Cleaning Used/Old DE Razors?

[DEDan]

Well, I picked up a Gilette TTO today at an antique fair (It has a Z on the left and a 3 on the right, made in the USA - Anyone know when it was made?), and also a 1912 brass single edge GEM Junior. Got both for a total of $13.00 so I feel I got a good deal, since they are both in working order, and the open combs are straight on the GEM.

They both have some wear/gunk on them, and I'd love to clean them up so I can start to use them. I was soaking them in ninety-one percent rubbing alcohol to clean them off, but that had little to no effect for me, using a toothbrush to gently rub at the offending areas.

What sort of products or methods do you folks use to clean your yard sale/antique/flea market acquisitions? The Gilette seems to be steel or chrome, but if it is chrome it is pretty dull. I'm guessing it's just steel in this case. I'm sure you guys can set me straight! Thanks!

Also, first post, woo!

 

[the_edski]

Hot water and soap and elbow grease with a tooth-brush (don't underestimate the power of a good,long soak here). If that doesn't work, Scrubbing bubbles. Don't boil them or use bleach no matter what anyone else says. Once clean, you can get some Maas and polish them up!

P.S. Welcome to B&B!

 

[DEDan]

Hi, thanks for welcoming me! I'll be sure to post some pics when I get them all nice and shiny, the GEM in particular is gonna look awesome, I think, it being brass and all. I've heard good things about Maas, I'll pick some up! Thank you for the help.

 

[plywood99]

Welcome to B&B and hope those razors clean up nicely for you.

 

[Mick]

Welcome to B&B

Start with dish soap and a tooth brush. If this does not get the "shine" you are after get some Dow scrubbing bubbles bath cleaner. Spray it on and lit it sit for 5-10 minutes, then at it again with a tooth brush (squirting more DOW on as needed).

that is about all you will need to do as the DOW product is an antibacterial so will get rid of any "nasties" that might be sticking around (I doubt that there will be any but if you are worried this will remove them)

Your Z-3 was made in 1954 or 1979 (depending on what model it is... a pic would be helpful to tell you what you have)

If you have not already done so, stop into the Hall of Fame and tell everyone a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame