Thread: Which one would you would restore???

The Wostenholm would be the best shaver, IMHO, and be my first choice for special treatment. The Tally Ho second for same reason.

Yeah I guess I actually do not know what to look for with cell rot. I think I read on SRP something about a funky smell from the scales but no smell on the Dovo but I do see the black swirling on some parts of the blade. I did notice on the bevel 2 tiny swiss cheese like spots so a little would be have to be taken of the razor's edge in order to start a good bevel. It would be a shame if I had to ditch the original scales on that Dovo.[/QUOTE]


Yes unfortunately, those Dovo scales are very nice, but it is one of the styles most likely to decompose.

If you look at photos and the rust spots on the blade/ tang, they line up with darker brownish spots on the scales when the razor would be when closed. This type of decomposition is common with Crushed Ice scales like yours and imitation Tortoise. It does look like the blade edge has been compromised and a fair amount may have to be removed to get to good steel.

The other day I unscaled a nice Full hollow that the scales were “beginning” so I thought to decompose. The blade had a thin coat of red rust.

After removing the scales, I was cutting off the light rust on the blade. The blade was flat on a 4mm piece of craft foam. The blade cracked right in the middle and ran straight up about 3/8 of an inch with just minimum of pressure on the blade. The steel was so badly compromised I doubt it would have survived a trip to the buffers and honing.

Cell rot is insidious and it is not always possible to visually determine the degree of damage it causes.

lovely razors !!! you will be amazed at the results of a restored razor as far as what can be done !!! also if you wanted to puck up some practice razors and do lots or reading in the archives a lot of light restoration can also be done by yourself and leave you with a bunch of self satisfaction and knowledge as to the know how and time and effort the professional restores actually do and may become another hobby for you in itself !!

The Wade and Butcher, simply because IMO that blade will look incredible completely restored, and if I was gonna pay a pro the restore one, that would be it.

The scalloped W&B restored to help your choose

Originally Posted by Substance

The scalloped W&B restored to help your choose

Wow - that's a beauty! Thanks Substance, for putting another on my list....sheesh! Never seen one of those before...awesome!

Quit messing around and get them all done :<0)

I can't really say but I do fancy the Fritz Bracht - I think it has the potential to be the best shaver -but, as someone else pointed out, it's susceptible to celluloid rot and really should be looked at by someone who knows about conserving and restoring scales of his type. The blade looks fine, minimal work required there.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Quit messing around and get them all done :<0)

Yes! They are all worth it...it's a win-win situation. You'll have three great vintage blades.

Appreciate all of the suggestions fellas. With that said I have narrowed it down to the Wade and Butcher with the scalloped spine and the Wostenholm. Never shaved / honed a wedge before and I would say the Wostenholm is a near if not full wedge.