HOWTOTELL: Gold plated, silver or nickel?

[mrmoonbeam]

Since purchasing old razors usually presents a cleaning challenge, I thought I would ask the easiest way to tell the differences between platings.

If a razor is gold colored, I suppose depending on age & model it could be legitimately plated in gold (aka 24k or the like).
Otherwise it might be a gold colored metal perhaps?

As for silver colored, I know others have mentioned cleaning silver plated razors, but how does one tell the difference between silver plated vs. nickel or chrome plated?

My concern is making sure to clean each appropriately, so as to minimize ruining the finish, while giving it the best shine possible.

Your thoughts??

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

The best way is probably to start by identifying what model the razor is. Once you know what model it is, then it will be very easy to tell what the plating material is.

 

[tominabox1]

Usually its pretty easy. Gold is...well Gold! Almost all razors were made out of brass and copper (brass handles, copper heads) but you can tell the difference between gold and heavily brassed, nickel or silver plated razors as there is usually SOME plating left.

Silver plated razors have a distinctively different quality than nickel - they are more grey and less shiny usually. The hard one is Nickel/Rhodium. They are VERY close in tone and finish, though Rhodium is a way better plating (stronger, thicker etc)

As Brian said, knowing what the razor is (model and year) also helps a lot, especially if the finish is in particularly bad shape.

 

[JHatem]

Ok, I just inherited two razors from my great-grandfather and I have the same question. They are in desperate need of a cleaning and I want to be sure I'm using the proper method/chemical for the metal. Now the next logical question, how to determine what model they are? I know 1 of them is a Gillette for certain.

 

[amishmotorboat]

Ok, I just inherited two razors from my great-grandfather and I have the same question. They are in desperate need of a cleaning and I want to be sure I'm using the proper method/chemical for the metal. Now the next logical question, how to determine what model they are? I know 1 of them is a Gillette for certain.

Best place to start looking for your model is on Mr Razor.

 

[JHatem]

Thanks so much! I'm pretty sure 1 of my razors is a 1947 or 1948 Super Speed.

 

[Oldguy]

Ok, I just inherited two razors from my great-grandfather and I have the same question. They are in desperate need of a cleaning and I want to be sure I'm using the proper method/chemical for the metal. Now the next logical question, how to determine what model they are? I know 1 of them is a Gillette for certain.

The best way to get a quick ID on a razor is to post a photo. You will be very surprised by how quickly you'll get an answer. There are quite a few of the members here that can identify any vintage razor model on sight, especially if it is one of the more common brands like a Gillette, Gem or Schick.

Len

 

[mblakele]

We like pictures.

But a hot water soak and then a shot of scrubbing bubbles works on almost anything.

 

[mrmoonbeam]

Thank you boys!!