Candidate for restoration?

[Robxcarlson]

Can anyone tell me anything about this razor? Marked Witte Hardware Co. Germany. I assume it wasn't an expensive model when new. I haven't tried to clean it or anything - the edge has several tiny, tiny chips.

This came as part of a lot and I'm not sure what I'll do with it. But I appreciate any advice or expertise.

 

[Fnord5]

The rust on the edge is scary looking.

Before you do anything, hone it, and make sure the bevel isn't swiss cheese.

After that, if the metal is still solid, soak it with a light oil(WD40/3in1) for a bit to loosen the rust, then probably start out with 400 grit paper as there appears to be no pitting. Then work your way up to 1200/1500 grit.

 

[Robxcarlson]

The rust on the edge is scary looking.

Before you do anything, hone it, and make sure the bevel isn't swiss cheese.

After that, if the metal is still solid, soak it with a light oil(WD40/3in1) for a bit to loosen the rust, then probably start out with 400 grit paper as there appears to be no pitting. Then work your way up to 1200/1500 grit.

I got this as a part of a lot with some DE's. I don't know anything really about straights - So I can't hone it myself. I'll try the sandpaper and the oil, but I'll have to see about getting it honed. I wouldn't be out anything if this razor were a loss, but I thought I could possibly clean it up and get it scaled if it were worth it.

 

[Fnord5]

Well, it's a German blade, so it will be at least a quality shaver.

But even if the edge is swiss cheese, it will be good to learn on for restoration.

As for not being able to hone, if you use the 1200/1500 grit paper, you can "hone" it enough to check the quality of the steel at the edge.

 

[leighton]

I personally would not even try. But I certainly encourage you to give it a shot if you have time to kill. Just sand the edge on paper like Fnord suggests and see if it swiss cheeses.

 

[Robxcarlson]

I'm not sure what is meant by "swiss cheese," unless you mean it will actually have holes in it. When I get around to cleaning it, I will post more pics.
Thanks!

 

[leighton]

I'm not sure what is meant by "swiss cheese," unless you mean it will actually have holes in it. When I get around to cleaning it, I will post more pics.
Thanks!

Yes, thats exactly what we mean. The edge will have chips all throughout the edge. Imagine cutting swiss cheese in half and looking at the edge produced, and thats exactly what we mean.

 

[Robxcarlson]

I've gone at this a little bit and removed probably all the rust and most of the discoloration. The razor has a few pits and few tiny chips in the edge, but looks swiss cheese free to me... It's hard to get clear close photos of the edge but I've tried. Please tell me if you think I've got a razor here that I can save. Thanks!

 

[leighton]

Did you look at the edge through magnification? Your not going to see the swiss cheese unless you use magnification or have seen so many swiss cheese blades that you just know what to look for with the naked eye.

Btw, it looks very bad now. Highly doubtful there is hope.

 

[GsSixgun]

A. Witte makers of one of the almost legendary "Gold Bug" razors..

I have to agree the prospects look dim..

Take a piece of 400-800 grit sandpaper, wet the counter top/ piece of glass/ Pryce of smooth granite tile and stick the sandpaper on it the water will hold it there.. Hone the razor on the sandpaper using pressure for 10-20 laps look at the shiny edge under 20-40 X and decide.... If there are tons of little black craters in the edge, toss the razor it really is that simple...

 

[Dharion]

Moar! The fine German processed steel hasn't even looked at you yet

 

[Robxcarlson]

OK - It will be a couple of weeks before I can back to this... but I will do as suggested.
Thanks!