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When there is writing on the blade (i.e. "Wade and Butcher" or some fancy drawing of sorts like some have) how do you restore the blade without destroying all the writing?
I want to get an old W&B (nothing fancy or too expensive as it will be my first try) but really like the writing on the blade. Some of the blades I see are stained, a little rust, ect... and If you clean the balde up with the various techniques you guys talk about then how do you keep the etching intact?
If the etching isn't well worn typical restoration efforts will not effect the etching that much. Of course if the blade is heavily corroded or pitted and you have to use the heavy artillary on it thats another story. If there is gols leaf or enamel on the blade that will be history though.
Light etching can be worn away, too. The deeper stamping or engraving will withstand all but the most aggressive restoration work. Gold wash/leaf is pretty fragile stuff. Etching resists efforts better than that and stamping or engraving will usually be something you won't have to worry about.
Almost any use of sandpaper will destroy an etching. Vlad has the equipment and skills to re-etch a blade, since he does some etching in his other profession I believe. To start up, I think it would be a couple hundred $$ and a wide learning curve. PM vlad or check out his previous razors. I believe he re-etched a wade & butcher.
Matt