Thread: Red Imp Restore

Well after some antique store rummaging today, I am now the proud owner of a Red Imp #133 with the Case stamp.

I'm not *completely* new to restoring. I have one Shumete #25 under my belt, but I have a feeling that this will require some more advanced tecniques. Not because the blade is in bad shape (it isn't....just a couple tiny rust spots on the spine and tail), but because of the patina on the tang, the original red enameling, the warped scales, and the condition of the emblem on the scales. I want to address these in turn.

1. Patina - There is some rust on an area where the patina is. This will invariably lead me to remove some patina while removing rust. How can I re-add this patina? Could I remove all the patina and use jeweler's grade antiquing solution to do this? Are there other methods?

2. Enameling - I know it isn't real enamel, as the temp required to bake the enamel could mess up the temper. Is it just enamel paint, IE testors enamel paint? If so, I understand that I should put it on carefully with something akin to a toothpick, then get the excess off carefully with an exacto knife or something. I am afraid that would damage the antiquing that I will have to do to the razor. What order should I do this in, or do you have any suggestions?

3. Warped/scuffed scales - are they celluloid? If so, I understand the process of straightening them, but I do not understand the process of polishing them. I really want to get a good shine on them, because I want to use the original scales. Any suggestions, or do you know what the scales may be made of if not celluloid?

4. Scale emblem - I understand it originally had some sort of brass shine on them of some sort. Any idea how I could restore that, or if it is possible? Is gold or brass leaf possible? Any suggestions are appreciated.

I appreciate any assistance you can render unto me. I think you kind of owe me, since I've contracted RAD from you....It's official, I have 3 razors...it's a collection.

Originally Posted by geauxtig3rs

....It's official, I have 3 razors...it's a collection.

Three razors isn't a collection. You've only got 3/7 of a 7 day set. As far as your questions, I'll let someone who is a little more seasoned in doing these sorts of restores answer them. I'm more of a minimalist.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Three razors isn't a collection. You've only got 3/7 of a 7 day set.

Oh, I definitely plan on at least getting 7, but IMHO, 1 is an item, 2 is a pair, and 3 brings you to a collection....especially if it's a luxury item....

Ahhh... I remember when I thought that four razors was a lot... so naive, so innocent. And the rationalization too. I'm sure you also think that the guys hiding razors and razor purchases from the wife are crazy; yah, I remember those days of yesteryear.

I mean, literally yesteryear. It was last year I had four razors and a half assed strop and thought I was pretty much done. I think I'm about average for the sampling of this group, and I have two seven spot rolls full of shavers, a drawer full of junkers, a shoebox of restore/repair candidates, 32 bids on the bay, four strops, a handful of stones... and I'm hiding razors from the wife.

Practice this line: "This? Oh, I have had this for a while, just didn't get around to cleaning/honing/using it until now; it's not new, you know?" until it's believable.

To the business at hand. Once you're done straightening the scales you can wet sand them like a blade, with analogous results. After that you can polish with Mother's Mag and Aluminum wheel compound and lovingly buff them with a soft cloth.

I can't add anything to the inlay thing, as I've totally messed up the two I've attempted. In the interest of saving you pain, money and time, do not involve flame heat in the process, nor crazy glue type adhesives - especially after you've polished them.

Best of luck,



Marcos

Originally Posted by geauxtig3rs

1. Patina - There is some rust on an area where the patina is. This will invariably lead me to remove some patina while removing rust. How can I re-add this patina? Could I remove all the patina and use jeweler's grade antiquing solution to do this? Are there other methods?

2. Enameling - I know it isn't real enamel, as the temp required to bake the enamel could mess up the temper. Is it just enamel paint, IE testors enamel paint? If so, I understand that I should put it on carefully with something akin to a toothpick, then get the excess off carefully with an exacto knife or something. I am afraid that would damage the antiquing that I will have to do to the razor. What order should I do this in, or do you have any suggestions?

3. Warped/scuffed scales - are they celluloid? If so, I understand the process of straightening them, but I do not understand the process of polishing them. I really want to get a good shine on them, because I want to use the original scales. Any suggestions, or do you know what the scales may be made of if not celluloid?

4. Scale emblem - I understand it originally had some sort of brass shine on them of some sort. Any idea how I could restore that, or if it is possible? Is gold or brass leaf possible? Any suggestions are appreciated.

1. I think a picture would help get a better answer, but I would just remove the rust and leave the rest of the patina that isn't rusted. you could try the process of acid etching to get some of the patina back in that space.

2. I don't know what enamel you speak of on the razor or scales.

3. If they are the red plastic scales I don't think they are celluloid. If you search for "fixing warped scales" you will find a couple different methods for how to accomplish this. I actually fixed a bend in my Red Imp scales and documented it on here.

4. If the scale emblem is still deep, I would put some gold/yellow enamel in there and call it a day. Gold leafing probably won't hold up to handling it, especially since that little red devil emblem is usually pretty shallow. But pictures would help with this determination as well.