Best DE razor restoration service?

[Roland]

Okay I got a Gillette 1959 (E3) Fatboy razor, it's my only razor (until that straight I ordered gets here) and I've had it for many years. I quite like it and would like to breathe some more life into it, the plating on it is gone in places and there is something about it that is bent, so the razor blades are more aggressive on one edge than the other. I read something about bending it but I was not able to get it perfect so I am thinking of leaving it to a pro.

I'd like to send it in and have the physical defects fixed, then have it re-plated, maybe with rhodium this time, it seems like it's an upgrade from the usual nickel. I found one such service from RE but it seems they have a less than stellar reputation on this forum. So I am asking, who is in your opinion the best restorer of DE razors?

I am not just looking for a simple cleaning and re-plating, but someone who will look over the razor and fix whatever might be wrong or crooked on it, then plate it after that.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BBrad]

Hey Roland, welcome to B&B.

Since you are in Finland, Restored Razors in England would be a good choice. Dave (posts on B&B as onotoman) is very well-regarded in both his razor knowledge and replating skills. His pricing seems very fair, and I have never read anything negative about his services. In fact, all I can find are good things and happy customers!

There are others here in the states, like Stan at Above The Tie and Dave at West Coast Razors that also do an outstanding job.

 

[brucered]

I've only deal with Dave from RestoredRazors and can't say enough good about my dealings.

he was fast, friendly, affordable, and did great work. I had my Red Ring Eclipse repaired as the handle was spinning as well as he touched up the posts with replating and a few other things.

So to me, he was the complete package. Repair and restore.

 

[brucered]

here is my before:

After (no video, but he did a fantastic job securing the handle, squared it with the lettering to original specs):

 

[alex2363]

here is my before:
View attachment 285158

After (no video, but he did a fantastic job securing the handle, squared it with the lettering to original specs):
View attachment 285159View attachment 285161

nice job, those are very rare too.

 

[Roland]

Thanks for the tips, looks like I'll be checking out Restored Razors once I learn to get by on the straight razor.

 

[RobC]

wow

 

[Roland]

Wow what? The restoration pics, about that I wasn't able to load the youtube video.

 

[RobC]

Hay people how can I get this one restored?

 

[BBrad]

Hay people how can I get this one restored?

The Old-Type head works nicely on a Fat Tech handle . . . and the picture doesn't look like the plating is in too bad of shape as it is.

I'd start with a good cleaning and mild polish - MAAS or Simichrome are both good. Don't use any automotive polishes or Brasso. Since it is not "factory original" only you can decide if the razor is worth the cost of a replate to you. If so, contact the three guys listed above, get your prices, and go from there!

 

[RobC]

do i soak it in MAAS? or is it a paste?

thank you

 

[morganjg]

do i soak it in MAAS? or is it a paste?

thank you

It's a paste. Wipe it on good and even, let it haze a bit, and then buff with a soft lint free towel. Keep working until the rag is mostly black and the razor is very shiny

 

[RobC]

nice very shiny is what iam looking for. i want a nice clean good shaver!

 

[drlvegas]

I sent 3 of mine from Las Vegas to Dave in UK. Did a great job--highly reccommended.

 

[RobC]

what did it cost to have them done.