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I love my Gillette Speed DE! It's my birth year razor and shaves well, but it's looking pretty "brassy". Is there anyone who specializes in re-plating these? I saw the thread about Cerecoat, and that would be an easy fix, but I like to keep things more original. This is the razor I use on my head (fairly bare up there), and would really like to return it to top shape.
Thanks
Razor Emporium does plating.
Thanks, I'll have to check that out.
There is also a guy on Ebay that specializes in replating safety razors
If you go to this item number you can find him.
251863825072
Goes by the handle "hibcoinc"
If you're happy to send to the UK I know someone that does replates.
Sorry for taking so long to get back to everyone. The wife and I talked about my options, and since today is my birthday, she decided a nice gift would be to have my razor finished in something that will last a very long time. It sounds like it will get a new Rhodium finish, which I think looks awesome.
Thanks again.
I highly recommend Chris at razorplate.com: RazorPlate.com
He did my NEW Short Comb. Great work, great service, great prices.
Bob
Just happened to stumble across this thread. I'm surprised and thankful I ended up in the conversation. Yes, we do bath plating in nickel, silver, gold and rhodium.
https://www.onerazor.com/?mid=4768575Quote:
Originally Posted by Othello1228
Personally I would try one of these razors for $20. It's probably the same thing and if so will save you money over a custom restore.
I've seen those pawn shop razors on ebay starting at $5 brand new. If you're thinking about one I'd try there first. That razor is what got me started with DE shaving.
I don't need another razor to shave with, I've got that covered. This razor is my "Birth year" razor, manufactured in the first quarter of 1953, same as me. I'm looking to have it restored, so something as old as me will be around when I'm not. Some day one of my grandchildren will join this forum and tell the new members here how he learned to shave with his grandfathers old Gillette, you know, "Wow, it's hard to believe I'm shaving with a razor my grand dad used. It must be 80 or 90 years old and still shaves great".Quote:
Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun
Have a great day.
Might just consider leaving it alone and keeping it clean and shiny. It won't shave quite the the same as thicknesses of surfaces will be built-up with the coating/plating. Just my opinion, since it is an heirloom, leave it be.
Plating these vintage razors applies only microns of metal to the surface. A micron is barely enough to measure. So, plate away if that's what you desire. It will not alter the functionality one single bit and it will look really nice. Most of them are plated in nickel, silver, gold or rhodium. All of those metals tarnish except for rhodium. For a razor, rhodium is an excellent choice.
So. My advise versus your's would be to leave it alone (in my camp) against your making dough re-plating it?
Are you selling?
No I'm just throwing in my two cents. I think the concern you had about plating is that it would add too much metal and alter the functionality of the razor. That isn't the case so it shouldn't be used to decide against new plating. Nothing wrong with a pretty razor that doesn't tarnish.
Okay. I was mostly concerned about replating as to the heirloom status, Me? I would only clean it and enjoy it. Replating seems risky for an heirloom, JMO. Plating should change most any razor,. Microns-thick plating is pretty thin. I think a proper plating job must be to leave it alone. Unless, with 4 posts and being a plater, you may disagree? :D
I might agree with you on that one if we're talking about a rare razor that is in fair condition. If re-plating reduces the value then no way, don't plate. If we're talking about a common razor then why not? If your grandpa gave you his old model T that was in terrible condition, would it be bad to restore it to its original condition? I wouldn't think. Not only that but I'm sure grandpa would be smiling down upon you.
I'm new to posting on these forums. I came here because a friend of mine saw a post mentioning my company. I responded to that post and got in trouble for mentioning business. It's a no-no for me to solicit business so my comments are only from the standpoint of someone with knowledge of plating. I'm not looking to stir the pot, so to speak.
Lots of interpretation in that and all which has been said, but TBH, we have not seen the razor. Thus all is mute, I suppose! :rofl2:
Pics, please?
Please, take it at face value. Possibly it would be better to refrain from giving an educated opinion. I love these old razors and I would enjoy participating in discussions about them. I also have an automotive restoration business. I'll try to refrain from talking about or referring to cars also? Do I have your stamp of approval sharptonn?
Certainly! Anyone posting intellectually has my approval! Just where is that razor? :roflmao
I understand what you guys are saying, and on most points I would agree. There are plus' and minus' to both options. My reason for wanting to have it re-plated is that it is very "brassy". I could just polish it up, and I'd have a brass razor, but I'd prefer to do something that would provide a little more protection to the razor overall. I've considered Rhodium, as it would keep the razor pristine for a lifetime, and as with my firearm purchases, buy once, cry once, seems the best way to go.
I'll post up a pic or two as soon as I can.
Whatever you decide would be best. I like my old 'brassy' DE. I like the character. Not so hard to maintain!
Re-plating destroys any collector value that the razor may have, but if you are only concerned with looks and maintaining functionality there is nothing wrong with it.
I would not re-plate a true heirloom handed down from my dad or granddad, but if it's just a birth year razor I'd have no such misgivings.
Obviously, nickel plating would restore original looks while rhodium plating brings our more luster and may be longer lasting.
B.