Thread: To Restore or Not To Restore

I tend to look at razors restoration as a value proposition.

If a razor has a really flattened and a significant amount of rust, particularly if a hollow grind, I know that I will end up with a shiney blade that has pitting and flattening on the spine that will take some work to hone up. My first question would be why buy it to begin with unless I simply want that brand or style for my personal shaving. If you have a wedge type razor and the capability to regrind, that is yet another story.

I really try to leave original scales on a razor as more times than not when you try to take the originals off, they end up breaking or you are unable to match the pinning.

Now, if you find a razor in pretty decent shape with a little rust that can be ground out, then we have another story. You can make these usually look close to new.

Scale replacement is all over the place. If a scale is broken on a serviceable razor, then you need a set of scales. If you want a set of scales out of a specific material, then you have to consider what the material cost is and how easy it is to work with.

At the end of the day, the condition of the razor and your desire for scales play a big part in this and personal preference is huge. The question is whether the work and the anticipated end result will be worth it from an expense standpoint, time standpoint and use standpoint.

Glen already mentioned that some razors have some additional value with the original scales. The other area are those heirlooms that you find and would like to make serviceable for sentimental reasons.

For me, just resurrecting one from the dead and putting it back in use is half the fun, but some of the antique or Ebay junk is still junk. You pays yo money and you takes yo chances.

Have fun,

Lynn

I'm in the group that restores as nessary. I started collecing straights last fall and have a modest collection. Some just need a little tlc and are fine. Those I tend to leave in the scales that they came with.
However, I tend to look for razors that *need* to be rescaled. I like making scales ( hi, i'm John and I have a scale making addition.... ) When I go antiquing, I tend to leave razors in good condion alone. Let someone else have a chance at a nice blade. I like the challenge of making a broken one useful again.

I restore, but just like restoring antque cars, there are two groups.

1. Those who love and appreciate original stock equipment in perfect condition.

2. Those who love the mods, the hooked up cars, the flash and wild paint jobs.

I'm of the belief of keeping it as original as possible if it looks good, or compliments the overall look of the razor.

Example: I had a Joseph Rodgers full 8/8th's blade half hollow no pitting, but the scales were that fake tortoise type. They were really beat up, not broken, but just in bad shape. I tried to remove them gentle and polish them up, but upon removal I saw the washers were non existent and the pin had dug itself into the scales, and rust and decay had set it, now they could have been fully restored, but in my mind I thought "is it worth it worth it for the look of the razor and what I want to achieve"

In the end it wasn't and I made some scales out of bloodwood, and the razor is amazing to me now.

Cheers
David

Wow! I love all of these answers. I expected a spirite debate and was not dissapointed. I just received a shipment of 20 razors in varying states of repair. Rest assured, when I review them, the things I have read here will influence the actions that I take.

Thanks again!

John

Most has already be said to the subject.

I frequently always get asked the same question but for me it boils down to this. If you're going to be shaving and using the razor with no real intention to sell but enjoy the razor as part of your collection/rotation then go ahead, restore, clean and or replace the scales if you desire. If your intentions are keep it for looks and collectability with maybe an occasional shave then keep as original as possible.