Different Metals / Plating

[jrmhng]

Hi All,

I was just reading up on old razors and noted the different materials they come in. Anyone know the pros and cons of the following materials either from experience or chemistry/metallurgy knowledge:

• Stainless Steel
• Brass
• Aluminum
• Bakelite
• Anything else I missed?

What about the different plating. I dont even have a list but I remember:

• Rhodium
• Nickel
• Anything else I missed?

Thanks for sharing.

 

[xillion]

Some razor heads are made fro Zamak.

Also, many vintage razors were gold plated.

 

[Greybeard]

Hi All,

I was just reading up on old razors and noted the different materials they come in. Anyone know the pros and cons of the following materials either from experience or chemistry/metallurgy knowledge:

• Stainless Steel
• Brass
• Aluminum
• Bakelite
• Anything else I missed?

If you're asking about the base materials under the plating, then many of the Gillettes were copper based. As mentioned, zinc/zamak was/is also used.

What about the different plating. I dont even have a list but I remember:

• Rhodium
• Nickel
• Anything else I missed?

Thanks for sharing.

Chromium, Silver and Gold.

 

[Eclectic]

Some razors are made of pot metal. Once the plating wears through they are finished.

Palladium plating. Used by Joris razors.

 

[jrmhng]

Well is there any difference between the material listed in terms of durability, ability to be replated etc?

 

[Thebigspendur]

Anything that was plated to begin with can be replated.

Of course the harder the substance the longer it will last. Gold is very soft and will wear fast while nickle or chrome is much harder.