Thread: Grand Old Sheffield Wreck: Restorable?

I would like your opinions on whether this old W&B "American" 7/8 inch wedge is restorable, and if so, how to go about removing the severe pitting. It was a magnificent razor, in it's day. An E-bay seller threw it into a lot as an unadvertised extra. Any hope? The only issues I know how to deal with are the edge chips.
Thanks!

I dont really see a problem with it, if you sand it you will lose the etching. Enjoy the beauty of it as is, hone 'er up and enjoy!

Refinishing the blade would eliminate all the etching work and if you don't do that, then you'll just have to live with the pitting. It's up to you which direction you prefer.

Thanks guys! I will soak it in oil as you suggested. The scales are horn, but were so rough and beat up that I sanded them. Probably not the thing to have done, and why they look like wood. I may have to figure out a way to stain them black again, if that is possible. They are in good shape, other than weatherbeaten. There are no cracks and the pins are solid.

That's some great unadvertised extra! You are probably going to have to some sort of compromise with regards to the etch on the blade vs pitting, but it looks like it could be great with a bit of hard work.
Big Red won a nice example recently, blade only, for just over $80.

Sorry, by the time i'd found Red's blade Robert had already said it!

OK, I will do my best to restore it and will post pics when it is as done as I can get it. I already know that it will shave-it cut my arm hair even in it's dilapidated state.
Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

EDIT: Upon second look, those scales look like they could be wood. If thats the case, you wanna throw them away and contact Floppyshoes to make you a custom set.

They are moldy horn actually.

I have picked up some baldes with etching and its always a delima for me to determine how and when to sand. I did a mehr and grosh because the imprinting seemed deep enough to get away with it. I have a Solingen blade I am listing that I worked on and it still has some minor pits. Take the advice of these folks here because they know quality and can guide you in the right direction.
Trey