Thread: Restoring: not for me anymore!

Hi guys, i just need to cool down for a minute. I've bought 2 razors of a Dutch second hand-stuff website. Both razors were in pretty good condition, but i wanted a mirrorlike finish, like you see here all the time!

The first razor went rather well, but i had pressed too much on the dremel-like instrument that the blade had a blue colour, due to the heat. Also, last but not least a chip came off the razor, which made it useless. Threw that one away.

Today i got another one in, that had some pitting, but no rust. I had really a good feeling about this one, because now i had bought those dremel-bits, so i was prepared. I started carefully and with little pressure and it cleaned up fast, but then disaster struck: a crack from the edge to the spine.

That's it: no more restoring for this guy! I've had it. Lost about 90 dollars in the process. GRRRRRRRRRRR

Just needed to get if off my chest, sorry for that!

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I've been there.. chipped a $50 W&B with my Dremel My 2cent advice is to try again, though.. Buy a cheap, or a few, razor (never mind if it can be shaved with, it's not important at this stage) and start with learning the process... once you feel confident THEN move on to real restoration objects.

My two cents-

Put down the dremel, and pick up the sandpaper.

240, 320, 400, 600, 1200....

Takes a while, but you will not ruin your razor!

Originally Posted by mastermute

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I've been there.. chipped a $50 W&B with my Dremel My 2cent advice is to try again, though.. Buy a cheap, or a few, razor (never mind if it can be shaved with, it's not important at this stage) and start with learning the process... once you feel confident THEN move on to real restoration objects.

This is where a good old fashioned Zeepk would come in handy That's what I practiced on. Cracked that sucker but good with my Dremel, but wasn't bothered in the least. It eventually turned out to be the shiniest Zeepk out there.

Thanks for your input, guys, but i really can't take out any sort of pitting with handsanding. It just sits and STAYS there. How much sanding do you need? Is this minutes or hours? (The pitting wasn't deep).

Originally Posted by gentleman

Also, last but not least a chip came off the razor, which made it useless. Threw that one away.

Today i got another one in, that had some pitting, but no rust. I had really a good feeling about this one, because now i had bought those dremel-bits, so i was prepared. I started carefully and with little pressure and it cleaned up fast, but then disaster struck: a crack from the edge to the spine.

Been there, done that!

I ruined an old Henckels that way. It only cost me 20 bucks, though. I reached almost mirror shine, but wanted more, more! One tiny slip was enough to crack the blade.
However, I haven't quit restauration. That incident has given me a good lesson and taught me to be extremely careful from that day on.
I guess that's what we call learning.

Hand sanding will generally take anywhere from 2h (at the very minimum) onward, depending on how severe the pitting is, and how high the progression you go - each grit progression takes a bit less time to get the scratches out from the previous grit, but basically, do this while watching television, because you're in for the long haul. This is how you get the mirror finish - it is way too easy to over heat the blade and ruin the temper (as you found out) or to crack the blade sanding with a dremel. I only use the dremel for the final polish with Mass or Flitz and a felt wheel at fairly low rpm.

Best of luck,

Mark

I only hand sand. I tried the flat wheels, but too many wavy lines for me. I also tried the rogues with a dremel, but I couldn't keep from burning the razor. I may try a final polish using Maas, but I'm scared of burning another blade.

I'm currently working on a Geneva blade that is taking me forever. Each grit has taken way more hours than another blade I was working on. Maybe it's harder steel than the German blade, but man I've been working on it for like a month now usually a few hours at a time or about 15 hours a week. Sorry, too winded on this one.

Anyway, I hope you keep with it. It is rewarding to bring back something that most people would dispose of.

Originally Posted by gentleman

Thanks for your input, guys, but i really can't take out any sort of pitting with handsanding. It just sits and STAYS there. How much sanding do you need? Is this minutes or hours? (The pitting wasn't deep).

Hours. Lots.
I recently finished a really bad hollow ground with lots of rust and pitting.
Removing the pitting alone took over 6 hours of handsanding.

If you cannot see yourself working on a blade for several hours, then perhaps restoration is not for you.
I don't mean to be a mr knowitall, but taking a damaged razor and restoring it to a near mint finish takes a lot of time, even if you use power tools.

It is not something that you can do in 15 minutes by using a dremel.

+1 on these:

Originally Posted by Bruno

Hours. Lots.
...
It is not something that you can do in 15 minutes by using a dremel.

I use a dremel and hand sanding combo. Patience, a light touch, and low rpms (I think I am in the 7-8k range) are all required. That being said, it would be a shame to have learned such valuable lessons and not be able to use them in future restorations The satisfaction of seeing a blade resurrected from a past century is immense.

My advice: Get back out there! Good luck no matter what path you take to BBS.