Buying a vintage razor: advice, please

[alanbarnes]

I've about convinced myself that a birth-quarter (K3) Gillette Slim would be a good father's day present. This will be my first vintage razor, and I'm no collector; it would be for shaving.

Those who value a vintage razor's history have my undying respect, and it seems a shame to pay a premium for a razor in near-mint condition then ruin its value as a collector's item by putting it to work. But I'm not one of those people: shiny and new-looking appeal to me.

So my thought is to buy a Slim and have it replated. But apparently replating a razor with pits and scratches will just result in shiny pits and scratches - not the look I'm going for.

While I can find a few K3 Slims on eBay, the photos range from inadequate to nearly useless for evaluating condition. Does anybody have thoughts on how the typical online auction razor will clean up? Should I just hang around B/S/T and try to find one with better photos and descriptors? Any advice you guys can provide will be most welcome.

 

[Copierguy]

B/S/T is the safest path to take. But remember close up shots with a hi resolution digital camera make things look rougher the they usually are while the eye is often more forgiving.

Good hunting.....

 

[oakeshott]

Definitely the BST or local antique shops. Patience will reward you.

 

[alanbarnes]

Update: Being the impatient type, I posted a WTB on the B/S/T board, and a fellow B&B member offered me a fine K3 Slim that he'd recently found on the 'Bay. Thanks to both of you guys for the suggestion to look here. Huge thanks to RobW for letting me have the benefit of his good eye and sharp bidding. And props to the entire B&B community for developing and encouraging such a collegial environment.

 

[bosseb]

Update: Being the impatient type, I posted a WTB on the B/S/T board, and a fellow B&B member offered me a fine K3 Slim that he'd recently found on the 'Bay. Thanks to both of you guys for the suggestion to look here. Huge thanks to RobW for letting me have the benefit of his good eye and sharp bidding. And props to the entire B&B community for developing and encouraging such a collegial environment.

And now for the replating:



This was done by onotoman (Dave at www.restoredrazors.com). I have used a few replatingshops and I can recommend Dave!

Bosse

PS. Can't get rid of the attached image, sorry

 

[KingGordon]

That is one fine looking replate. I have noticed that Onotoman's work leaves the knurling looking like the original, which I very much like.

I have seen some replates on ebay where the plating muddles the knurling a little. I prefer the sharp original pattern on the knurling and Dave keeps things looking great.

 

[alanbarnes]

And now for the replating:

Wow, that looks spectacular. I've heard nothing but good things about Dave's work, but am also considering Reliable Electroplating in Massachusetts. Any thoughts? (I live in California, FWIW.)

 

[Stampede]

B&B member, Krona Kruiser is in California and does a great job plating. I believe he only does nickel though.

 

[alanbarnes]

B&B member, Krona Kruiser is in California and does a great job plating. I believe he only does nickel though.

That's my understanding, too. I'm inclined to go with Rhodium, simply because I'm unduly attracted to small shiny objects.