Is there a way to repair a cracked baseplate?
- Thread starter Sandmanct
- Start date
Have you tried anything from J B Brands, like their Weld Products, that apply via tube?
Also I would try Super Glue Gel, it cheap, and they made one for metal.
Last becauseyoudovnot know what metal the Razor is? Tough to figure out what your working with.
Also I would try Super Glue Gel, it cheap, and they made one for metal.
Last becauseyoudovnot know what metal the Razor is? Tough to figure out what your working with.
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- #3
ERS4
My exploding razor knows secrets
Cobalt steel is similar to the high-speed steel used in saw blades and drill bits today, and is inherently hard and brittle.
In the early days, some manufacturing processes were not advanced enough and problems with metal materials were prone to occur. Someone on B&B has already posted a case of damage to a cobalt steel razor.
(Of course they are still very strong when normal)
Fortunately, Darwin is a DE and not a straight razor──The metal is just the tool holding the blade, not the blade itself.
Maybe you could try to find a jewelry craftsman willing to recast the base plate to 925 (sterling silver) for you.
In the early days, some manufacturing processes were not advanced enough and problems with metal materials were prone to occur. Someone on B&B has already posted a case of damage to a cobalt steel razor.
(Of course they are still very strong when normal)
Fortunately, Darwin is a DE and not a straight razor──The metal is just the tool holding the blade, not the blade itself.
Maybe you could try to find a jewelry craftsman willing to recast the base plate to 925 (sterling silver) for you.
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
The Darwin was for many years my dream razor, I gave up on ever finding one a long time ago and still have never seen or held one. The prices are now so high that I could never justify buying a Darwin, and I know that in reality they would shave no differently than any other razor, and like many things are best left as a dream. That said, if the base plate is cracked but stable and still in one piece then I would use it as is. Someone may suggest an effective repair method, I would try a jeweller, but I would not have a new base plate made. The reason is that it would then no longer be a Darwin razor, at best it would be a lookalike, you may as well replace the cap and handle at the same time.
IF you can find a jeweler who is also an artist/craftsman who has a jeweler's laser welder, it can be done. I've had 2 Darwins done, almost to perfection!
A Laser welder is a really expensive piece of gear.
I like the JB Weld idea. The repair doesn't need high strength, it just has to be smooth.
. Charles
I like the JB Weld idea. The repair doesn't need high strength, it just has to be smooth.
. Charles
We can get philosophical about what "restoration" means versus "conservation." I come from a little time around people who work on WWII-era aircraft. If you have the little data plate that was riveted to the plane -- and that's all you have -- that is considered a restoration project. An extreme restoration project, but doable if you've the funds. Kinda pushes my personal boundaries, though...
I'd say having an old razor that can still be used with some due care is worth something. You're probably not going to want to use it every day, but keeping it safe and pulling it out for your birthday shave, or some other celebratory reason, won't cause much deterioration. If the steel's gone brittle then eventually there will be a complete break.
That said, I like the idea of having a replacement plate cast by a jeweller or similar artisan. Alternatively you or someone with that skill may be able to work out a decent 3D printed option. You'd still have the original, but you'd have a "known good" plate to use for actual shaving. Might be closer to how the razor shaved originally than trying to use a busted plate that has some rough edges and misalignments.
O.H.
I'd say having an old razor that can still be used with some due care is worth something. You're probably not going to want to use it every day, but keeping it safe and pulling it out for your birthday shave, or some other celebratory reason, won't cause much deterioration. If the steel's gone brittle then eventually there will be a complete break.
That said, I like the idea of having a replacement plate cast by a jeweller or similar artisan. Alternatively you or someone with that skill may be able to work out a decent 3D printed option. You'd still have the original, but you'd have a "known good" plate to use for actual shaving. Might be closer to how the razor shaved originally than trying to use a busted plate that has some rough edges and misalignments.
O.H.
- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks for the replies! I think I am going to try and have the baseplate repaired. User ks6c was kind enough to share the name of the jeweler who repaired his razors. They happen to be about 20 minutes from where my son lives. I will be sending him the razor to bring in. I have contacted the shop and they were very easy to deal with. No guarantees, but they are willing to look at it.
ERS4
My exploding razor knows secrets
So happy to hear this good news.
If you restore your Darwin, please share the beautiful results with us.
- Thread starter
- #12
Nice.
Impressive work, was it expensive?
- Thread starter
- #15
That looks great. Was it brazed or welded?
I can tell you… I would never get a result that good.
You need to shave with it.
I can tell you… I would never get a result that good.
You need to shave with it.
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- #17
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- #18
Messygoon
Abandoned By Gypsies.
I’m sure others have thought this same thing…
Kintsugi (golden joinery) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It is taking broken things and restoring them, not to original condition, but to something far more beautiful. Our sanctification journey does the same thing, making us even better men.
If you ever sell this Darwin, let me know. For me, in its restored state it is far more beautiful than when it was new. Well done!
Kintsugi (golden joinery) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It is taking broken things and restoring them, not to original condition, but to something far more beautiful. Our sanctification journey does the same thing, making us even better men.
If you ever sell this Darwin, let me know. For me, in its restored state it is far more beautiful than when it was new. Well done!
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- #20
