Thread: Picking A Restoration Project

I tried doing to some searching, but did not really find an answer to my question. If there is a thread already then please direct me and accept my apologies for asking again.

I want to start doing some razor restoration. While I already figure on looking for brands that are known for being good, what other things should I look at to see if a razor is a candidate for being restored while looking at auctions online? I figure on getting a couple of Henckels pretty soon to at least start getting my skills geared towards this art.

Thanks.

When it comes to what can be restored to a really nice state, I think the only way to learn is through experience. And even then you can't always tell.

Go to fleabay and/or even try your local antique store and get you something really nasty to restore. The more work you have to do the more you'll learn. It will definitely try your patience and give you s good indication on restoration. One thing you can count on is the pleathera of knowledge the gentlemen here on SRP that have been doing this for years.

I think this Beginners Tips might answer some questions for you

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post736914

If it's something you can hold in your hand, run your finger over the corrosion. If it's sticking up a bit, there are probably holes underneath. If it's still relatively level, the corrosion probably doesn't go too deep. Doesn't alway work as rust is sneaky, but it can help you pick a razor.

Thanks for the pointers. I am trying for a couple of beaters that look like the edges are still pretty decent on fleabay. Not much info on the blades, but figure it would at least be a way to start getting some experience, if the blades suck. But, maybe I will luck out.

Go cheap at first, that way when you screw it up it doesn't hurt the pride as much... I took my first restore, laid it out, put a dremmel to it and immediately chipped and ruined a good blade. My next few attempts produced scales that looked like a neaderthal made them... I was a wood carver (an okay one, hobbiest), and a handy sort of fellow (made, and restored a lot of anique furniture, but razors are defenitely an art that is. Aquired through practice. Read up on the masters here and you will save a lot of grief... By the way i still can't get one perfect.. My closest was a Army Special with ivory handles that i made. Proudest razor i own.

Apart from what the others already said: stay away from full hollow ground razors unless there is no rust on the blade. If the razor has some meat to it, like a half hollow, there will be a much bigger margin for error on your part.

almost anything can be restored it all depends on time and drive to get the job done. I have done a couple now and am pleased with the end product and enjoy using them. Just be sure not jump into the deep end first time or you might overwhelm yourself and give up. As well be aware that nothing is free my first restore was a $10.00 W&B but sand paper, couple sheets of special grades polish and some equipment turned her into a 110 dollar razor lol but now I'm set up to do more.


good luck