Thread: New Guy looking for restoration advice

Good Afternoon!

Quick bio: I'm a retired Navy dentist now in private practice. I've been wet shaving with my Dad's Gillete Fatboy (I think) for years. I'd like to try my hand at using my Great Grandad's and Grandad's straight razors.

Both of them have broken celluloid scales. I got a set of ebony scales and pins from Olivias for one. The other had an embossed figurine that I am going to see if I can cast and duplicate in acrylic.

Both blades need to be cleaned up, then honed to be made shave ready. My question is should I send them out to be honed before I rescale them or scale them first?

Thanks for your input and thanks for the great website. I found a lot of good information here!

R/ DocV

Welcome in

The hones are the last step in a restoration, so send them out after if you are doing the rescale.

We have several here that are highly recommended and regarded by the community for restorations.

Look over their work,

I can only recommend Gemstar customs from personal experience as Glen is the only one here I have delt with on that level.

I can say that I would not think twice about sending one off to several of our vendors from my interactions with them here in the boards.

We are blessed with a great community and supporting vendors here.

Browse the site, put up pictures, PM or email the vendors, ask questions, and go with who you are comfortable with from that.

I look forward to seeing you around the boards.

Yep, Like pfries said, we like pictures
Mike

Hey Doc,
For my own blades, I do my own resto work. But if I had an ancestor's blade, I would consider having a known Pro do the work. Those aren't just any old razors. I think you'd be glad you did. In dentistry, you have serious fine motor control, but there's something to be said for experience using the specific materials.

Thank you Gentlemen...I will post pictures tomorrow. And, point well taken Pinklather. I would hate to irreparably damage something.

R/ DocV

Some pictures

I love scales with a design like you have. I hope you can get those replaced to original. Vintage blades are the best IMO but ancestral blades are even better.

The smile on that Keen Shaver looks like it ought to be a sweet razor. I have a few blades w/out smiles, but I always expect a better shave from a smiling blade.
Only 'cause I've run into about 50 blades in the last yr that have the issue - remember the smile if you start honing. A rolling x-stroke or preferably a 1/2 moon - arcing stroke (thank you, Glen) is needed. If honed like a flat, straight edge, you'll get frustrated, the edge won't wear right. I suspect both blades will please, but that Keen Shaver looks like one you'll love.

Thanks!

My Grandfather was an ol' country doctor. The Keen shaver was kept in his medical bag. As a child I had occasion to have stiches in my head and he used the razor to shave the area. I assume he did the same for other folks.

What are the chances I can get the scales repaired or replaced with the same designs?

R/ DocV