Thread: First restore help - Thiers-Issard

Hi everyone,

I was recently givin this Thiers-Issard which I would like to restore to a nicer condition. I have read that using any abrasives will remove the gold wash pretty quickly which is something I would like to avoid.

This is the razor in its current state. It's actually a pretty decent shave as it is.



As you can see there is some tarnishing or patches of discolouration. There is no rust or pitting which should make this an easier job for someone with no experience (me).

So, all you more experienced restoration artists, where would you start with a blade like this. What do I need to do?

You could start with metal polish and a qtip and see what you can get off that way. There is no telling how deep the black rust goes. The metal polish will take the gold wash off so some care needs to be exercised. That is a start. Once you start you will get a better idea how aggressive you will need to be to get it all. You may need to make a choice of leave some and keep the wash or loose the wash and get it all. If you start sanding you may want to mask the wash to keep it protected. Good luck.
P.S.
I'm no expet

You can put a peace of electrotape on the gold wash, and then polish the blade, after polish remove the tape. there wil stil left spots on the coldwash but the rest of the blade is shiny again.
goodluck

That’s a nice looking blade! If it wasn’t for the gold wash, I’d use some Mothers or Mass to just clean it up a bit!

My counsel would be to just have it honed and live with the blemishes!

If you weren’t clear across the big pond, I’d offer to hone it for free for you!

If you need a recommendation for honing in your general area let me know!

Please let us know how she shaves!

Originally Posted by cudarunner

If you need a recommendation for honing in your general area let me know!

Actually if you do know someone in the Göteborg (Gothenburg) area in Sweden that offers a honing service I would love to hear about it. Actually anywhere in Sweden for that matter.

Thank you for all the advice everyone, I have a fair idea of how to get started now.

While not in your country, Neil Miller is in the UK as is celticcrusader and I know that they both hone professionally. Not local but 'in the area'. There is a member in Sweden also. If you'd like to ask him or ask if he can give you a recommendation I'll PM you the link to him/in fact, I'll just send you the link. You might also check out the Nordic section in the Forum as that's where I found him.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

While not in your country, Neil Miller is in the UK as is celticcrusader and I know that they both hone professionally. Not local but 'in the area'. There is a member in Sweden also. If you'd like to ask him or ask if he can give you a recommendation I'll PM you the link to him/in fact, I'll just send you the link. You might also check out the Nordic section in the Forum as that's where I found him.

Thanks cudarunner. That's all a great help. I didn't even realise that there was a nordic section. I still havn't fully explored the site. a good set of stones are next on my list of purchases. I used to hone knives on my fathers stones in australia as a kid, so I'm really looking forward to learning all about razors. One day I may be able to offer the service here in Sweden.