Looking for advice

[JRichmond]

The attached photos show a nice W&B I'm working on. I'm trying to decide how much of the etching on the blade I'm willing to lose in order to brighten the blade. What do you guys think? Should I completely disregard the etching and make it a mirror finish or do what I can to save the etching and just deal with the spotting? Any input is appreciated

 

[Utopian]

Personally, I prefer to save the character of an old razor whenever possible, so I'm willing to sacrifice finish in order to preserve etching. Are you using sandpaper? Most likely a tumbler would do a better job on the finish while preserving the etch.

 

[JRichmond]

Unfortunately I don't have access to a tumbler. I've been using a buffer with Maas on it and thinking about using a high grit sandpaper....but I wanted advice first.

 

[thirdeye]

I'd give it a go with emery laced rouge and a buff the bejesus out of it before I went to paper. You might just pull it off with out much damage.

 

[JRichmond]

I'm using a black rouge, I'm not sure what the polishing component is though

 

[thirdeye]

I'm using a black rouge, I'm not sure what the polishing component is though

Black has emery in it.

 

[Utopian]

You may be okay with the emory. At least from your photos, it doesn't look like there is any deep pitting, just light surface stuff. If you dropped down into the greaseless compounds you'd be much more likely to lose the etching. I don't mind a few residual character scars left on the blade and am willing give up a mirror finish for retention of the etching.