Thread: Does it make sense to restore razors anymore?

Judging by the prices on ebay and other sites, it seems it's far cheaper just to buy already restored razors. I guess you get to do it the way you want, but based on the unrestored W&B's that have sold recently you would lose money and time doing it yourself relative to just buying one already restored.

there are brands other than W&B that shave just the same, and many that shave even better. You can get great razors for not much money, just need to know what to look for.

Originally Posted by carazor

Judging by the prices on ebay and other sites, it seems it's far cheaper just to buy already restored razors.

I am a little confused; how are you going to find any restored razors to buy unless people are restoring them?

Originally Posted by mainaman

there are brands other than W&B that shave just the same, and many that shave even better. You can get great razors for not much money, just need to know what to look for.

Totally agreed, there are many obscure Sheffields that shave great.

Flea markets. Antique stores (run by sane/non-greedy management).

My five dollar shaver sure is nice... with Devil's Spit and a matte gray "finish" courtesy of Father Time. The first razor I restored the edge of will outlast me if I take care of it..

As in most things in life, it depends. In general I would say that it is better to purchase a razor that does not meet restoration. With all the hacks in the world it is probably more probable to purchase a badly restored razor off ebay than a good restoration. The main thing that makes a bad restoration is when the person gets the metal so hot it turns blur. This blue means that the metal has returned to it's soft state and will not retain an edge very well. The blue can be polished off and the buyer will never know until they wonder why the blade can't hold an edge. For restorations either do it yourself or have a reputable SRP member with lots on time and experience in restorations do it for you.

Originally Posted by carazor

Judging by the prices on ebay and other sites, it seems it's far cheaper just to buy already restored razors. I guess you get to do it the way you want, but based on the unrestored W&B's that have sold recently you would lose money and time doing it yourself relative to just buying one already restored.

I have done alot of things in my life that did not make sense, but brought me pleasure.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I have done alot of things in my life that did not make sense, but brought me pleasure.

+1. So far, I have found restoring razors by hand to be exceedingly relaxing and a fun hobby.

As Hirlau and medicevans said, for some it is a labor of love. I haven't the talent or the ambition to develop it so I am not one of them. I prefer to acquire vintage razors in original condition that need little or no restoration, but I have great respect for the skills of those who do pro quality restoration.

For me it's just totally cool to bring something that's 150 or more years old back to life and then use it!