Beau Brummel cleanup/restore

This is my first restore, which so far is basically a cleanup. May need more before honing...

Before photos now, after below.

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Nice aged patina on this one.

Need help with IDing this razor. Beau Brummel, in cleaned up images in cleanup photos, says Brummel Werk New York. What is approximate year of manufacture?

Stamp on other side says Beau Brummel Wedge. Is it truly a wedge? Photo of end in cleanup.

Also, what are the scales made of? Concerned if cell rot was part of what I was cleaning away, but think and hope not. Help with these questions greatly appreciated.

Cleanup photos below.
Used a Dremel and Maas. Yes, that is controversial here. I have experience with a Dremel, already own one, and have the one with variable speed and used at low RPM. Took breaks to keep blade cool. Turned out nice. I am comfortable with using a Dremel.

Also know Dremel has limitations, and wondering if a little sanding is needed, please see below.

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Questions:
Is this a real wedge? It is stamped wedge, but seems a little hollow on sides. I've seen the drawings explaining wedge to full hollow and 1/4 hollow, but want to be sure.

Also, take a look at blade edge. Those are not cracks, as they do not go all the way through. Can feel a little ridge with my fingernail, so it has texture. It did not polish out. What is it, and what is next step? A little sandpaper to take it all out? Or hone? If sandpaper, that would be followed by more Maas, maybe by hand this time as so close to edge. Or do I sandpaper the entire blade up to spine?

When that is settled and I hone, I will shave and plan to keep her.

Thanks for ideas here guys, and thanks for the experienced eyes,
MarkC

More photos to show sheen and shine...reflection of trees in backyard.
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It looks great.

Beau Brummel are gorgeous razors, hammered tangs, and eye popping Celluloid scales, made by Brunswick as are Double Ducks.
Both are Notorious for Cell Rot, which unfortunately is probable what is on your blade. The damage on the blade, will probably match the pattern on the scales when closed.

Once cleaned, you can slow down the rot, but it is just a matter of time, so keep it clear from other razors, or bite the bullet and un-pin it.

Hopefully it will take an edge, and hold it.

When you are about to restore a razor, always put it on a stone and see if you can put an edge on it without any crumbling to the edge. Then do your restoration work.

Also unfortunately, I have not been able to find any scale material the comes close to the one you have. I have one with the same scales, though mine has not kicked off yet.

Keep them dry and out of the sun and excessive heat. For storage a light coat of Vaseline or Rig, will slow down the rot and protect the blade.

Should be a shaver.

Here's a good thread on them. Beau Brummel

Ah HAH! So...THAT is celluloid!

The photos on SRP are great and detailed, but I have to tell ya, no comparison to seeing the real thing. Perhaps my lack of experience will change that view with time. But now I know this razor has celluloid scales. Thanks so much for that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MarkC

Questions:
Is this a real wedge? It is stamped wedge, but seems a little hollow on sides. I've seen the drawings explaining wedge to full hollow and 1/4 hollow, but want to be sure.

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"It's twue, it's twue." All razors are ground on round wheels so there has to be some hollow.
if it's a true triangle wedge its likely a microtome or badly hone worn.

No idea what those scales are made of, first time I see a pair like those, nice catch!

They are Celluloid, many of the Clear and Cracked Ice styles made for the BB's and DD's are actually Catalin another form of Celluloid..

I collect BB's and DD's love the edges

I have a set of those scales too, so far no issues.. But all of these razors need monthly observation so you don't find a bad surprise in your razor box :(

The usual progression is slight warping first with these well before any off gassing gets bad ...


Warning: Cell Rot is insidious because there are no set rules, as there were many different recipes for making these scales, there are many different symptoms ... Don't rely on only one indicator

[QUOTE=Euclid440;1660268]

When you are about to restore a razor, always put it on a stone and see if you can put an edge on it without any crumbling to the edge. Then do your restoration work.


OK...silly question. What would cause a blade to NOT take an edge? Honing first seems like you would be testing the blade for problems. What would those problems be if it fails the test?

[QUOTE=gssixgun;1660354]

I have a set of those scales too, so far no issues.. But all of these razors need monthly observation so you don't find a bad surprise in your razor box :(


So far, no warping. The scales are straight, blade closes centered.

If they do go bad, and it sounds like they eventually will, I will need to replace. If I wish to keep it as close to original as possible, but to avoid celluloid, what would be a good choice for replacement scales?

[QUOTE=MarkC;1660366]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Euclid440

When you are about to restore a razor, always put it on a stone and see if you can put an edge on it without any crumbling to the edge. Then do your restoration work.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Euclid440

OK...silly question. What would cause a blade to NOT take an edge? Honing first seems like you would be testing the blade for problems. What would those problems be if it fails the test?

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Rust can prevent a shaving edge if it has eaten in too deeply. Basic symptom is the edge chips & remains serrated whatever you do to it.
There can be other causes but then we are getting into the metallurgy of the razor.

This is what Cell Rot will do, it is an off gassing, a breakdown of the chemicals used to make the “plastic” The gas eats metal near it. It will eat other razors stored with it not just the blade in the scales, given enough time and the proper conditions.

Some of the patterned scales, like yours, the faux tortoise and the cracked ice are notorious. Note the red pattern ones below and how the pattern matches the damage.

You want to look at the bevel and edge, you will see a chipped, serrated edge and often a discoloration or non-uniform stria pattern in the steel of the bevel.

Usually if you are lucky and have caught the Cell Rot early, will see a very fine coat of rust on the blade or pattern rusting, the edge, (the thinnest part) is the first to be attacked or noticed. Unpinning and rescaling is often the only solution.

You would not be the first to spend hundreds of hours, re finishing and scaling a razor only to find it will not take an edge.

Bring it next weekend and we will evaluate it.


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