Anybody ever had a minor split repaired on a NEW handle? While I'm asking about a NEW, how are they as shavers? Are they even worth repairing? Thanks for any information.
Is split handle on NEW repairable?
- Thread starter segnod
- Start date
New is one of the best razors ever produced, IMO. You can fix the handle with some epoxy to keep it from splitting further and to hold everything together. BUT, I would say to look at some of the new 3 piece razors out there that are under $25, and put those handles on your new. It adds a nice bit of weight, and improves the grip. I have a razorock little bastone on a replated new head, and it is one of my favorites at the moment. Good candidates are cadets, razorock, sabi, pearl, etc.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/362509-Razor-handles-should-we-compile-a-list?highlight=
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/362509-Razor-handles-should-we-compile-a-list?highlight=
The NEW heads are amazing. Really high quality and some of the best, and easiest, shavers ever made. They can be had very cheap on eBay, too. Can't recommend them enough.
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the quick response, gmgaj. Looks like I might be adding a NEW to the stable.
Do it. Even if you don't like it, there are enough fans around that you will be able to sell it again. Just check to be sure the teeth are straight. You can't unbend them.
You can also buy a handle from one of several contemporary razor companies; most will fit a New. Great shaver.
Look at the maggard line for handles. You can pick up a complete new razor for less than 20 shipped, & switch the handles around.
- Thread starter
- #8
Well, I took the plunge. Got a nice looking (by the pictures anyway) New on the way. Thanks gentlemen for the comments and suggestions. I'll post a picture when it arrives.
I love my News - clearly better for me than any modern razor I've tried (Muhle R89 and 2013 R41, Merkur Slant barberpole, Merkur 1904 OC, Feather Popular, Matador Toro Mastiff closed comb).
I didn't care for either the bar or ball end handles. I tried a Tech fat handle today, and love it. Fits on all News (I think).
I didn't care for either the bar or ball end handles. I tried a Tech fat handle today, and love it. Fits on all News (I think).
My Tuckaway type New had a split handle. The end cap was loose so removed it filled the handle with epoxy put the cap back on and clamped until dry.
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I tend to prefer Soldering the handle rather than Epoxy (but this is mainly because solder, being metal can be plated over). Even though the crack can be stabilised, unfortunately it will always be visible, especially if it extends into the Engine Turned Area of the handle.
Soldering is pretty straightforward, you'll need:
Small Blow Torch
Silver or Lead Solder
Flux
Wire Wool (fine)
Clean the collar and inside of handle tube with wire wool and apply flux
Place the collar with threads (or ball if it's the bottom) down and on a heatproof surface and heat until solder melts around the circumference of the area to fit inside the handle tube.
Place the handle tube over the collar or ball end and gently apply downward pressure whilst heating until the handle tube pushes down fully to the lip of the collar or ball end
Wipe off any excess solder with a cloth while still hot and melted or allow to cool and gently buff off.
Soldering is pretty straightforward, you'll need:
Small Blow Torch
Silver or Lead Solder
Flux
Wire Wool (fine)
Clean the collar and inside of handle tube with wire wool and apply flux
Place the collar with threads (or ball if it's the bottom) down and on a heatproof surface and heat until solder melts around the circumference of the area to fit inside the handle tube.
Place the handle tube over the collar or ball end and gently apply downward pressure whilst heating until the handle tube pushes down fully to the lip of the collar or ball end
Wipe off any excess solder with a cloth while still hot and melted or allow to cool and gently buff off.
- Thread starter
- #12
Just curious - why can't the teeth be straightened? Is the metal too brittle?
After it bends, yes. Brass work-hardens. In theory you can soften it again by heating it: annealing. But as far as I know no one has had much success with that.
Thanks for these details. I have been honking about trying this for several months, expressly because you could still replace the handle.
- Thread starter
- #15
Well, here she is. You can see the small split at the base of the handle. It looks stable enough that I think I'll leave it alone. The razor is nice and clean and should be plenty good for my introduction to open combs. I'm taking deep breaths and working up the nerve to try it tonight. I haven't even shaved with this one yet, and I already have a short comb NEW on the way. I've bought eleven razors in about two months. The wife unit thinks I've gone insane. She doesn't say it, but I know she's thinking it.
I have a New Long Comb (well, an Otto Roth but it's the same razor). It was a bit more aggressive than I was anticipating so I will be interested to hear what you think of yours once you shave with it. I am also going to get a New Short Comb to see if I like the way that shaves better. Then maybe a New Improved. Don't know much about that one.
Best of luck with your New. I hope you love it.
Best of luck with your New. I hope you love it.
- Thread starter
- #17
Well, I gave 'er a test drive this evening. Wow! What a tool! And what a nice shave. I loaded a new Personna Med Prep in it and whipped up some Castle Forbes Cedarwood and Sandalwood, and proceeded to gingerly drag the intimidating looking instrument down my cheek. Nice! No scraping sensation. Just a nice gliding cut, with no digging into my skin. By the time I was halfway through the first pass, my fear was gone and I was just shaving as usual. Made a full pass and partial second pass, followed by a few touchups here and there (my usual routine) and my face has that nice, freshly shaved feel, not the raw, freshly scraped feel I dealt with for decades before figuring out how to shave with good equipment and supplies. Anyway, before I drift this thread too far from the original topic, I'll just say the long comb NEW is a keeper, split handle or not. The short comb I have on the way has its work cut out for it matching this one.
The short comb will give you similar results. Of the old handles, I like the ball ends the best, so you have a great razor there, IMO. I also have a deluxe, and that is a bit more aggressive, but still good.
