Joseph Elliot's Best Restoration Project

[Benjamin]

Hello all, I am a SR neophyte who has just managed to obtain his first SR: Joseph Elliot's Best Silver Steel Masonic Straight Razor (Wedge). It is so named due to the design on the blade, although that may not be clear from the admittedly poor shots below (sorry, don't have a fancy camera).

I'm posting here to see if anybody would be interested in undertaking a restoration project on this razor with me (I'm in Minneapolis for at least the next month). Seeing as how I don't really have anybody to teach me, it would be nice to meet some people and have a little hands-on guidance for this first project. Here's what I've noticed so far:

-There is some blackish discoloration on the main blade as well as some rust where the blade meets the pin.
-The blade also has a few nicks in it, but they should resolve fine with some good honing, though it will need the "bread knife" treatment initially.
-Although the scales look original (the razor is antique and the scales certainly have wear appropriate to their age), I would be interested in replacing them, if only to make the razor feel more like it is my own.

Welp, that's it for now. I look forward to meeting you

[Utopian]

Given that this is a Masonic blade, any restoration should be limited to the tang and monkeytail. If you try to remove any of the blade's patina, you will lose the etching that makes the blade valuable. Now, polishing with Maas or something similar maight help to remove some of the discoloration, but that's about all you can do without risking losing the etching.

[Qatsats]

You snagged a great one there. Please share the post restoration pics with us.

[Utopian]

I just re-read your post.
DO NOT BREADKNIFE THAT BLADE!!!!!!!!!!

The only time breadknifing should be considered is when chips extend beyond the bevel, and even then it should be done at an angle. Your blade has no need for breadknifing.

[Benjamin]

Re: Utopian
...and that's why I've joined up here! Thanks for the advice about polishing and sharpening; upon re-examination of the blade, I don't know what I was thinking when I typed that into my original post, d'oh!

Re: Qatsats
I will be glad to post the "after" pics, as soon as they can occur.

[skipnord]

Hi Benjamin
I am in Corcoran - NW of Maple Grove. I am new to restoration, but I have the necessary equipment, and I have done a set of scales, and some polishing. PM me if you would like to get together on your project.
Skip

[alexanderdurham]

Hey sounds like a fantastic project. Good luck! I want to see the final restored product. Can't wait.

[Dann]

nice joseph rodgers! I try and steer clear of the ones with gold wash/faint etchings on the blade, because i always like really shiny blades(everywhere) and if you want to keep the design on the blade you cant go balls-to-the-wall on polishing. But try some mothers metal polish with a real soft cloth, and see how it turns out! and then post pics!

[Geezer]

If you use a hard piece of wood like the side of a painted wood pencil or very smooth popsicle stick or hard cardboard like a business card with the polish, that may hold the shine to the top of the etching. It does not always work though. Rub the polish completely into the stick or card, and scrape/wipe off all excess, there will be plenty enough, and stop and check often. Also replace the applicator often to prevent it from shredding and thereby getting into the etching. The hard surface may bridge the etching and only hit the high spots. Mask the etching before doing any other cleaning though and save it for last. Lightly does it!!
Respectfully
~Richard

Given that this is a Masonic blade, any restoration should be limited to the tang and monkeytail. If you try to remove any of the blade's patina, you will lose the etching that makes the blade valuable. Now, polishing with Maas or something similar maight help to remove some of the discoloration, but that's about all you can do without risking losing the etching.

[Benjamin]

Update: With an embarrassing amount of regret, I must admit that progress on this project is pretty much nil. It was taking a back seat to my job search, but nonetheless it should not take more than a day to get this project seriously underway.

Which brings me to a new question: I might be pressing my luck, but do any straight razor enthusiasts live in the Shenzhen/Hong Kong area? This looks to be my likely destination for the near future and it would be nice to know whether I need to load up on razor cartridges before leaving or if I will be able to just throw the Joseph Elliot in my checked luggage and find a kindred shaving spirit in that area of the world before I need my next shave.

Thank you all for the advice, both past and future. If I can't figure it out before leaving, it will be a project for one of my returns to the States.