Thread: GB Cross Anchor

I picked up this old relic last summer and cannot decide whether to leave it original or restore it. The blade would clean up so nice and new scales would really top it off, but Its so cool the way it is! Tough to know what to do. It must have taken 200 years to look just the way it does now...

Suggestions are welcome! Thanks

Posting pictures of the razor in question would help people make suggestions.

I'd try to keep it as original if possible if the razor is in fair shape. It it needs some major rust removal I might lean toward full restore.

Thanks, just learning to use this site. Pics should be up now

If you would like to 7se it someday then a restore will be nessasary. But if your just going to keep it then id still try to knock of some of the rust then oil it so to slow down the rust as it will keep rusting.

I agree, tough choice.

I would have that restored and add it to the rotation. But, that just might be the way I think. It appears to be a really nice, big blade. It would be a shame not to use it.

At minimum you should clean it. True patina is beautiful, rust is not. It needs to have the neglect removed. Clean it with WD-40 and 0000 steel wool. E Cale’s can be repaired and filled. It you like the aged look then repairing the old scales will give you the best match. I have seen some nice new scales but I am yet to see a set that looks like they are over a hundred years old. You can get a nice satin finish on new scales that will look better with the old blade. You can also take the old blade and clean it and sand it, give it a satin finish and then it a patina back on it. There are a lot of options.

Nice and unusual(to me) looking.

First I would clean it with 0000 steel wool and WD-40 as RezDog said. Then give the original scales and pins a very light sanding keeping the pins in place. Give it an overnight soak in warm mineral oil.
After you do that, sit back, take a good look, and then make your decision if you want to hone it and keep it as is, or go further into the restoration process.
A little elbow grease might go a very long way.
Good luck.

Pete <:-}

Nice looking razor. It has definitely seen some use, but has plenty if miles left to go. Lot of potential, for simple clean up or a full restore project. That part is of course dependant on your preferences. Whatever you do make sure you give it a good coat of oil to retard or neutralize the rust.