It doesn't affect the performance, but it's not merely cosmetic.
Most will probably say it's not an issue (for now), brass doesn't rust, etc, etc ... and that's all true.
But ... they were originally plated/gold washed for a reason. It protects the metal, simple as that. It won't be an issue now, but the pitting corrosion WILL eventually start degrading the razor. Just my opinion anyway.
Edgar - Do you have any guesses as to how long it would take the pitting corrosion to eventually occur if the razor is kept dry and relatively clean? Are we talking about 5 years, 50 years, or 500 years? I know this is a difficult question to answer but I'm hoping that you or someone else has enough knowledge on the subject to at least make an educated guess. I am quite fond of my bare brass Gillettes and I'd like to be a good steward of these wonderful shavers while they're in my possession.
I really don't know. As I said, just my opinion based on what I've read and seen. I suppose it won't take 500 years, otherwise we wouldn't see so many razors lightly (sometimes even severely) pitted. I suppose the process will take much longer if you do take care of the razor, but I still think it will eventually happen. Perhaps not in your lifetime, though ...
When you see a replate that is not perfectly smooth, probably it wasn't the replater's fault. If the pitting is severe there's really nothing they can do. That's why Onotoman (I'm sure you know who he is) once told me that if a razor needs to be replated, it's always better sooner than later. I asked him when I purchased my first Slim, the guards were brassed but the rest of the razor was quite nice. I believe Chris would say the same thing.
I also have bare brass razors, but those are the cheaper and easily replaceable ones. There's nothing wrong with having and shaving with bare brass razors. My point is that the plating is not merely cosmetic, serves a dual purpose - makes the razor look nicer, and protects the metal. It's also easier to clean, so I guess it serves a triple purpose.
I really don't know. As I said, just my opinion based on what I've read and seen. I suppose it won't take 500 years, otherwise we wouldn't see so many razors lightly (sometimes even severely) pitted. I suppose the process will take much longer if you do take care of the razor, but I still think it will eventually happen. Perhaps not in your lifetime, though ...
When you see a replate that is not perfectly smooth, probably it wasn't the replater's fault. If the pitting is severe there's really nothing they can do. That's why Onotoman (I'm sure you know who he is) once told me that if a razor needs to be replated, it's always better sooner than later. I asked him when I purchased my first Slim, the guards were brassed but the rest of the razor was quite nice. I believe Chris would say the same thing.
I also have bare brass razors, but those are the cheaper and easily replaceable ones. There's nothing wrong with having and shaving with bare brass razors. My point is that the plating is not merely cosmetic, serves a dual purpose - makes the razor look nicer, and protects the metal. It's also easier to clean, so I guess it serves a triple purpose.