I have a Gillette Old Style that once belonged to my grandfather. It has a severe crack in the handle (I know it is common with that razor,) and have tried fixing it. Although it is in one piece, the crack is very visible (as in gap type visible.) Are there any recommendations to being able to have the crack fixed in a way that is less noticable?
Gillette Old Style Questions
- Thread starter unstereotyped
- Start date
First of all, welcome to B&B!
Secondly, can you provide a picture of the crack? You can either "insert image" if you can host it on the web with photobucket or something else or use the "Attachments" functionality.
It depends upon the severity of the crack. I have heard of using small amounts of epoxy and carefully wrapping the handle with coated wire and twisting the wire down until it closed and held the crack together. But, you have to be careful to avoid the wire getting glued to the handle. I would also apply a touch of epoxy to the neck and/or the tip (if a ball end style) and insert them before tightening down the wire.
But, if your Old Type is a standard style with the long post cap and knob piece with the inner barrel it would take a slightly different, or more careful approach.
Secondly, can you provide a picture of the crack? You can either "insert image" if you can host it on the web with photobucket or something else or use the "Attachments" functionality.
It depends upon the severity of the crack. I have heard of using small amounts of epoxy and carefully wrapping the handle with coated wire and twisting the wire down until it closed and held the crack together. But, you have to be careful to avoid the wire getting glued to the handle. I would also apply a touch of epoxy to the neck and/or the tip (if a ball end style) and insert them before tightening down the wire.
But, if your Old Type is a standard style with the long post cap and knob piece with the inner barrel it would take a slightly different, or more careful approach.
- Thread starter
- #3
Gracias por darme la bienvenida.
I believe mine is the common type with the post cap and knob piece, which both became undone after some time.
I do not have the time to post any new pictures at the moment, but I will see if I can post some. In the meantime, this is before cleaning it. Unfortunately, the crack is not visible in this pic.
I used epoxy to glue it back together and wire did not work. Two clamps and carefully monitoring it brought it back into one piece, but oddly, it seperated in a way exposing the crack after removing the clamp after more than the curing time.
I believe mine is the common type with the post cap and knob piece, which both became undone after some time.
I do not have the time to post any new pictures at the moment, but I will see if I can post some. In the meantime, this is before cleaning it. Unfortunately, the crack is not visible in this pic.
I used epoxy to glue it back together and wire did not work. Two clamps and carefully monitoring it brought it back into one piece, but oddly, it seperated in a way exposing the crack after removing the clamp after more than the curing time.
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Hard to tell. But, if the crack runs the full length I would say that it may be tough to hold.
If you are wanting to use it you can find an original replacement handle here on B&B. Not only did the Old Types come with this exact handle, but the Goodwills and the early Gillette NEW's did as well. I can't tell if it is silver, nickel or gold plated from the picture. From the head it appears nickel or silver plate, though.
If you want to only keep it for display I would simply turn the crack side down and then you would know you still had his original handle. In fact, I would keep the handle regardless, if I was you.
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- #5
Thanks for the comment. I believe you about the bond being a tough hold. The last picture was before cleaning up the razor and the crack was hidden. This is the razor now with the crack more evident.
As for replacement handles, I would not want one for the sake of keeping the original razor, being it has been in the family for so long, but cool idea.
Sorry for the lousy pics. The only digital camera I have is my cell phone.
As for replacement handles, I would not want one for the sake of keeping the original razor, being it has been in the family for so long, but cool idea.
Sorry for the lousy pics. The only digital camera I have is my cell phone.
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I'm going to try repairing one by soldering the crack closed then re-plating.I'll post pictures of before and after.
I don't know if you wouldn't need to fill the crack with something and then replate as it might re-expand and crack the plating... No idea if this is a valid point or not as I have limited notions of brass with heat vs strength of replating...
