price when everyone finds out how good they shave. Mine are my favorite go to everyday shavers. They shave better than a lot of expensive blades.

Don