Thread: Thoughts on my New W&B

That blade seems too nice to restore. Just my opinion. Hone, shave, repeat.

Originally Posted by rbaker2778

That blade seems too nice to restore. Just my opinion. Hone, shave, repeat.

That's kinda what I'm thinking,

What would be some of the pros and cons of restoring a vintage blade like this?

Well it will cost money to get it restored but it ill shave exactly the same. If you like it as is then leave it, if you want super shiny get some picture and get it checked out. Some really like the look of old razors looking like old razors. There are other personal factors like how much you are willing to spend and such. I'd shave with it for a while first.

I'm trying to think of one either way, the only thing i can think is it really comes down to how you envision it.
If ya like shiny, you can go that way. If it were mine ( I hardly ever did this before) I would just clean it with a little Mothers and give the scales a shine up and cleaning and use it. Most of mine have had issues that I eventually crossed the line into more polish so you have a gem there.
Enjoy it.
Mike

Originally Posted by Mark1065

That's kinda what I'm thinking,

What would be some of the pros and cons of restoring a vintage blade like this?

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

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