So back when I was 14 my great grandfather passed away (at 95 years old!) and left a few odds and ends to me. I do remember seeing an old safety razor in there and started to go through it again today. Yep an old Gillette. Currently I am new to the safety razor world so is this worth restoring (corrosion and some rust) and putting in rotation or should I move just leave it as a memento?
Found an old Gillette
- Thread starter SimpleDesign
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It should clean up fine but there are different methods for different razors. A pic would really help.
Jay
Jay
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- #3
this is what it looks like:
currently it's sitting in white vinegar and water.....I'll get some pictures of it exactly in a while.
currently it's sitting in white vinegar and water.....I'll get some pictures of it exactly in a while.
I have no experience with vintage razors, but I like the idea of having a one used by a great grandfather. That's cool. It looks like it should clean up nicely.
Use warm water with dish soap and a toothbrush. Maybe after that a light polish. I betcha you the rust spots disappear. 
OMG . . . don't use Brasso!!!
The gold wash on that razor is thin. Brasso will take it down to the unfinished brass. A good cleaning with Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush, followed by buffing with a soft cloth will bring out quite a bit of luster.
A soak in very hot (not quite boiling) water with dish soap will get rid of a lot of crud and help the cleaning process.
If cleaning doesn't bring out some shine, gently use a little MAAS or Simichrome. Don't use harsh jewelry cleaners, which are generally formulated as silver tarnish removers.
I would use this after a nice touch up (see above).
The idea of continuing the tradition would be so much more worth than the razor itself, I would love to use it in the rotation.
It also is a nice object that might remind you of your grandfather, thus a memento in use.
That, my friend, is a ball-end Tech. Can you see a letter and a number on the bottom plate? That'll tell us which year/quarter it was made in (check out the chart at http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information) If there's no date code, a picture of the base plate will at least let us narrow it down to a 2-3 year band.
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- #10
No numbers or letters on it. Just has:
Gillette "diamond with arrow" logo
"Made in USA"
"Pat.Nos. on package"
"Reg US Patent Off."
I'm going to let it sit overnight in the vinegar
Gillette "diamond with arrow" logo
"Made in USA"
"Pat.Nos. on package"
"Reg US Patent Off."
I'm going to let it sit overnight in the vinegar
I believe that dats it to the 46-50 range. If I am wrong someone will be along shortly. Do as others have said and use a toothbrush with some dish soap. It will clean up good and be cool to shave with Gramps razor. Enjoy!
Jay
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- #13
Well I don't seem to have the ability to fully restore it at my disposal, but here are some pictures as promised
The gold plating is pretty much gone,it's very thin on those techs.Just wash it with a toothbrush,hot water and liquid dish soap.It will shave fine.I have much uglier razors than that and I use them often.
If you are new to DE shaving the Tech provides a very mild shave. Watch Mantic59's videos on you tube, read the WIKIS on here about getting started. And as a new shaver always remember 0 pressure on the razor. Let the razor weight do the work.
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- #16
This is my second razor....I use it more for touch up and a Merkur for the reduction
Try these guys, if you feel its worth it. And I think it is.
http://www.shaving101.com/index.php...stable-safety-razor-brought-back-to-life.html
Its about the razor revamp service. I have not had personal experience with them, Im just passing the info.
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Having it replated may be the way to go. It will shave fine either way. I hope you have happy memories every time you pick up your Grandfather's razor.
Phil
Phil
