Thread: Most recent Wade & Butcher clean up

So, here is what I'm working on right now. Trying to decide if I want to take it down, and repin, or work around it. Leaning towards doing a repin. Please feel free to weigh in with thoughts. The original pins are in good shape. However, there are no pivot washers (I think) and so the blades pivot isn't very smooth. That's one of the main reasons I am leaning toward repin.

Great looking blade. I'd repin to give yourself a chance to smooth it out and maybe add washers.

You could save the washers and repine with the original washers.

Yeah, I lack that skill. I remember seeing somewhere, deep in the bowels how to save them, but I was never able to pull it off. Plus, they are the Solingen style washer, and not that worthy (in my opinion) of saving. But I can be convinced otherwise!

Personally, if a razor is in decent shape and everything works (fairly well) I tend to leave them original, especially old Sheffields. Sometimes a little cleaning around the pivot pin with Scrubbing Bubbles and dental floss then a drop of very light oil can help smooth things out. Now, if the scales are in bad shape (bent, bug bites, etc.) and pivot action isn't that good but the blade is in really good condition it sounds like a great candidate for a custom restore/rescale and something you would treasure for years to come.

You did such a nice job on the blade, have you considered sending it to a pro to drill out the pivot pin only, clean the tang
around the pivot hole, polish, clean inside of scales at that end, insert some pivot washers and re-pin ?

Plus 1 on the job on the blade. I have un-pinned a few old razors in the past with good success. Without a picture of the pin it's hard to give advise on the approach. I would tape over the scales around the pin and file the pin down to the washer. Slowly and gently, you should be able to save the washer with care. When you are almost down to the washer, take a small punch and a 4oz hammer to the pin. DON'T TAP TOO HARD! I sugest placing the oposite side on a piece of wood with a hole drilled in it, to allow the pin to move. Good luck if you decide to un-pin.
Don't forget to tape the blade to protect it and your fingers. I hope this helps.

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

Yeah, I lack that skill. I remember seeing somewhere, deep in the bowels how to save them, but I was never able to pull it off. Plus, they are the Solingen style washer, and not that worthy (in my opinion) of saving. But I can be convinced otherwise!

If they are not anything special then drill them out. It may be a good opportunity to practice just drilling the pin for the time when you do want to save the collars.

Originally Posted by WetShaveObsession

A W&B needs triple stack bullseye washers IMO.
Beautiful job on that blade, it is stunning!

So, here's the problem though, it didn't have that originally. So, go with original, or make something new? These are the dilemmas...

Honestly, if I had a source for triple stacks, I would probably use them. I just haven't found any that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Nice. I wonder if I could do that. Probably need to do a lot of reading and watch someone do a few. Maybe if time allows. Someday. Ha.