Restoration question , offer , trade .

I am wanting to have restored or learn to restore a few Straights and am wondering , first , what is the cost to have
a straight restored , second , is someone willing to barter with me and do the restoration . third , as in the first question
I really , really , really , would like to learn how to restore Straights with out totally destroying them .
The reason for second question is I have numerous , numerous , straights , some just blades , some with
broken scales , some I have two of , some I just don't want , hence the barter question .
I really hope I'm making since and not just ranting on and on .
Peafowlguy , Brian

Hey Brian,

Hello from SE Washington State USA.

I think that this link will start you down the path;

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Now with that said, what is one person's 'restoration' is another's mutilation. My point is especially for those who insist on over polishing a blade to where it's a 'Near Mirror' finish, a finish it never had when it was new. This is so true of the Old Sheffield Blades.

Personally I don't 'restore' a razor; I 'clean them up'.

There is nothing wrong with leaving some battle scars to show that the razor has survived the years.

NOW! If the razor has some heavy pitting see if you can get an edge Before You Start A Restoration. If the pitting goes into the edge then you are wasting your time cleaning up the blade/no matter how much you want to save it. That's just the fact man.

Post some pics so others can see what you are up against.

I hope this is of some help.

Hmmmm. Well there is this whole thing about money and trades on the open forum. So if there are any would be traders out there it should all be done via private message.
You can absolutely learn to restore razor. There are a few really long running work in progress threads to augment the reading in the link Roy (cuddarunner) gave you. Feel free to post a before blade and ask for guidance. It is pretty amazing as to how much you can clean a blade with 0000 steel wool and WD-40. Pinning scales and making scales will come eventually too. baby steps. Start with the blade that needs the least amount of work. http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...rking-923.html
You can go back to the start if you like and follow some of the links that are referenced or just follow what is new.

It's not terribly difficult to restore a razor. I am in the same school as Roy, I feel I clean them. I enjoy seeing a few imperfections because that's the blades history. With very few tools one can restore a straight. I'm happy to give what advice or knowledge I possess. As are many of these great gents. PM if you feel I can assist you. Share pics also then it's easier to give info

+1 to all of above.

Great ideas Gentlemen , I do like the idea of showing its battle scars , as in my Wade & Butcher / Sheffield wearing Bone scales .
it has that been there done that look to it that I really don't want to lose , yet not destroyed . and some given to me by good friends
that I will never part with . and thanks for pointing me in the right direction on the forum as to where to post the money / trade
question . I will gather what i have in parts and blades i don't want and go from there . and a big , Thanks to all .
Peafowlguy

Restoring razors is a great hobby. There are two schools on restoration. One is to clean it up, stop any further damage such as rusting and leave everything original unless it is broken.

There are also folks who take them and make them look pretty close to new.

You sound like you would be more of the former.

yes , I'm the former . I like my straights to have that patina look , cleaned up , sharp edge ( hopefully ) and in it's natural state .
I don't want to take it to a stage it never was , as in mirror finish , new scales ( unless broken ) and afraid to use it because it's to
shiny and clean and not mess it up . I can buy a new razor and use it forever . but my collection , yep, different story .
I will P.M. someone and discuss ( cleaning up ) some straights .
Again , Thanks to everyone for doing what you do .
Peafowlguy , Brian