Thread: What is Restoration???

Hmmmm good point Chef, lemme ponder on that a few, about how to re-word it...


Edit: I think that might have it

Lovely thread, well thought out and nicely worded. I've felt the need for a clarification like this myself but have not found the words. Hope this get stickied.

I am liking it guys, we have some pretty good ideas out there..
Sorta like the vintage car markets, you have different classifications...

Would something that allows the scales to be pulled and straightened or repaired and the blade just cleaned and honed be possible?

Some like the age and originality, the look, but like the razor to work like new.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What is Restoration???

You finally broke down and decided to ask someone. I am so proud of you! It takes a lot of guts to do that after thousands of posts and tutorials

I think of restoration as making something like it was before. One doesn't just restore, one restores to a previous state (or as close to a previous state as possible). Eg. After I shave, I rinse the lather off the blade and then dry it and run it across a plain leather strop a few times. In doing so, I restore it (as much as possible) to how it was before I shaved. To restore it to the way it came to me from eBay would be to dull the edge, crack the scales, and let it rust for a few decades. To restore it to how it would have been originally sold in 1875 or thereabouts would mean mailing it to a resident SRP pro who actually knows what restoration is

These examples demonstrate what I think
of restoration as. My word in this matter
is not final until my Restoration Terminology Expert
certification is formally signed by Lynn

Thanks for writing that.

Even with that terminology guide, however, I suspect that to many people "restore" will continue to be an all encompassing, while technically inaccurate term.

I really like the breakdown of vintage restore vs. customization. I hope people start using that terminology. Taking the scales off of a 150 year old razor and putting acrylic back on, while possibly beautiful, is not restoration; it's customization.
Jeez... I am starting to sound a lot like a particular guy that used to be a member here.
I better stop before I get an overwhelming desire to read through all the cream reviews.

It's a good starting point in a general way. If you are looking for an official definition it would take a lot more work w/ several drafts to get to the 'official' definition and even them there will be a difference of opinion. It's a good start. Wish I had more time to offer to this but unfortunately I don't at this time.

Makes sense to me! Thanks for putting in the time to think these things through. Very helpful!

Thanks for starting this thread Glen!
I talk with guys all the time, who come into the shop and wonder why I have straights in different conditions. (ie. some straight vintage, some with no scales, some customs)
If you don't mind, I'd like to retype your list of definitions and post them up in my shop to help folks understand what I'm talking about, and what's possible to do with a straight razor.

V/r

You'rs to use as needed John...
I was just doing some thinking one morning, after reading a scathing post on another wanna be "Straight Razor" forum, where some guy was ripping into this poor newer Restorer about what he should and shouldn't do to a razor I almost joined the forum just to refute the post
So I started thinking about all the different requests I get, and it started to fall almost into categories, or stages.. and of course I stated typing on here