Question about cleaning solvents and etchings?

Hi everyone. I picked up a wade and butcher a few weeks ago and put it in the pile of razors requiring work, this afternoon I picked it back up. The scales were shot so I quickly freed the blade and went doing some light cleaning, I never do anything too harsh until I see what I am working with, anyway I found the (faint)"commerce freedom & strength united " etching.

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So now for my questions: what is everyone's favorite cleaning solvent? Does anyone like keeping the faint etchings or do you prefer to take it off?

On a blade like that I try to restore them back to as original as I can. This means clean, horn scales, hone. I use Blue Magic to clean. Non abrasive polish.

I am not a huge fan of celluloid in general, never on my Sheffield restores, but fwe leaders look good in their celluloid scales. I still need to try blue magic, as I see people use it alot.

Thanks for the opinion and advice! I think you are right with this blade, clean it and polish. It's in great shape.

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Might try reviving the etch, there are a few threads and some great results. I usually just buff them off.

Here is a great thread on restoration and re-etching starting at post 21.

When it's my choice I'm pretty fussy on saving etchings. They have to be in pretty good shape or have some rare significance or I remove them during restoration. Here is an example of one I kept and one I buffed off. Your razor appears to have a lot of fine pitting on the blade face but should clean up completely. Do clean it up as best you can with Maaz or similar product before making your decision. I've been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion. If it were my razor, based on what I can see in your photo, I would remove the etching in order to clean up all the pitting. It's all personal preference really. Your razor appears to be in good condition and should make a fine shaver whatever you decide.
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