New to me twin

Not sure if this is the place to post this or not. If I'm in the wrong place then I apologize.

This just decided to pop in my mailbox today :) it's a j. A. Henckels 124, I think 4/8ths because it seems just a hair smaller and lighter than my 5/8 dovo forestal.

It's a bit dirty, and I'm thinking could use a little buffing and a new set of scales. And to be honest I'm not overly sure where to start, as I'm pretty sure that the scales are going to have to come off to address the rust on the tang/monkey tail. And if the scales come off why not go ahead and replace them right?

Can someone please point me in the right direction in finding someone to give this some tlc?

I would check the vendors section for guys there. I would have an idea of what material and shape you want for the scales, and send them these pictures as well. That way they can give you a more precise estimate on the work to be done.

Thanks tiddle, I will check there and try to figure things out.

What a beauty - I envy you!

Doesn't need much done at all, but unpinning would certainly help in order to properly clean the tang. Personally I wouldn't do much - if anything - to the face of the blade, as to me that etch makes this razor outstanding.

It looks like the scales were original - I think I can just see the twins logo on them - pity the paint has worn so much.

I'd like to see this again when you have got it fixed up - don't forget to post pics!

Regards,
Neil

I'd take a q-tip and pound it flat with a hammer. Put some metal polish on it and clean around the tang. You can also get it a bit cleaner with dental floss & polish. I wouldn't do anymore 'restoration' to it than that but it's your razor and your money. :)

Moving this to razors forum.

I'm with the others here. I like to them as they were, however sometimes they are gone to far and have to be renewed. That one has a really nice etch. I'm no expert but I haven't seen much for etchings on henckels.

Yessir, from what I understand the henckels with this much etching or any at all are rare indeed. I scrubbed it up a little bit today with a toothbrush and q-tips and some alcohol and a bit of metal polish.... There seems to be a line on the blade from the scales, almost as if it started eating into the blade. I and some concerning corrosion at the pivot and the monkey tail. But the edge is true and the shave this morning blew my dovo out of the water!

I could be wrong here, but this design Henckles (that I have seen) have always been in fancy celluloid scales,

which were notorious "rotters" so I would hazard a guess that those scales were replaced at some point for what ever reason. Of course, that could be what saved this razor from suffering from "Measels"
Be careful with the metal polish, it will remove the gold wash right out of that etching (assuming there is any gold wash remaining) (edit I have been corrected, that IS a twin stamped logo in the center of the scales so it likely IS original!)

The only other one I've seen had the exact same scales, it was posted in the early days the the clan of the dancing twins thread here at Srp. So I was guessing that they were original to the razor. Plus I can see the henckels stamp on it. The scales seem plasticy and the line kinda eaten into the razor matches perfectly with the edge of the scales.... Could this be cell rot? And not to worry, not a shred of gold left in the etching left for me to mess up

They are the original scales. Take a magnifier and look at the bit between the swirls of leaf design - the right hand twin is quite clearly visible.

Those heavily filled (ie a lot of inert filler material was used with the celluloid) ivorene type scales are not overly associated with cell rot - I'm not saying never, just hardly ever. Could just have had some moisture on them when the blade was closed once and left for a while. However, if you are uncertain it is best to remove them.

Regards,
Neil

To be honest, I do not know enough to be sure :( I'm rather new to straight razors, so I'm neither skilled enough or have the experience needed to do justice to something as nice as this.

Nice razor!

I typically like to see original scales on razors if they're still in good shape. It's a shame the design has worn off, but they still look good, IMO. If it were me and I had to replace them, I'd replace them with something that is similar to the originals. But really I'd leave it as-is.

Again, congrats. I love my Henckels!

I agree with leaving them as is. the lines at the contact point on the scales is pretty typical. Keep it clean, dry it well, ( I let mine sit out overnight in the open position) and wax the blade before storing it and it should be fine.

Lovely blade, should be a great shaver and I love that etch.

I just picked up a J.A Henckels 124. I'm waiting for it to arrive but I'm sure it's identical to this one. Please show us pics after you clean it up and keep it original!

Attachment 132667Here it is.

She looks gorgeous! I won't lie I kinda had my eye on that one too :) lots better condition than mine! You'll definitely enjoy it, it's a great shaver. Very light and a little smaller than my 5/8 dovo, but I think it'll treat you right.

For now I've chosen to hold off on cleaning mine up due to changing work situations. Plus I kinda like it having some character for now.

Let us know how it is when you get it in!

Blade looks like 9/16+ to me.

A very nice Henckels

Thank you everyone. I'm glad to have this in common with you all.