How would I go about getting rid of yellow streaks and brown spots on my Gillette Fatboy?
- Thread starter Kelvin0683
- Start date
To me it looks like the plating is worn through. But the photo isn't that detailed to me.
Get it replated & it'll last another 60 years+
Plate loss for sure.
Looks like plating loss to these tired eyes. It shouldn’t effect the shave. Use and enjoy the shaves.
Use it or replace: totally up to you!
- Thread starter
- #7
If I replate something and then 60 years later, this starts to happen again can I replate it a second time?
Yes, but if it's done right and you take care of it, you'll never need to.[emoji41]
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You'll be too old to care.
#Truth
+1
The original plating was to make it palatable to the masses. Having an antique re-plated, other than making "true antique collectors"
@Kelvin0683 To your original question, if you are happy with the results after polishing with Flitz, there is nothing preventing you from using it as is, provided you also cleaned it. You will just have to be more vigilant about keeping it clean and dry (between uses, of course) to prevent oxidation of the substrate.
- Thread starter
- #13
Is it a bad idea to let a razor air dry? Should I use a towel and wipe it dry instead?
I typically wipe dry as best I can, and then leave disassembled/open for 24 hours to air dry.
Wiping dry any safety razor will help to keep it in better condition and reduce the presence of contaminants. Your plating is compromised on the doors. As a result it will be more susceptible to oxidation of the base metal. No need to get anxious; regular use, wiping dry and leaving it in a well ventilated area will help keep it going for a long time. If you do ever put it away for a while, some mineral oil or other mild protectant on those surfaces will help protect it while not being used. Good luck!
The Flitz also leaves a waxy protective coating that should keep the brass from oxidizing too badly. I have a couple of razors with brass showing and it has never been a problem. Unless you just hate the plate loss, I say let it ride. I'm of the mind that the damage gives it character. It's 60 years+ old and it can still do its job. More than a little impressive.
That was my thinking when I sanded and buffed this Aristocrat that had extreme plating loss and suffered some kind of abuse resulting in deep pits and scratches. I couldn't even shave with it because it felt so rough.
Before:
After:
So far so good.
Looks fine for shaving, as far as I can tell.
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Nice work @John Rose!
@John Rose
Looks real pretty
Looks real pretty
Get it re plated, or replace it.
