Nothing fancy - spit shine on a 50's Super Speed for a Father's Day gift

Father's Day is just around the corner and though I did this for a Father's Day gift, it's actually not for my pops. I want to make him a really nice set of scales for a razor...though he isn't the type to use a straight :aargh:

One of my absolute best friends in the world who has been like a father to me on many counts doesn't have any kids. I'm the closest thing he has to that and I know he hasn't gotten a Father's Day gift before. I thought this would be a really nice gesture and useful gift for him since he is a slave to the dreaded cartridge razor.

I picked up this 50's Super Speed the other night and it looked a little rough. I imagined it wouldn't be too hard to make it pretty again. It couldn't have taken more than 30 minutes to get it nice again. I wish restoring straight razors went by that quickly :p

Before -
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After -
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There is a little bit of pitting on the plating up top, but it is pretty mild. I gave it a test shave and it works like a charm. I'm still amazed how much better these work than cartridge razors and I'm left scratching my head as to why most of the world turned their back on them :shrug:

Cheers

Nice Work!

Your friend will enjoy that!!

I’d been given an almost identical DE and it was in similar condition, I found it amazing what a toothbrush and some Mothers Mag Wheel Cleaner did for it!!

After I’d washed, rinsed and dried it, I applied some Paste Turtle Wax with a different toothbrush, I then used yet another to brush off the thin coat of wax I’d applied! Boy did it look nice!

The one thing that I’d recommend is to apply some penetrating oil from the top and let it drain; I did this several times and found that it slowly stopped having rust in it! After that I used some electric motor spray cleaner to remove the penetrating oil and after it was dry I applied a few drops of Ballistol. However you can use WD-40 or what ever oil you prefer!

Again that’s going to be a very nice father’s day present!

I gave my bud the razor today and he was hugely blessed. I saw him at church and while he was inside chatting with some of the locals, I snuck outside and put the box with razor and card I got him in the truck. I left before he did and he eventually came out to his car and saw it. It really meant a ton to him and it made his day. I was pretty pleased with the end result :D

That was a really kind and thoughtful thing for you to do

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jonah

I gave my bud the razor today and he was hugely blessed. I saw him at church and while he was inside chatting with some of the locals, I snuck outside and put the box with razor and card I got him in the truck. I left before he did and he eventually came out to his car and saw it. It really meant a ton to him and it made his day. I was pretty pleased with the end result :D

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I think that you get the 'ATTA BOY' of the year!!:bow:

Good for you! You've done well!! :tu

Money and time wise, it was a pretty small investment. The fact that it was so out of left field for him is what made it really enjoyable. I'm a big believer that "it's the little things that count" and this was just an occasion for that.

;)

Nice-I've got almost that identical SuperSpeed. A total classic, and I'm sure your friend loves it.

What a very nice gesture.

Ahhh a DE. I have been known to sneak in a DE shave at least once a week myself. I have restored a handful of em myself. And I think I have given a handful away. You might want to keep your eye out for a copper and brass 3 piece. You will enjoy that restore probably more than anything. They turn out so nice and shiny. You hate to use it because it is so sharp looking. I have a thing for the 3 pieces myself, but that is a personal preference. That was a very nice gesture on your part. Believe me your friend will remember that the rest of his life. One question-- Were you able to disassemble the razor to clean it? Enjoy!!
Ray

I've just started using a DE and I'm quite please how nice the shave is. I cleaned up the inside and outside, but didn't disassemble it. I did put a few drops of gun oil in the middle "pivot" rod. I'm pretty ignorant on the correct terminology for DE's :angel:

He gave it a whirl this morning and was very impressed with it. It's definitely a step up from the disposable three blade razors. He can only get one shave with those as well before they tear up his face, so the DE was just what the doctor ordered. I have seen a couple of DE's around here, but the prices people are asking are nothing short of outrageous. I got a gorgeous 40's Super Speed in great condition for $20 from ebay. A guy that runs an antique shop wants 40 for his later model that isn't nearly as pretty. Getting the 50's SS for $8 was perfect.

Might I suggest "Derby" blades. They are relatively inexpensive. I have had very good luck with them myself. You can pick them up on the bay for about $10 for a hundred with shipping. As far as taking a de apart it can be done to a point. Depends on if the handles are rolled on or screwed on. Also if the screw in the bottom isn't buggerd or gooed up. That screw is left hand thread!!! Remember that!! And you will have to make a tool to get it out. A simple small screwdriver with a V notch in the bottom will work. Enjoy!!
Ray