candidates for first restoration project

Hi guys. I'm just starting out at this restoration lark, so I'm looking for something to to make some mistakes on! I have the option of these two for NZ$10, but want to know whether I'm wasting my time. The object at this stage is just to clean them up and bring them to a functional shave, then see about re-scaling if one shaves okay. Definitely not trying to win prizes, just learn the ropes.

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It looks to me like the Bengall (I think - with the bone handle, I can make out the start of the T R Cadman name) might have potential. I can't even tell what the other is, and the rust near the edge looks a bit more than cosmetic.

I'm checking them out tomorrow but would like any feedback prior, I understand that starting on something that can't be saved is probably not a good idea.
Apologies for the low-res image! It's all I've got to go off at this stage.

Cheers, Rob

Do them both
No need for new scales from what I see
Just clean them both up, the Bengalls make great shavers
It is all practice & at that price I wouldn't pass them up

Welcome to SRP. Like Substance said, worth a crack. The Bengall looks like it may have some damage toward the edge, but if you can get past it they are very good razors.

Cheers Grazor... nice to meet another kiwi. I'm in Christchurch - know anyone else honing or restoring straights in my neck of the woods?

From memory there is someone down there that hones razors, not sure about the restore part. Will track him down if you like. Plenty of info here if you want to have a go. PM me if I can be of help,or ask questions in the forum.

Okay, so I've just picked them up. The one with the horn scales is a John Heiffer 'made for the army'. Rust is pretty bad at the toe-end of the spine, but the edge looks okay. The vendor threw in a little 1 x 6" stone set into a hinged wooden box; looks like Arkansas. Pretty worn and maybe too small for anything more than a light refresh, but could be handy. Will post pics once I've cleaned them up.

Let’s see the stone, is it hinged on the end or the long sides.

The stone may be a better score than the razors.

Cut off the rust with a single edge razor blade, then some WD40 and 000 steel wool, to get the rust off. And WD40 and a paper towel to clean the scales with a cut off coffee stir stick.

Then you will know what you have and how to proceed.

But seriously post some pics of the stone and the box.

Okay, I'll bite. Here you go...

And thanks for the SE blade tip. Worked really well, a lot of the rust I thought was quite deep was just buildup.Attachment 231909Attachment 231910Attachment 231911Attachment 231912Attachment 231913

Yes, the stone is the find, only fine stones were boxed like that. It is probably a razor finishing stone.

Hard to say what it is from the photos. Some closer photos would help.

You may be able to get the stone lose by tapping on the edge of the box, many were just press fit and or held in by years of swarf. Then you can just lap the back side, that should be flat.

Your last set of photos will not open.

Sorry, I think the photos were too large. Have fixed that...

I managed to get the stone out after a lot of prying - it was held in with some kind of resin. Unfortunately it is backed onto another, much harder kind of stone, so is pretty thin in the middle. I'm worried that lapping it will take off a lot of material. Thoughts?

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Looks like a well worn coticule from my phone . Very nice. Search here about them, might be better to not lap it at least for now. A great find.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mopheadrob

The object at this stage is just to clean them up and bring them to a functional shave.

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Actually when restoring razors its best to see if you can establish a bevel first otherwise everything else is for naught.

At this point tho anything you do is valuable experience.