Thread: Re-plating thoughts needed

We're not talking high value collectibles here so re-plating won't affect the value down the road in the negative. Now if you had a piece used by some famous person and was to be sold based to it's provenance then any modifications would make a big difference.

Not to beat it to death but @ $55.00 + shipping to replate it I'd look for another vintage piece that didn't have plate loss or use it as is. YMMV.

I had a hard enough time finding this one............But I get your point, it's a lot of cabbage.

I have two replated DEs that I bought already replated through private sales. Both razors look to be in very good physical condition (no damage to the metal apparent). However, one razor has splotchy replating in some areas (I knew this before purchase, I bought the DE for its mechanical condition). The other razor is a TTO model, that looks and shaves great, but the TTO action is a bit tight for the last 1/4 turn locking it shut. Definately tighter than a NOS or mint condition factory model. Both of these razors shave as designed, but one should not be expecting a new razor. I would not modify a pristine razor or especially one having historical value, but a well used razor in good mechanical condition could be cosmetically improved for every day use by a quality replate job performed by a shop with good DE razor experience. Plating isn't cheap, I wonder whether one might be better off in cost, resale value, and use satisfaction through acquiring a NOS or close to mint unmodified razor.

I Bought a Fat Boy that was rhodium plated. It looks fabulous. But remember with plating it all comes down to what that base metal looks like. If its pitted you will get a plating surface that looks like someone plated over pits. I does not hide your sins, it only accentuates the metal. Prep work is key.

You have to know a little about the process and have faith in your plater. They can do a really poor job and you won't know it for a while and then it's too late.

If I were you, I would replate, and without a moment's hesitation. Replating can give you a level of "new" that even the most clean of examples won't have. Trying to find a particularly minty Barbarsol DE would be difficult. Replate and enjoy.

I'm actually thinking of getting the removable frame on a couple of my framebacks gold plated. There's a plating place here in Adelaide. I think it'd be a good idea.

I will be having my fathers FatBoy replated. Its plating is worn through in spots. Its one of the few things of my dads to pass on, and I will be presenting it to my younger brother.

If you plan to keep the razor for the long run, then re-plate it. Re-plating won't make it shave better, but will make it look better. The esthetic improvement adds to the joy of using the tool IMO. I have an old type head and an old type razor out for re-plating and can't wait to use them. I did the complete razor in nickel and the head in gold. Will post pictures when I get them back.