First Attempt

[UmmBacon]

I got bored today and tried my hand at restoring a Bismarck razor that I got off of eBay. I did not have any great aspirations with this, as I have not ever attempted anything like this, but so far I think that it has worked fairly well.

I went to Wal-Mart and got some 3M Premium Automotive Sandpaper in 120 grit and the 3M Wetordry in 400, 1000, and 2000. I also got some Eagle-One Never-Dull Wadding Polish and a Microfiber Finish Towel.

During the first half of the Colts and Ravens games I took the scales off (I drilled the pin with a cordless drill) and went to work with the sandpaper. I really rushed through it, and it is by no means perfect, but I am pleased with the results.

I was fearing that it would take all day to do, and do to really well it probably does, but to get a finish that makes me fairly happy, I was done by half time.

I don't have a digital camera, other than what is on my iPhone, so I don't have before or after pictures.

I think that I will go back and sand it again starting at the 400 grit, as there are a few scratches that I think that I can even out. I ordered a pair of the cheapest scales from SRD and plan on putting those on. I was looking at the amazing photos on the first time restore contest thread, and I am pleased that the finish I got is not too far off of the ones that I see on there. I haven’t the tools or skills to do anything in terms of custom scales, and after seeing Shutterbug’s entry, I figure that would be like trying to play guitar next to Eric Clapton, so I will just stick with the cheap replacements.

I know that this entry is useless without pictures, but I figured that I might be able to get some response as to the materials and process from others that might actually know what they are doing, unlike myself.

[UmmBacon]

Does anyone have an opinion on the process itself? Thanks.

[spazola]

It sounds like you have the process down. Not every razor needs a perfect mirror finish and custom scales. There is plenty of info on this site and on the Wiki on how to achieve a perfect mirror finish and scales.

Did you have fun? That is the real question. There is a great satisfaction that comes form shaving with a razor that you cleaned up yourself. The majority of my daily users are not perfect, I like the patina and signs of use that come with an older razor.

Post your pictures and enter the contest!

Charlie