Thread: Considering a purchase..

I found a gorgeous razor today while out hunting. It is 'The Admirals' with a really nice set of scales. The price tag is high, just shy of $100 and i'm considering whether or not it would be worth spending that amount. To me something in the $60 range would be more appropriate.

My question is concerning the stringy rust running through the etching on the face of the blade. You can see in the second pic that there are very distinct lines of rust running through or along the outlines in the etching. Im not asking for a valuation because that is verboden. I'm asking if anyone has seen rust like this and what it might take to remove. The better part of the blade looks to be in good shape and the scales are in excellent condition. If a little steel wool and some WD40 would remove the rust while doing minimal damage to the etching, then ill worry about the price. I just don't know if it will clean up. Ive taped over etching once before which works well, but this is a much more intricate pattern.

The Admiral with Pinecone Scales



Better angle on the rust..

IME you'll not be able to remove the rust without removing the gold wash. No way, no how. I have a Torrey, and a couple of Dovo (Fritz Bracht) with rust under gold wash like that and I just leave it be. That razor is worth whatever for the scales more than the fancy blade.

Decorated celluloid scale collectors pretty much don't care about the blade. It would probably hone up to be a good shaver.

Looks like the rust is far away enough from the edge to be ok, as long as it is not near the edge on the opposite side should shave fine.
With Jimmy on the Gold wash, you will either have to leave it or lose it. Nice scales I must say.

If your looking for usable that might not be the best choice. IMHO.

I'm no expert, but some "ugly stuff" seems dangerously close to the edge. Others might weigh in on 'cell rot'. I don't know enough to tell.

Lot of money for a fixer upper, but it's your money. Just that there is always going to be another razor down the road, and probably cheaper. Maybe if it was already cleaned up and honed the price may not be too awful, Tc