Thread: 2 quick ? please

When refurbishing by hand,

1) How does one preserve the manufacturers stamp without eliminating it?
I would like to be able to see it when done.

2) How does one clean the "ridge" area on the tang?

Thanks,

Alspman

Originally Posted by Alpsman

When refurbishing by hand,

1) How does one preserve the manufacturers stamp without eliminating it?
I would like to be able to see it when done.

That can be really tough. It depends on how deep the stamp is, and how deep the pitting around it is. Basically, you just hand sand the area until all the pitting is gone, or until you don't feel like you can take it any lower without loosing the maker's mark. The other option is to not sand this area at all. Just do your best with polish. There's no magic secret. It's just a matter of finding a compromise between saving that mark, and smoothing out the metal around it.

Originally Posted by Alpsman

2) How does one clean the "ridge" area on the tang?

I'm still working on my first 3 project razors, and I removed the scales from all 3, which allows you to clean that area the same way you clean the rest of the area.

If what you're talking about are the jimps (filed grooves on the top and/or bottom of the tang to improve grip) I use fine a wire brush. If you have a dremel, it's very easy to use a dremel brush on this area, but as I have learned the hard way, using a rotary tool of any kind on a razor is risky.

Don’t bother sanding in that area (especially if the stamp is shallow), clean up (and polish if you like) the blade and simply polish the tang stamp it will look pretty decent if you polish the stamp and pits so long as the stamp is still intact.

If by ridge you refer to the jimps, as mentioned above use a wire brush and clean by hand. Spread some metal polish into the grooves and let it sit for a few minutes, then clean with the brush (do not brush across the grooves). I find a steel bristle brush works better than brass.
I prefer not to use the Dremel with wire wheel to clean the jimps because... jimps should be sharp (for better grip), like a new file. The powered wire wheel will flatten and round the sharp ridges (a worn out file).

If you refer to the hone relief (that taper near the shoulder), then do the same as with the rest of the tang (don’t sand just polish).

I have used polish and an old tooth brush to clean up jimps. But only on razors which don't have a lot of pitting and rust. Over time the jimps seem to accumulate a lot of soap scum and other grot. A tooth brush and polish can do the job well, but a soft wire brush may be an easier option. I just haven't bought one yet.
I think it might be time to go shopping.

At work i sometimes polish hard to get places with metal polish and then use plackers( floss on a handle) . I never tried it on a razors though but it should work just as good.