Thread: Re-plating thoughts needed

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......
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 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!

Originally Posted by Trimmy72

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...

Don't do it.

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.