Thread: How to polish lead?

I made a lead wedge for my latest razor restore and im wondering, how do you polish lead to shine? I want to do this before installing it in the scales. And i'd like to do this without rubbing it too much thinner as right now its just about right.

Comments? Answers? Never dealt with polishing such a soft metal before.
I admit this could be a pretty dumb question. I can just grab a rag and some metal polish, but having never polished something so soft i wanted to be sure this was correct. Pardon my ignorance.

Normal polishes actually will dull the lead

Try High Grit sandpaper or simply a Cotton Cloth

I've gotten it polished with a cloth and Mothers Plastic Polish while shining up horn scales. Does great on the pins/collars too.

I test fit the wedge square, and cut lead close, with a pair of side cutters, but leaving a little over hang. Then once pinned tight, and no further adjustments are needed for centering, file or sand on a 1 inch belt sander with a 220 belt, to the scale, trying not to remove any scale material.

Hand sand with 400 and 600 W&D, lightly buff with a worn 600 grit wheel and green compound wheel.

I lightly file the inside of the wedge on 1/8 inch wedges, with a round needle file, to provide a hair more clearance, for the tip of the blade and a more refined/finished look.

Hand polish with a good metal polish. No need to polish the sides, just the edges that show. Do make sure the wedges and the inside of the scales are flat for a tight, gap free fit.

Fine sand paper. Got it. Guess ill be making a new wedge. No biggie. I got this one just right. Figures i should have stopped a bit on the big side. Ha. Live and learn.
Oh, and i sure like the idea of rounding the edge closest to the tip. That sounds like it would give a better look. Thanks guys.
I was having a hard time trying to figure out how to ask this question without it sounding really dumb. And lude comments were boucing around my head a lot. So much could have gone wrong with this question.

Jerry before you make a new one

Put this one together using the Microbolts you should have on the bench

Rub the Wedge end vigorously on an old wash cloth, there should be enough give there to polish the Lead if that doesn't work then you make a new one

You also might want to consider a coat of lacquer or other clear varnish over the lead as it will inevitably oxidize and go the familiar dull grey colour that you're trying to avoid.

Sound like a plan Glen. Ill give it a go. Plus the idea.of some kind of clear on the lead sounds like good advice too. You know it will tarnish for sure. Thanks.

Hmm, silver got me thinking. How about using a nickle or quarter? Might be about the right thickness. Hmmm.

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I thought about a coin but silver is only on the outside. If you cut it to shape its no longer going to be silver except for one edge. Maybe two if your lucky. I think lead will be just fine. I'll try to polish like Glen said, and if thats not enough, make another. Its all for fun.

And i also do lots of stuff bad for me. I do it for work. Driving a bomb in todays traffic? I must be insaine or have a death wish but i do it anyway.