How to clean this GEM razor

[levinll]

Bought this at a garage sale, and first off let me apologize for being totally uneducated regarding razors.

I've watched a few YouTube videos on how to clean razors, and I've done the Dawn w/toothbrush routine, but there are still areas on this razor that I want to clean.

My question is whether I can clean these areas, or is this simply the wearing off of the plating.

Once again I apologize for being naive when it comes to razors.

 

[Aldwyn]

I'd soak it in a glass of white vinegar for several hours, then wipe off the rust and crud with a soft scouring pad. Follow that with a 10 min soak in Barbersol if you have it. Followed by a clean/polish with some MAAS, Mothers or other metal polish of your choice.

And don't use those blades.

 

[levinll]

Thanks for input!

Is this razor copper coated ?

 

[Ice-Man]

That has a lot of plate loss, the only thing you can do is clean it and have it replated. Or use it as is after a clean.....

 

[never-stop-learning]

Bit of a germophobe here.....

Step 1: Start with a soak in almost boiling water with some Dawn dishwashing soap. Rinse.

Step 2: Good scrub with a soft toothbrush and more Dawn. Rinse.

Step 3: Soak in Isopropynol. Rinse.

Step 4: Barbicide for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: Close inspection and remediation on any required areas.

Step 7: Polish with Flitz.

Step 8: Be patient.

YMMV

 

[levinll]

So the spots that I think are dirty as just "loss of copper" ?

 

[iamsms]

I do the same as @never-stop-learning without step number 3.

 

[Ice-Man]

So the spots that I think are dirty as just "loss of copper" ?

Loss of Nickel plate is the dark spots but once it is cleaned it will shave fine, the Nickel is just for looks to make it shiny.

 

[levinll]

Used the vinegar and toothpaste routine. Cleaned up nicely !

 

[frozenoak]

Sure did. Nice looking razor.

 

[duke762]

Holy Cow! I was a doubter that it would clean up. Outstanding!

 

[Vaporstang]

Looks great! Do you plan to use it?

 

[Haiku]

Go over the "Single Edge Razor" page. Here's the link:

Single Edged Razors - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/forums/single-edged-razors.147/

There's a ton of information about SE razors and this one in particular. If I'm not mistaken it's a GEM 1912 which would make it one of the all time best shaving safety razors out there. Various blade choices out there as well. It's chrome plated brass. Looks like almost no plating loss after over 100 years.

Dishwashing liquid, hot water, MAAS polish, toothpaste, all work. MAAS is magic. I'm no physician but I can't imagine any bugs living through that type of clean up. Boil it in a pot full of water if wish. Don't put it into a dishwasher.

One SE blade is good for something like 10 or more shaves for me.

Enjoy one of the all time classic American razors.