Thread: A few restoration questions from a newb

I have many questions...apologies if some of this info is posted elsewhere. My questions:

1. do I have to remove the scales to restore a SR? I am a real beginner and I don't feel quite ready to remove scales at this point. The scales on my razors (I purchased 4 from an antique store) are in very good condition and not loose.
2. there is lots of "ageing" on the metal, but the metal itself is not rusted and there is very little pitting or other blemishes. Do you recommend sandpaper or steel wool? If I use a wet dry sandpaper should I use mineral oil or water to lubricate the paper? I really want to do this by hand and not get into power tools.
3. Once I get the blade cleaned up I am guessing I should send this away for a proper honing? At this point I don't want to get outfitted with honing material. Or should I get a single hone to do the occasional touch up? If so what grit (I hope that's the right terminology)? And I will need a strop for daily care?

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom...(I will probably have more questions)

Originally Posted by Whizbang

I have many questions...apologies if some of this info is posted elsewhere. My questions:

1. do I have to remove the scales to restore a SR? I am a real beginner and I don't feel quite ready to remove scales at this point. The scales on my razors (I purchased 4 from an antique store) are in very good condition and not loose.
2. there is lots of "ageing" on the metal, but the metal itself is not rusted and there is very little pitting or other blemishes. Do you recommend sandpaper or steel wool? If I use a wet dry sandpaper should I use mineral oil or water to lubricate the paper? I really want to do this by hand and not get into power tools.
3. Once I get the blade cleaned up I am guessing I should send this away for a proper honing? At this point I don't want to get outfitted with honing material. Or should I get a single hone to do the occasional touch up? If so what grit (I hope that's the right terminology)? And I will need a strop for daily care?

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom...(I will probably have more questions)

First and foremost/Pictures are ALWAYS A GOOD THING!!

Second from what you describe some metal polish would suffice However Pictures Help!

metal polish is a good place to start. i like Mothers mag and aluminum polish others use MAAS. it take a little elbow grease but it leaves no scratches to sand out. I only remove the scales if there is visible rust in the pivot or if it needs a good cleaning. pictures please!

Originally Posted by tintin

metal polish is a good place to start. i like Mothers mag and aluminum polish others use MAAS. it take a little elbow grease but it leaves no scratches to sand out. I only remove the scales if there is visible rust in the pivot or if it needs a good cleaning. pictures please!

A Toothbrush and the Mothers works very well to get into the pivot. I probably have at least 10 old toothbrushes in a drawer for things like that.

Apologies for poor quality of pics...I am travelling at the present time and do't have access to my usual photo gear.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Apologies for poor quality of pics...I am travelling at the present time and do't have access to my usual photo gear.

When you get home give them all a good cleaning with the Mothers Mag and Aluminum, MASS or other metal polish. Use well crumpled newspaper as it has an abrasive of it's own. I think you'll be surprised with the results.

Post more pictures when you get home. Travel Safely.

Ps; Mothers also does wonders on celluloid scales.

I almost always start with 000 steel wool after a good hosing down with WD40, especially between the scales. Do it over a paper towel to catch the excess.

Steel wool will not scratch the blade, but will remove any loose or built up soap and gunk on the blade including rust and remove all the crud from between the scales without damaging anything.

A coffee stir sticks with steel world wrapped around the tip will get between the scales well.

Then some 600 or 1K Wet and Dry will tell you which way you need to go and not leave deep scratches, 1k scratches will easily be removed with any good metal polish.

Anything below 600 grit will require some work to remove the scratches.

That will give you a good assessment then, decide how far you want to go. They don’t have to shine like new to be shavers.

If you have rust at the pivot, you will have to un-pin to get it,

Here is a good recent restoration thread.

I have restored many DE and SE razors. I usually begin a restore with a soak in hot soapy water (Dawn dish soap)...and a mild scrub with a toothbrush. Is this approach advised for SRs?

Originally Posted by Euclid440

I almost always start with 000 steel wool after a good hosing down with WD40, especially between the scales. Do it over a paper towel to catch the excess.

Steel wool will not scratch the blade, but will remove any loose or built up soap and gunk on the blade including rust and remove all the crud from between the scales without damaging anything.

A coffee stir sticks with steel world wrapped around the tip will get between the scales well.

Then some 600 or 1K Wet and Dry will tell you which way you need to go and not leave deep scratches, 1k scratches will easily be removed with any good metal polish.

Anything below 600 grit will require some work to remove the scratches.

That will give you a good assessment then, decide how far you want to go. They don’t have to shine like new to be shavers.

If you have rust at the pivot, you will have to un-pin to get it,

Here is a good recent restoration thread.

The 000 steel wool you mention...is this just the hardware store grade or is it a special type? And if so, where can I find this type?

Just hardware store steel wool is good. No harm in soaking in hot soapy water, just dry it good before putting it away. Its ok to leave a little patina on the blade. When you get it to the point your happy with it, send it out for a professional honing. Good luck.