Thread: Some restoration advice needed!

I'm thinking about having this WB Masonic restored. At first I was thinking to have it polished and put back in mint condition. But, now I've developed a fondness for scars, pits, and patina! I saw a razor the other day that had the original bug bitten scales on it. They were sanded and polished with new pins, but bug bites in place. The razor looked awesome.

With that, how would you guys "restore" this one? The scales on this one are nearly perfect.

I would just leave it as is. Pretty good shape for a big ol' wedge.

I would clean up the blade with 600 grit greaseless → emery→rouge →flitz. Buff the scales with rouge and then flitz. You'll be surprised what a difference that will make.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I would just leave it as is. Pretty good shape for a big ol' wedge.

+1. Let it keep the signs of its age.

The only way is to send it to me for safe keeping. I would try to keep the patina as well. There is nothing wrong with a big ole wedge that looks like a big OLE wedge. Of course I might think that because I look like a big OLD wedge.

Personally, I would just hit it with a little polishing compound, then hone her up.

I like UPD's suggestion, although I may start with the black emery and move down to the 600 greaseless if you want to.

Make sure you post the after pictures once your done. I'm curious how it cleans up.

I would hardly touch the blade. maybe clean by hand with Maas.

I'd be concerned taking to a buffer might round off the nice sharp corners of the deep etching. If you were to polish the back side of the blade, you'd have much of the blade shinny but other area (stamp area) with pitting. With those two choices, I'd prefer the complete blade to have uniform wear.

I don't think the scales are horn are they? If bakalite or plastic, I would likely replace them with custom black horn with traditional shape.

Of course, get it honed and enjoy using it! Looks like it'll be a fun shaver.

My $.02, and just an opinion.

That blade looks pretty sweet as is! Maybe some Maas or Mothers only if it were mine. The scales I would polish up to a high a shine as possible.