Grungy Aristocrat

[MrShake]

So I had a mini vacation recently and picked up a few razors at antique shops.... Here is one that I am looking forward to cleaning and seeing what I actually got:

This one is VERY VERY grungy. I have no idea of the date yet. Its going to be the first razor in my new ultrasonic cleaner I have ordered.

One thing for sure is the TTO mech is smooth and easy. The case may be a total loss... but I payed less than 10 bucks for it.

 

[GentsInstinct]

Wow. Talk about seeing better days. Be sure to followup with After cleaning pics.

 

[eyeguy]

Man, that thing is filthy!! You might wanna soak it in Scrubbing Bubbles several times to penetrate the gunk first. The ultrasonic will definitely do its magic, but the bubbles should make it go much quicker. You definitely have your work cut out for you!

 

[DavyRay]

That should be a gold-plated brass razor. With the right cleaning products, it should shine again.

 

[ssultan]

That razor has seen much love...in the pictures it looks like the grooves have been worn smooth by regular use!!

 

[_MementoMori_]

It'll clean up like a champ. I've resurrected razors that looked exactly like that.

 

[ssultan]

Let's see some pictures after the ultrasonic cleaner does it's job...

 

[MrShake]

That razor has seen much love...in the pictures it looks like the grooves have been worn smooth by regular use!!

Odly, or grossly, its not worn smooth, its the dirt/gunk buildup is sooooo thick its filled in all the groves.

I really wonder what kind of dirt does that! I think I need to keep an eye out for an aristocrat box on the bay if this baby comes out at all decent. It will be my 2nd aristocrat.

 

[BBrad]

I'll bet the gunk buildup on the handle has protected the finish from wear and damage . . .

+1 on the pre-clean with Scrubbing Bubbles before going into the ultrasonic.

Then, use very hot (not quite boiling) water with a few drops of dish soap in the cleaner. You will be amazed . . .

BTW - that Aristocrat should shave like a dream . . . it is my favorite non-adjustable TTO.

 

[cernel_joson]

All this talk about ultrasonic cleaners has piqued my interest. I'm eagerly awaiting to see how it handles this razor. Please document the entire process!

 

[luvmysuper]

I hope your ugly duckling becomes a swan.
Keep us posted!

 

[mdevine]

I'd love to see the after pictures. I've cleaned up some grungy razors but haven't yet tackled anything like that.

 

[papi]

What I would do is try W-D40, goggles and a stiff brush on it. Its a bit too dirty for conventional methods.

 

[MrShake]

I think I'm going to start with dish soap and a brush.. I want to be really gentle so as not to risk any removal of the gold plating. We will see... I hope my cleaner gets here soon!!

 

[GentsInstinct]

It looks like whomever used it, never rinsed after a pass and when their shave was over, the razor covered in soap, hair, skin and blood, they just laid it over in the case. Many times. If the end result of your cleaning comes out like we're all hoping, you'll get the award for best resurrection, no doubt.

 

[cernel_joson]

You might want to go over the knurling with many toothpicks before you think about using a brush. I wouldn't scratch down on it though, just try to break it up. If you get under the crud you can take it out in chunks or sheets. I'd do it outside though.

 

[drewmac]

Wow...that thing looks like a superfund site.

I also like the toothpick first idea. The more crud you break off, the better the ultrasonic will work in the cracks and crevices of the razor.

 

[Mako72]

+1 the WD40, and I use a old toothbrush. Just spray it on let it sit for about a minute and gently scrub, when 90% clean switch to an old rag. Has worked on all mine so far.

Jay

 

[drewmac]

I would suggest not using WD40; especially on gold plated razors (they're delicate). Scrubbing bubbles is the harshest thing my razors have ever seen. If you can't soak the stuff off, use a toothpick and a toothbrush.

 

[BroJohn]

OxyClean works pretty well on old grunge and gold razors.

Take your time, work gently.

-- John Gehman