I am interested in people's ideas about whether a razor should be restored at all, or merely conserved in it's current condition. Generally, I come down on the side of restoration to service - meaning shave ready condition. I try to use the original scales if possible, if not, I will get creative and make new ones. I would not restore a razor if any of the following conditions are met:

  • It was used by someone famous or has some historical importance. In these cases, I would stabilize the razor and scales so they do not degrade further.
  • It is an extremely rare example from a noted maker. Again, I would stabilize.
  • It is already in extremely good condition, in which case I would carefully maintain it.
At the risk of anthropomorphising metal and celluliod, I find a rusting old razor just plain sad (smiles or frowns notwithstanding). Razors that are used for shaving are happy razors - they are doing what they were born to do and, if properly cared for, will remain so for generations.

At least that's my opinion, what's yours?