Thread: Question on cleaning up an old razor

Hi All,

I’m brand new to all of this so please bear with me. I took the plunge and obtained a few shave ready razors from several members here (Thank you to Joe, Lynn and Xman- you’ve all been a pleasure to deal with). I have a couple of shaves under my belt and will post some questions/observations on shaving soon. Needless to say, I’m really enjoying the whole experience.

I acquired an old razor from my barber to practice honing (its an M Jung No. 80). Other than tarnish, a little “crud” of some kind, and a few light rust spots, it seems in pretty good shape.

Can anyone please tell me a how to go about cleaning it up before I start trying to hone it? What is the progression? e.g. steel wool first, then polish? If needed sandpaper? - if so what kind? I’m not looking for a full-blown restoration here just enough to get it shave worthy- if and when I’m capable of honing it. I haven’t been able to locate this info on the site. If it is there, please point me to it. Thanks for your help.

Jordan

I'm not restoration guru but I've cleaned a couple. You can carefully scrub it down with soap & water to remove some of the initial gunk. Then get some MAAS and a rag and go to work. MAAS is often found at Wal-Mart Super-Centers in the household cleaning aisle near the Brasso. Also available online.

Thanks Sensei_kyle, I'll check my local hardware store tomorrow (no WM nearby) and give it a go!

Jordan

Walgreens also carries Maas.

As an alternative, if you can't find MAAS, you can try Flitz or Simichrome.
There's also something called Peek (?) which somebody reported to work well.

Redwoood

I recommend rubbing as much off by hand as possible, always being extremely cautious of the edge. I cheat & use an old replacement head on my electric toothbrush for polishing sometimes. Dremels work great, but you have to be very careful or you'll overheat the blade. The direction of the polishing attachment is also critical when working near the edge.