Cleaning/polishing Vintage Gillette question?

[Goatrope]

I'm getting pretty good at cleaning and polishing smooth surfaces on vintage Gillette razors, however, the fine knurling and ridges on handles seem to be more challenging for me.

I follow the usual process recommended here: Soak in hot water/dish soap, scrub with toothbrush, scrubbing bubbles with toothbrush, Flitz/Maas for final polish.

Any tips or advice on how to clean and polish or shine/brighten the fine knurling on handles like depicted in the photo?



If I put Flitz on the handle, the cream seems to get stuck in the grooves and you can't really polish it with a micro-fiber cloth.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alum Ladd]

I'm getting pretty good at cleaning and polishing smooth surfaces on vintage Gillette razors, however, the fine knurling and ridges on handles seem to be more challenging for me.

I follow the usual process recommended here: Soak in hot water/dish soap, scrub with toothbrush, scrubbing bubbles with toothbrush, Flitz/Maas for final polish.

Any tips or advice on how to clean and polish or shine/brighten the fine knurling on handles like depicted in the photo?

View attachment 1530750

If I put Flitz on the handle, the cream seems to get stuck in the grooves and you can't really polish it with a micro-fiber cloth.

Thanks in advance!

That's simply plating loss. My US 48-49 Super Speed has a somewhat similar condition handle where it's come off, although it's retained about 50-60% of the original plating.

I think Gillette used quite a subdued light nickel plating. It was never very shiny, with the exception of the rhodiums and other exotic finishes.

It's either take it for what it is, or a replate job I guess.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Looks like you have some plating loss there. If you polish, you will get to the brass that was under the plating.

 

[Medivh]

Go easy with the polishing compounds, because if the plating is damaged, they might damage it even more. Try toothpaste instead to see if it's good enough. I've polished a few of my razors that way and I was amazed how good toothpaste with a toothbrush is.

 

[Goatrope]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I tried the toothpaste idea, thanks @Medivh, that seemed to help a bit.

There seems to be ever so slight plating loss. I had to really strain my eyes to detect barely noticeable 'pink' glistening in certain areas on the handle knurling. As such, I think it's very suitable as a shaver and even presents fairly well.

After brushing handle with toothpaste:


Side-by-side with a practically unused Ranger Tech '41 on the right:


Not quite as bright as the unused razor, but close enough to call it good in my book.