Thread: A gift worth mentioning, and saving.

I received the below from a member on here and had to share. I'm appreciative on a couple of levels actually. Firstly, look at it! Its an early 1800s Greaves for goodness sake. Secondly, it was unexpected, unsolicited kindness/thoughtfulness on a level that I personally didn't expect to experience any more as my circle of friends draws predictably smaller with age.
Renews once sense of altruism and community for sure, as I really am indebted with gratitude. inspired to restore it without f--king it up too! But that goes without saying.


So now its time to decide the best course of action. Scale was removed intact and does not seem damaged or cracked, and looks appropriate to the period. If not original, pretty good fit. Lots of deep rust at the pin, and pits on her sides but she's a thick, true wedge razor.
I can't wait to see what she looks like cleaned up..
and I can't say this enough...
Thanks Phrank! I will try to do it proud.
Cheers.

Glad you like it Mike...figured a fellow Canuck would know what to do with an old Greaves like that...going to be interesting to watch the restore. Just be careful you don't polish it up to shiny, you don't want to upset the old folks around here....

Phrank, who knew? Your like the grinch after he figured out what Christmas was really about. Nice razor, treasure it and use it in good health.

How shiny to make it??? That is the question..
As I've started buffing already there is certainly deep stuff at the pivot.
And expectedly some pretty deep spots on the blade faces as well. battle scars!
So,, I will apply some gentle pressure and see how she looks. I'm ok with some age spots on older blades. But I do like to get them as polished as possible too. A 200 year tune up, as it were..
Cheers.

Well done, Phrank!! Bravo!

I must be one of the "old folks" that Phrank mentioned, MikeB52; those "battle scars" are what I call "character"! So I favor a gentle touch. But whatever you decide, enjoy!

Hell yeah! Light buffing, some dremel wire brush around the tang first. Those scales are of wood? Someone did a fine job!
Oil 'em up after light fine steel wool. Pin it back up, hone it with a layer or 2 of tape and GO. Sweet!
Good go, Phrank! Enjoy, Mike!

The thanks is to Mike...he's welcomed the SRP members two years in a row to his house and made everyone feel welcome...and from what I understand, no-one has spilled blood, or left any body parts in his pool!!!

Next year will be my second hosting if the nearby folks are willing to make the northern hike once again as it was a great day and I really enjoyed seeing everyone and their kits.
Mcbladescar Mike was the host last year in mighty Tillsonberg. Also a great event..
But you must attend the next one Phrank! We all know you have a travel case now so there will be no excuses entertained.

Now as to the Greaves, I found after cleaning that there is a split at the pin site on one side sadly.

I was thinking if I used some kind of varathane it might seal it against further splitting, but not sure. Also the pin or more likely the rust wore away more of the area under the washer so I'm thinking maybe a larger washer will be needed to properly peen against.
Ideas and experiences from you gents are welcomed.
Thanks.

Ya, Mike, the problem with wooden scales. Some polyurethane would help. They also have stain with urethane in it. You might consider some of these 'pop rivet' type collars which go thru the wood and pin metal-to metal. Keeps pressure off the wood. Some domed cat's eyes on top of them to spread the load of peening.

I love SRP and the spirit that lives here. Way to go Phrank!