Thread: To restore, or not to restore?

Good afternoon, gentlemen!

My mother-in-law found this really cool H. Boker & Co. razor with a bicycle race etching on the blade. After insisting several times she think about it first, she outright gave it to me.

From the information I found on this site, it dates back to 1880 and is in reasonably good shape for its age. After reading a post on Maggard's Razors about whether a razor meets criteria to get a restoration, I confirmed with Brad there that this is certainly worth it. He referred me to another professional who agreed and feels confident they can do the job. My biggest worries on this razor are a couple of minor rust spots and a broken scale, but I'm confident in this restorer's ability, looking at their portfolio.

I'd like to step up and have this done, but should I?

I'm taking into consideration the collectable and antique value of this razor. Is it better to leave the razor as it is, or should I get it in top shape again?

Here are a few photos. Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

Full disclosure: I've posted something similar on another forum. I'm just trying to get a good feel on opinions before I make a decision of my own.

Restore that puppy! Looks like it will turn out very nicely.

I'm no professional restorer, not even close, but here's what I would do with that razor:

Clean it with a few rounds of Autosol, Flitz or similar.
Give it a half hour of attention with a rag and your metal-polish of choice.
Replace the scales with similar ones in horn.
That's it.
Most anything else would just take away from it in regards to being an old item that has seen some usage over the years.
I like my old razors to look their age, too much buffing and the soul of the blade is lost forever.

Just my opinion, I'm sure others will see it very differently.

Birnando is 100% correct,restore gentley, preserve gentley.JMO,less is more sometimes.

I would remove the broken scales. Clean the razor with CLR and a soft brass brush.? Then Bartenders Friend (scouring powder like Bon Ami) and a scotchbrite sponge/pot scrubber. That will get it pretty clean to the point you may just need some metal polish and soft rag. Some new scales horn or bone and a good hone. Good luck. Don't forget pictures after the restore.

The etching on that blade is marvelous!

I sure hope that you thanked your mom-in-law.

Welcome to SRP, i agree with all that been said so far clean up, new scales and a good honing job and use it!, as far as collectible or antique value, these razors are quite common so no worries there to ruin the one and only.

First question...

Are you planning on using the razor to shave with ???

Originally Posted by gssixgun

First question...

Are you planning on using the razor to shave with ???

That's kind of part of this whole information-finding mission, too. With that etching, I don't know if regular stropping, etc., will degrade the image on the blade.

I've been in contact with the person I want to restore this and I'm pretty sure I want to go through with a proper restoration. I'm just not sure if this is going to be a showpiece or used as a tool. But I know for sure I want to seriously consider getting into straight razors. Up until I got this blade, I've strictly collected and used safety razors.