Maintenance questions - 1951 Gillette Super Speed Black Tip

[geetar_geek]

I've had a 1951 Black Tip SS (W-4 as I recall, I'm not near it at the moment) for a year or so now and I'm looking to do some basic maintenance on it. The primary issues are: the TTO doesn't turn smoothly (the action of the TTO works fine, but turning the handle itself is rough) and there's some brassing on top and maybe some minor rust (or some sort of rust looking corrosion) on the inside when the doors are open. That corrosion didn't show up until a few weeks ago when I left the razor sitting on its side on top of a wet tub of shaving soap (and the blade inside was flat out ruined).

I've looked into how to clean the soap scum on it using a brass scrubber and scrubbing bubbles. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with the corrosion and lubricating the handle so that it turns more smoothly? WD-40? Penetrating spray? Something else?

I Googled and looked for a maintenance section on B&B and didn't run across anything. Is there an existing thread or topic that I can be pointed at? If I can get some feedback, I'll be happy to post some before and after photos. I'm mostly hoping that it isn't ruined. Because the SS tends to see more use than my other two DEs.

Thanks in advance,

geetar_geek

 

[Maxime D.]

Hot water + dawn (let it there for 24h), repeat the process several times and than let it soak in mineral oil. It may fix the problem.

 

[geetar_geek]

Thanks, Maxime D. I also found this article after some more nebulous Googling. http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance that seems to cover pretty much everything I discussed. Basically exactly the information I was looking for.

Thanks again for the quick response. I'll take pictures before, during and after and see what my results turn out looking like.

 

[onotoman]

The 'rust' you see inside the head can only be from the blade - the razor itself is made from brass coated in nickel so cannot rust. If the plating is worn the brass will oxidise, but this shows as green deposits rather than brown.

To free off the TTO, as mentioned, some oil poured down shaft (from either end) should help. The TTO Knob is plastic on the Black Tips so don't use pliers to turn the knob as it'll easily score the surface.

 

[Maxime D.]

about the hot water process, a couple weeks ago I had a Blue Tip glued ! When I say glued, I mean seriously glued, even inside the TTO Mechanism :-/ Hopefully it was only somekind of school glue, after 5 or 6 soaking in hot water, it finally loosen.

 

[geetar_geek]

So if it looks like rust, it should just rub off given the correct amount of elbow grease and soap? That's great news. I was out of my Astra Superior Platinum blades and had to use some spare Derby blades I had laying around the bathroom. They just didn't stand up to exposure to the elements like I'm used to with the Astra blades. I guess that will teach me to order blades before I run out in two more years.

Yeah, I knew about the plastic knob on the black tip. In fact, I recently picked up a red tip SS on eBay that should be here later this week and am looking forward to comparing the differences. Part of the reason I was looking for a 40s style or red/blue tip was looking to get one with a metal knob. I have absolutely zero problems with the action on my Slim Adjustable. Looks like my Merkur 23C may be getting the boot out of my gym bag if I end up with a spare SS. =)

 

[mharris127]

The 'rust' you see inside the head can only be from the blade - the razor itself is made from brass coated in nickel so cannot rust. If the plating is worn the brass will oxidise, but this shows as green deposits rather than brown.

To free off the TTO, as mentioned, some oil poured down shaft (from either end) should help. The TTO Knob is plastic on the Black Tips so don't use pliers to turn the knob as it'll easily score the surface.

I have a gold-plated NEW where the plating has worn down to brass on the cap, it turned pink as soon as I shaved with it and has stayed that color. It isn't a big deal with me but it is worth commenting to me that not all brass turns green especially if the razor is used at least occasionally (this is my most used razor lately).

 

[Copierguy]

FYI......There are some W-4 and X something Black Tips that have steel handles and/or steel parts in the head.

So rust can be an issue with the Black Tip razor itself.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/187626-Black-Tip-super-steel-handle

 

[alex2363]

FYI......There are some W-4 and X something Black Tips that have steel handles and/or steel parts in the head.

So rust can be an issue with the Black Tip razor itself.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/187626-Black-Tip-super-steel-handle

Ok, so did you test yours to see if its Steel/ Use a magnet to test it.