I just started my first restoration on a razor:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...rst-resto.html

At first I was a bit hesitant on de-scaling and removing the pins/re-pinning, but I decided to just go for it so that I could properly restore the blade.

In my welding shop we occasionally use 1/8" 316 grade stainless steel rod for TIG welding. I've done a bit of research and tried peening the rod and it seems to do just fine (though I'm sure nickel and silver are both easier to work with). The problem is that i'm not sure what size washers I will need for collars. I want to maintain the original size of the dovo washers if possible, but I have no idea what they are.