Thread: This is my first go at cleaning a razor

Jerry. Cleaning a razor up is definitely a challenge and takes a lot of time, effort and patience. When I picked this up I counld't read the name and I could barely see the blade was etched. Only after I started the cleaning did I realize how much clearer all the information was. I have the big dremel tool set in my garage with 50 or 60 different grinders and when I get time I may touch up that spot with a soft head. Over time I may get a honing stone as well. I'm going to practice on these from the tin can but when I find some big old W&Bs with the 8/8 blades then things will get a bit more serious. I go to at least one auction a week and I've bought and sold dozens of W&Bs on ebay over the years but I don't think I'll be selling anymore of them big boys. I'll be adding them to my collection. My lord some of you guys have such beautiful collections. I admire the work you put into collecting these and your knowledge of them is unbelievable. When they are restored to their former glory they are so beautiful. Thanks again for your help and encouragement I appreciate it a lot. Stay safe on the road and I hope you have a merry Christmas with your family. Mike D.

Here is one razor safety jig:
making-blade-safety-jig
There are a lot more since then.

~Richard

Thanks for posting it Richard.
Mike, just so you know, we have many many more folks that know more than i do when it comes to this stuff. I started 1 year ago but my collection is now pushing 70 razors. Be sure to get comments from a few guys as s9me folks will recommend other ways of doing things. Just wanted to come clean on this point.

Enjoy your efforts and be careful as they say a dull razor is as sharp as a sharp knife.

Jerry. As long as you keep writing I'll keep reading and learning. All the advice I read I am grateful for. I'll heed all the messages from all the members. Thanks again. Mike D. My son just phoned and he's about 3 hours from home. Broing on Christmas. I can't wait. Jerry Thanks again. Mike D.

Good luck Mike and a merry christmas to you and yours.
And remember about that dremmel. I do my best not to use one. I broke one blade already using one. Learned the hard way what not to do.

Jerry. I think I'll leave that dremel tool out of this until I'm much farther into the game. You're the second member saying watch OUT. LOL. All the best to you and your family as well. Mike D.

Richard. Thank you for that diagram. I understand how that works and it does make razor work much safer. I'll be buying one or making one. Best regards. Mike D.

Originally Posted by vintageconundrum

I have the big dremel tool set in my garage with 50 or 60 different grinders and when I get time I may touch up that spot with a soft head.

I'd very careful about using a Dremel tool on a straight razor blade. If it catches the blade the wrong way the blade can become a projectile and it can build up too much heat in the blade ruining the temper.

The razor looks pretty good now so you could just hone it and use it as is. Have fun with it.

Bob

Looking good so far! Jerry set you on the right path. How about the scales? They look like they may have faded some. A little plastic polish could spiff 'em up. I use Mother's Plastic Polish (the stuff for headlights and such) and there's many other good products available too.

Bob has wise words about the dremel. It can be useful but it can also be instantly disastrous. Eye protection each and every time.

Looking good, Mike.
Another trick for removing rust, especially when there's a lot, is to cut it off with a single edge razor blade. Then come in with the steel wool n WD-40.

Another awesome product I've come across, is 3M marine metal restorer/ polish. A perfect match for razors, IMO.