Thread: Blade cleanup / engraving questions

Gents,
I recently picked up a razor, I don't know much about it, but it has some ornate engraving on the blade (New York Clipper). Theres a bit of rust and pitting and I'd like to clean it up. This is my first attempt at a restoration. Based on what I've read here, I'm going to start off with a polish (Flitz, Maas, simichrome, or whatever I can find around) and a good bit of elbow-grease. Sound about right?
A couple more questions:
There is some ornate engraving along the hollow. Do I have to treat that with special care while I'm polishing?
The scales are in pretty good shape (plastic? celluloid?), whats the best thing I can use to clean off the gunk-of-ages?
I'm curious about the origin of the blade, too. I'll get some pics and post in the General section.

Thanks all, I appreciate any and all advice you can give me.

Mike

Mike,

Let me say that I also use the MAAS on the scales. I also cleans them nicely. As for the engravings I let someone more knowledgeable than I answer that.
Good luck

Originally Posted by RichZ

Mike,

Let me say that I also use the MAAS on the scales. I also cleans them nicely. As for the engravings I let someone more knowledgeable than I answer that.
Good luck

Would that go for Flitz as well? Do you use a 00 steel wool to apply it to the scales as well as the blade?
I did order Bill's CD on restoration (the old one I think, oh well), but I'll be damned if I'm going to wait on that. I just can't.

This lunch hour I got a Keen Kutter at a local antique place. That one's has what looks to be a stamp in the blade hollow. I don't know, but I bet if I'm not careful I'll wipe it right off the blade.

I've used both Flitz and Maas on scales. I've cleaned up a couple razors with engraving and elbow grease didn't appear to do any harm that wasn't already done. And yes, the paint stamps on the older blades seem to come off rather easily.

I don't claim to be more knowledgable than anyone, I'm just sharing my experience

Glen F

To clean the scales I'd use some plain old fashioned soap and water and a q-tip for the inside. If they are celluloid you don't want to use water thats too hot or any cleaning solvents they will destroy it. The more mild polishing products like maas will do a nice job after the soap and water.

As far as the blade goes if the engraving has any paint or gold leaf on it once you start polishing you can kiss them goodbye. The engraving itself shouldn't be affected unless you have major corrosion and you really do some major grinding on the blade. The paint can be restored if you have some jewelers enamel or gold leaf, some fine brushes and a very steady hand. You might ask some of the real pros like Billl Ellis about that though.

Thanks guys,
The razors cleaned up nicely. The stamp on the Keen Kutter did fade a bit, but theres still a big improvement.
The Flitz worked wonders on the scales. Now a bit of honing and I've got a couple more for my weekly rotation.

Sweet