Thread: What is the purpose

Thanks for that answer and explaination. That is what I was curious about as I have two razors that I would love to send off one to get rescaled as it has spine work and is a nice razor, but it is loose in the scales and there is some damage to the scale. The other is a nice W&B 7/8 that I feel could look amazing with some re-finishing work and new scales. I appologize if my questions did not come off correctly and if I caused anyone problems. I appreciate all of the comments.

I believe that if a blade is rusted and/or pitted, the only way to remove the rust is to deeply sand or buff out the defects leaving you with a shiny, like new, blade. But if the blade just has some surface rust or age-gunk it should be lightly sanded/polished to retain some or most of the patina it has acquired over its lifetime. And I never rescale a razor unless the original scales are missing or beyond repair. I have a beautiful old Wostenholm pipe razor with a nearly perfect blade. But, the horn scales are riddled with worm holes. Still, the scales are structurally sound and I would never consider replacing them with something modern. It's all a matter of personal preference, and you will have to make the ultimate decision based on your own tastes.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by Davidco

... is a nice razor, but it is loose in the scales and there is some damage to the scale. .

If the scale damage is something you're comfortable cleaning up, such as fine sand and polish, consider cleaning up yourself. Heck if you're gonna replace them anyway, can't hurt to try.

Likely the loose fit only requires the pivot pin a few light taps with a 2oz ballpeen hammer. If you don't have the hammer, consider some heavier taps with a solid metal spoon. Cracking the scales more often happens by making pivot fit too tight, not from rapping the scales by accident. Not that I ever broken anything

If very loose, also often not a bog deal. The forums have great resources what to do on an enlongated pivot hole.

Just to chime in as someone who has left vintage razors "as is" and only honed them up and taken a few to the workshop to re-scale and pretty up: The choice is personal and also depends on the condition, type, and rarity of the individual razor.

In all honesty, you're not going to get an answer, "Do this with such-and-such a razor." And you really are best not to get an answer like that. These are your razors and just like any other potential collectable, keeping it as close to original or gussying it up is up to the owner, just as the decision to use it or only display it.

Personally, I like to salvage the more rare vintage razors if I can keep the original scales and it'll look nice. For something that I see a lot of, I'm more inclined to change the scales and distinguish it from the pack.

I am also of the mind that these are pieces of "functional art." I have a display case in the hall (that my wife hates) where I show off my razors. But the door opens regularly when I choose one from the rack, strop it up and shave. With proper care, I don't think you have to choose between "save it" or "use it."

I suggest you take a look at the scales and razor and consider it's current look and condition. From there, check out the vendor's that do restoration and see what kind of work they've done. If something jumps out, go for it. If not, you can send it out for a cleaning and have it restored to it's original look. Either way, I think you'll find it difficult NOT to use it once it's back in your hands. Then again, you may have more self-control then me.

Originally Posted by Davidco

of getting your razor customized or re-finished? I just purchased a 7/8 Wade & Butcher in pretty good shape and want to send it off to someone to get new scales and a high polish. I want it to look like some of the beautiful razors I've seen on here. I still want to be able to use it to shave with, but am curious if it is worth the money and also, will it cost a small fortune and will I want to use it to shave with or just have it on display? All comments welcome.

If it is is pretty good shape shave with it for a couple months.
At that time if you find you have a great shaver on your hands consider
dressing it up.