Thread: First Attempt

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.

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

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