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I have a Barbasol DE that has a lot of plate loss otherwise I think it's in good shape. I'd like to get it re-plated, so my question is should I have it plated in chrome like original? or go for something a little more fancy, I plan on keeping it for my collection. Opinions please......:thinking:
so original or hot rodded?
Thanks,
Chris
I have a re-plated Fatboy that I really enjoy. Original is nice, but it depends on what you like.
Plated in nickel or rhodium?
I had it done in nickel.
I have a couple of old barbasol shavers with no plate loss. The barbasol is one DE that I will take to my grave. IOW I would never sell it. The weight, length and level of aggressiveness is just right for me. That said, unless that particular copy has sentimental value, I would think looking for another in better condition would be what I would do. Replating will not be cheap and unless you get a guy who is expert with the buffing it won't be worth more plated than it is now. Just IMHO.
I had a Gillette Slim Adjustable re-plated in it's original nickel by Razor Emporium. They cleaned it, did some minor repairs and re-plated it. Does it look "perfect"? No but it looks 95% perfect :p Anyway, I'm glad I did it and maybe you should check out their web site.
I don't do DE's, but a friend is heavy into them. He constantly has one with RE and loves their work. I suppose they do a nice job!
Don't do it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
Re-plating a DE is intellectually dishonest: Using a razor doesn't have to mean abusing it; it's precisely those characteristics of a razor which cannot be restored, that bestow Quality, when present.
The razor I feel is in good condition, just has a lot of plate loss. If I plate in chrome I'm sticking to the original manfacture so I feel then it's a restoration. Guys do it all the time here with straight's, buffing, polishing, replacing pins, or scales. These items get top dollar and people seem to be very fond of them. So what would make a DE so different?
If you are going to use the razor then re-plating is fine. If its never going to be used then leave it alone and admire it for its age and build quality. I use every razor I get old or new.
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. :beer2:
I had a hard enough time finding this one............But I get your point, it's a lot of cabbage. :beer2:
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.