Thread: 7/8 Wade & Butcher wedge blade restore by a noob

This forum is awesome. I joined about a month ago. I know have a bit of a collection and I'm ready to move on to restoring. After reading the SRP forum alittle more and just getting over the fear of destroying such a reputable product I just went for it. I watched Undreams 12 part razor restore on youtube and got excited. Then when he started using his power tools and buffers...i have to admit I was alittle discouraged since I don't have and power tools...yet. So here we go.

STEP 1:
I went to Strauss Auto and bought some 1a) 3M WETORDRY 03021 Grit Assorted Paper Sheets. Grits included in the pack are 220, 400, 800, 1000. 1b) 3M EMORY CLOTH 03008 Assorted Sheets 2 course, 2 medium, 2 fine. Total for the purchase of both was $10.32

Since I'm a noob I guess I will be trying to break it down for those who don't know 'cause all of this is new to me.

STEP 2:
So Here is the W&B that I received already broken apart so I didn't need a Dremel or other method of pin/peen removal. 2a) So on the back there is a some what crude etching of the name "Arch". I'm torn between honoring this previous owner or totally sanding the name off. There is some light rust on the spine and tail but overall I think the blade is in good shape. Remember I'm a noob so I know nothing of what I speak...LOL 2b) The front of the blade shows some dark staining toward the spine and some light rust around the pivot hole and the tail.

STEP 3: I sanded the blade using a course sheet of emory cloth. Oh I forgot to mention that I didn't get lower grit wet dry like 80 or 140 because they didn't have it at Strauss so I made due. So this what an hour and a half of hand sanding with course grit looks like. I sanded the rough spots on the spine, tang and tail in a circular motion like I read in a SPR forum (while watching family guy on Hulu). I sanded the rest with back and forth motions across the lenght of the blade. Underneath the dark areas is some light pitting so I have to keep going. I wrapped the emory cloth around a Chap Stick as I sanded and used the rounded edge of the cap almost like you would an eraser. Sorry the photos are not the best.

NEXT STEPS: Keep sanding with the course grain until i get the pits out. I have to decide on the legacy of "Arch" but I think I will just keep sanding the name out.

WHAT I LEARNED SO FAR:
Don't be afraid to try. There is way more than enough info on this forum to get started. Pitted areas are a pain in the butt. I will now try to avoid purchasing razors with rust on them. I know this is impossible but after sanding for 1 1/2 hours I am starting to feel a certain loathing for it...LOL Lastly always respect a man named "Arch" and never give up.

Thanks

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