Thread: Getting Rid Of Rust and reusing scales

Hi, Pretty new to this site and forum, but been a fan of straight razors for a while.

I have come across a number of razors in a slightly rusty condition, but want to bring them back to life.

Just wondering the best course of action would be.

Removing the scales and attempting to get rid of the rust and reassemble?

It is a Legion Razor No 430 3/4. I don't know too much about it to be honest.


The other thing is i have one which the scales are irretrievable. would it be best to try and redo the scales out of the same material, or venture into some nice wood and create my own?
This one has no name or markings. it is a wedge shaped blade, and a spanish point from what i can gather. It's a bit weighty as well.

Attached is my first effort at a restore. not great, but better than i expected.

Welcome to the forum. You first effort looks just fine to me.

You have posted in the right sub forum so I'd check out the various threads in it for answers and or use the search box in the upper right corner of the page. There is wealth of information here on everything you are looking for.

Also posting some photos of what you will be working would be very helpful in bringing out answers specific to that project.

Bob

The " What are you working on" thread of the workshop, has tons of information on what your asking.

I myself have done numerous repairs on scales, feel free to send a PM for questions pertaining.

That first try looks fine to me too. Hard to see from the pictures but you may want to employ some 2K or 3K wet/dry to polish/finish but it may just be the lighting.
Your question is akin to "how do I find happiness." There are many answers depending on the situation. I usually start of with steel wool (000 or 0000) or 2k wet/dry just to knock down the crusty stuff and see how much has pitted and how much is just stained. I normally do that with scales attached unless it is clear it will need really extensive work. After that is when the oddysey begins. I will attack it many different ways depending on what this initial work up reveals. Sometimes it stays in the scales and I just clean and polish. Other times it may mean disassembly, serious sanding or who knows what.
This would be the point where you take Bob's advice and research what other people have done in a specific scenario.

Edit: Oh yeah, and with the steel wool use some WD-40 or a light oil. I just started using this method recently at the behest of others here although I have used it with Hoppes on gun barrels for a long time. Haven't yet tried Hoppes on a razor but I might soon.

There is also a sticky at the top of the workshop forum.
https://sharprazorpalace.com/worksho...wers-here.html
It has a lot of info too. Between that and the what are you working on thread, there is a lot to read and probably close to everything you need to know about restoring old razors. Feel free to jump in on the what are you working on thread, it a good spot to ask specific questions.

As far as the scales go it depends on what you want to do. Some people are more concerned with keeping it original. I know personally a razor is worth much more to me when it's original and especially if it has the original box. That may just be me but I believe that probably other feel that way too.It also depends on if you're planning on selling it or using it. And if you're planning on selling it whether you are planning on selling it to a shaver or a collector.

...I know this is a bit of an aside but collecting and using are two completely different things. A collector very often buys junk. What makes something collectible is it's rarity. Often something is rare because they didn't make many... sometimes because it was junk. Other things may have an enormous volume of stuff on the market because it was well made and in high demand...

I know there are some people here who change out scales on a razor like you would change decor in front of your house seasonally (at least my wife does that.) Again I know that sounds vague but it all depends on what you want to do with it. For me it depends on what it is. If I were going to restore something for resale and was trying to get top dollar for it I would probably go original and try to get an original box. if I were planning on keeping the razor I would probably make something really nice out of a fancy wood or bone or maybe horn.