Thread: Patina & Antiques

Pure #1 guy myself. I only take off active rust and remove rot if I can. I used to use a dremil to clean off the crud but I ended up removing to much patina with it, so I stopped using it and go with finger power only now. Sometimes a finger nail is needed

A newly made razor is alowed to be shiny, an old and rare must have it's patina

I have to admit being surprised by how many commenting above like leaving a razor in the antique state. Which leaves me wondering why the majority of razors sold here are polished and shiny?

When I put up razors for sale, I am somewhat apologetic about their state. I include good photos, so no surprises! And, include "cosmetic flaws exist, yada, yada."

I will continue to make everything clear in my ads. Maybe, I should not feel so apologetic for putting razors up for sale that are in the state I prefer them, but thought most members did not like.

Interesting...

I've only newly started working on restoration stuff and am yet to actually complete one so maybe I will gain an appreciation for the patina but right now it's all in the shine for me. It's astounding how much change comes out when running through the micro mesh, I've actually started polishing random stuff like some antique thumb tacks and brass keys. Other than being fancy I also suspect that such a finish provides no purchase for the small amount of water which might get left on the blade in my clumsiness.

Depends on the blade but #1 is the choice i prefer.
If there is rust i send it gently away, clean the blade with some metal polish and that is is. I like old razors, knives and tools show their high age with proud. Same goes with scales. I clean and save them if possible.

Some razors i've had have been in such bad condition that there was no choice but to clean them and put a mirror finish. With these it also easier to make and put some fancy scales.

Shiny things will sell faster. From what I have observed and in general, more senior members are more selective in what they purchase. I do like shiny razors but it is not a requirement for them to be shiny for them to be in my collection and used for a shave.

As a newer guy.... I really like the look of a razor that shows it's age. Not to mention that from what I have noticed, with that nice looking patina come a nice protective layer over the bade. And as a new guy, when you are learning, techique, how to lather, how to strop, how not to loose an ear, ect...

Not having to worry about trying to keep that mirror finish is a good releif. And Finally knowing that you are adding a piece of yourself to a blade that has already had a full life is something very special.


-jeremy

I also think that a fully restored (+shiny) makes for a safer buy at higher prices. Many blades that have patina and such on them make it hard to tell, on some pics, just what your getting. So you see some well made, older, razors fully polished to enhance the experience. Not that I'm knocking these blades, they are great safe buys of some great craftmenship and I wouldn't toss one out because of it's shiny condition. It's just not what I would put money down for... Ya I know I'm cheap... comes from being broke

If given the choice, I also would definitely go for #1.
If it's old, it should look the part.
Unless of course a total restore is needed to save the blade, and ensure its shaving abilities.