Thread: Looking to get a blade & scale restore or maybe even new scales

Hey guys,

New straight razor shaver here. I just picked up a Vintage blade (my 2nd razor) and looking to get the blade restored. The blade is a 7/8 barbers notch and I believe it would be classified as a "wedge". Seems to be in decent shape with no cracks or chips. There is some pitting but doesn't look to be too bad at all. As for the scales, they look to be made of bone and seem fully intact. I'll add pictures in the morning when I have a bit better light. Basically I'm looking for a roundabout estimate on a mirror finish blade restore. PM's or replys are welcomed.

Also if you guys could give me some names or links to recommended restoration professionals that'd be great!

Thanks in advance!

It doesn't quite work that way on SRP


Start here and ask questions

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Look through the workshop and see the styles and see if somebody's work speaks to you, then speak to them

Estimates and prices on the open forum would be against the rules

Originally Posted by gssixgun

It doesn't quite work that way on SRP


Start here and ask questions

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Look through the workshop and see the styles and see if somebody's work speaks to you, then speak to them

Estimates and prices on the open forum would be against the rules

Thanks for the heads up. I'm still fairly new and didn't realize I was breaking the rules, my apologies.

On another note, you happen to be one of the guys I was looking to speak to. I've seen some of your work and have heard nothing but great things about you since I've joined SRP. I'm going to upload pictures here in a few minutes. If you wouldn't mind I'd like for you to take a look and let me know if you think its worth restoring the blade and/or scales.

Finally got some photos for you all to check out. As I've mentioned originally I'm looking to send this out for a restoration. I'm planning to get the blade restored and debating if I should get the scales cleaned up or replace them.
Looking for any and all suggestions.

Is there something I can do myself to clean this up a little bit before I send it out? (something moron proof that is)

Also, if anyone might have an idea of exactly what these scales are made out of that'd be good to know.

Thanks in advance.

My opinion:

The scales are NOT original, toss them
The razor has enough steel to mess with
What is under that rust is always a mystery nobody can tell you until the work starts
The honing in the past was done "Wrong" that needs to be corrected
Spine wear goes from good (heel) to med (toe)


For today, get a DE or SE blade, scrap off the active rust and spray the blade with WD40 wrap in paper towel.. I would snap those scales off but that is just me, you might want to leave them on there until you decide what direction to go...

Also keep in mind, that everything needs to be removed evently until the pitting from the rust is gone. That means your razor will change shape, and might lose the stamps.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

My opinion:

The scales are NOT original, toss them
The razor has enough steel to mess with
What is under that rust is always a mystery nobody can tell you until the work starts
The honing in the past was done "Wrong" that needs to be corrected
Spine wear goes from good (heel) to med (toe)


For today, get a DE or SE blade, scrap off the active rust and spray the blade with WD40 wrap in paper towel.. I would snap those scales off but that is just me, you might want to leave them on there until you decide what direction to go...

Thanks bud,
I'm going to snap off the scales and scrape/spray like you suggested. I wasn't a big fan of the way these scales looked to begin with so I was leaning toward replacing them anyways.

Starting to get kind of bummed out. One of the websites I sent pics out for quotes told me they don't believe it would be worth trying to restore/re-scale the razor. The part that made me a bit leery was when they told me they didn't know what kind of grind this razor was despite the picture I sent. I myself don't know if this would be a wedge or half wedge or something else but I would think they should know.

What do you guys think? Should I just sell this and buy myself a shave ready vintage?

Don't get bummed out over one persons negative opinion. I disagree that it is not worth restoring. As Glen (gssixgun) stated, the wrong honing done in the past needs correcting, he knows and I believe he has corrected them before. Also, W&B 'For Barbers Use' razors are highly sought after and IMHO would have to be in a lot worse condition to not be worth fixing up. There are several members here that can turn that one into a nice razor.

I have a few W&B big wedges and all are DFS (Damned Fine Shavers) but aren't 'For Barbers Use". I wish I had a FBU but they cost too much for my blood. If you decide to get that one restored for personal use I'm sure you will enjoy shaving with it.

Originally Posted by salvat36

Starting to get kind of bummed out. One of the websites I sent pics out for quotes told me they don't believe it would be worth trying to restore/re-scale the razor. The part that made me a bit leery was when they told me they didn't know what kind of grind this razor was despite the picture I sent. I myself don't know if this would be a wedge or half wedge or something else but I would think they should know.

What do you guys think? Should I just sell this and buy myself a shave ready vintage?

I think you should STAY AWAY from whatever website that said it was not worth restoring.
It looks like it would be a good candidate for a restore to me.