Aristocrat dilemma: replate, or buy mint?

[Emmett]

With a recently acquired blue tip on the way, the last razor I have interest in acquiring is a British Aristocrat. I would like one in nice shiny condition. But I'm not a collector and how the razor gets to be shiny is not really a concern. I am considering buying a beat-up razor and having it replated instead of shelling out $200+ for one in mint condition. I've seen other razors replated here, but is it blasphemy to replate an Aristocrat?

 

[82R100]

Only if you later try to pass it off as mint.

Otherwise, do what you want. We're not talking Duesenbergs and Bugattis here. These are razors that sold for less than $20 new. Blasphemy only applies to bonafide religions.

- Chris

 

[razor_n_blade]

What does a good quality replating job cost? The British Aristocrats are plated in rhodium (at the handles are), which I understand is very difficult to remove. Also, even in beat up condition, these razors still command a decent price, so it may be a wash whichever way you go. If it was me, I'd opt for original shininess.

 

[ozzy_scl]

I think if you are going to keep it, and as you say you don't mind how it gets shiny, tehn there's no problem with having it replated.
It would be bad, if you're trying to sell it as mint, knowing that was replated... but If I was in your situation, I'll replate one.

Matter of fact, I'm considering in replating some razors that I want to keep (or consider part of history) and I don't use much.

 

[Emmett]

I would not try to resell a replated razor as mint. I think you fellows might be jaded from bad ebay sellers but that is something I would never do!

 

[Emmett]

What does a good quality replating job cost? The British Aristocrats are plated in rhodium (at the handles are), which I understand is very difficult to remove. Also, even in beat up condition, these razors still command a decent price, so it may be a wash whichever way you go. If it was me, I'd opt for original shininess.

I believe are a couple guys on B&B who replate for 25-50. I have heard rhodium is terrible to remove. But weren't there also some that were gold-plated?

 

[Oldguy]

I don't know anyone else's idea on this but this is mine.

By beat up if you mean the razor has a lot of plating loss and is not collector quality, I see no problem with replating it. In 50 years or so if the razor becomes as rare as say a double ring is now, I wouldn't. While the British Aristocrat is a beautiful razor and is bring some high prices at auction, it is not all that rare yet.

However if I were to buy one I would go for the $200 model in excellent shape. I think mint brings in a lot more.

Len

 

[razor_n_blade]

But weren't there also some that were gold-plated?

Yes, there was the Aristocrat De Luxe, but they are quite rare and go for huge amounts when they do pop up.

 

[billc508]

I had some razors replated recently, including gold aristocrats at a professional plater in Norton, Mass. their website is [email protected] 508 222 0620. I paid abou 25 bucks apiece and the plating came out fine. The owner, Dale, could tell you all you want to know about rhodium plating or whatever you want to do. It's like anything else, it isn't difficult if you have the technology and know how to use it. I do not do replating myself but I have a background in metals and welding and the like and anything is possible to do if it's set up right. good luck bc

 

[paydepst]

If you are keeping it I see no problem with a replate. I replated a double ring that was well past its "sell by date" if you follow me and it is one of the few DE razors I use. Another plus on the replate is that if you were lucky enough to find an Aristocrat like the one above in mint condition you would hardly be inclined to shave with it--at least that has always been my experience.