Thread: RE Restoration Question

Got this message from another person here and figured others might benefit from my response to them, I left out there name intentionally for there sake.

I'm fairly new to restoration but this is a little of what I learnt so far.
Hope some of this is useful to some one. And hope this is the right spot for this thread.

Them
Good morning Greg,

How do you already know so much about restoring razors? I'd love to learn to make scales. Where do you get the pins, etc.? My first obstacle is actually finding a decent vintage razor - scared of the bay and limited antique store options in town. Going to another town on Monday to a large antique store that says they have some - not holding my breath, though.

Me
I Just experimented allot on a $7 razor I got at an antique store I'm still working on it.
It was a brand that was not particularly popular and was already rough so I figured if I ruined it I should at least get some experience and know what not to do. Also in the Wiki there are some videos of a restoration from start to finish I learned ALLOT from those. Thank you UnDream (Brad) for posting them.
I was already into a little wood working, Making Pens and bottle stoppers on a wood lathe.
The pins are just Brass rod and washers from a hobby shop usually used for model trains and stuff. There is also allot more info on restoration in the wiki.
Just look for a cheep razor you aren't worried about ruining and be safe about it.
As long as you don't get crazy and end up hurting your self the worst that can happen is gained knowledge the best is a usable razor and the feeling of accomplishment.

Don't be afraid to ask advice from others they have been very helpful,
Also if you ever aren't sure of what to do STOP TAKE A STEP BACK and decide if you are in over your head and need some help.
Something I use allot is my wood lathe if you have one they are great, Put a little plastic over the bed to protect it and mount your dermal bits or polishing pads in the chuck now you have a variable speed tool that works quite well. I like this because I feel I have much more control than if I holding a dermal tool. And here is a pic of the progress so far on that razor.

Nice looking finish, and very cool chunk of wood. I love the wedgeless design.

Mostly aesthetic, to my eyes of course, would be to leave a little more on the pivot end so that the scales stick out a bit. It can be nice to have some scale sticking out to rest your thumb against, during certain grips.

that said, great job on a first restore. Got some interesting wavyness going on that blade.. .it is fun to goof around with junky razors! who knows..might turn into one of your favorite shavers

Yeah the end of the scales being tight was accidental but has the benefit of making the tang easier to clean in that area. The wood is curly walnut. And the curves in the tang are an attempt at finger notches. It was especially fun grinding out the shoulders as I don't like the look of them and Love shoulderless razors. They where in the way when honing anyway.
Just did some more work on it last night and am going to hone it once my 1K and 5K Naniwa Super Stones come in the mail.