Thread: Thoughts on my New W&B

Originally Posted by Cangooner

If that was mine, I wouldn't do much other than soak it in neetsfoot oil (it will rejuvenate the scales), give it a light rub down with some metal polish, hone it up, and enjoy it.

My thoughts exactly.

Originally Posted by gugi

Pros:
- it will be shiny (or should be)
- you will (or should have) all brand new steel exposed on the surface (may be important if you are unhappy/worried about whatever is currently there after a century).

Cons:
- it is irreversible, can't go back if you later change your mind
- it will cost you money (for a good job)
- the lines may be softer (blurred), but the better (and generally more expensive) the restorer you should have less of that
- it will rust easier, at least initially, so you may need to be extra careful with it for a while

I can't think of anything else at the moment

This is why I was thinking of sending it out, I have all the tools, machines and stones to do the restore, except, I don't know how to preserve or replace the dark etching

I have seen some use a hot vinger bath to darken the patina then sand the blade and others just paint the etching with a very fine brush with most of the hairs removed after all is done

Seems ok. I'd soak the scales in oil first. Following this I'd purchase some micromesh abrasive cloth from ebay (the tiny pieces are fine for straight razors and are great value) to polish up the scales. 1k 4k 8k and 12k are probably good bets for the micromesh. This should make the scales look all shiny and new, laying you the choice of whether to polish the blade or not.

Were i in your position, I'd try the 4k with water and see if it was enough (your photo isn't really clear) to polish the blade - it will leave the etching intact. Should this not work I'd try the 1k micromesh - i have the same razor and polished the blade with 1k micromesh, which left the blade etching fully intact. Be careful on the tang stamp because it will be very shallow and easy to damage.

Wow another chance to post a pic of my favorite WB:



I shave with it as is and it's fabulous.

Oh that's seriously nice!

Thanks for all your advise, I have Micro Mesh for my wood turning so i'll give it a try, I will post better pictures as soon as I can

I've seen the For Barbers Use, whats the difference between the two and the approximate age would be nice also

Originally Posted by Mark1065

Thanks for all your advise, I have Micro Mesh for my wood turning so i'll give it a try, I will post better pictures as soon as I can

I've seen the For Barbers Use, whats the difference between the two and the approximate age would be nice also

I think the FBUs are a little bigger. The one I posted is 9/8ths and a third of an inch thick at the spine. I assume they where beefier to handle the added wear a barber might put on a razor.

Originally Posted by Hart

I think the FBUs are a little bigger. The one I posted is 9/8ths and a third of an inch thick at the spine. I assume they where beefier to handle the added wear a barber might put on a razor.

That makes sense,
This one is .900" so I assume it started out as an 8/8, and the spine measures .275"

Originally Posted by Mark1065

Just picked this up at a local Antique shop and I can't decide if I should go for a full restore or just hone it up and use it, if I did go the full restore, any ideas on the cost

That's a beautiful blade, I have one in round tip, and an extra-hollow ground in the square tip, spike point like your's (both 7/8). The spike points are my favorite. Here's mine, fully restored in horn, polished up like a diamond....I like em clean, real clean...but you have to decide what your preferences are.