Normally I don't get excited about replated razors, but I shaved with this one today and it was amazing. This finish is shot, but the handle has no cracks, all the teeth are straight and I think all of the scratches can be buffed out. According to the serial number, it is a 1916 aristocrat. I paid $1 for it over the summer at a flea market, so the investment of plating won't be a big deal. I'm thinking rhodium. What metal would you choose?
My first replate candidate
- Thread starter stromberg
- Start date
Nice piece. Nickel or rhodium.
Nice razor.
Rare one for sure.
Just an FYI, as I don't see people mention it often besides having it re-plated may exaggerate any flaws too severe to buff out. I feel the buffing and new plating may subtly change the shave experience. Chalk it up to a smoother finish or a minute change in the geometry from being buffed and re-plated. Any old razor I absolutely adored and chose to have re-plated seemed to come back eager to bite me.
Maybe it's in my head? I think it's the fact that I got used to using a rough finished old gal that came back glassy smooth and eager to show off her rediscovered glory.
An open comb Aristocrat I used to consider a kitten is now a mountain lion. An Executive Adjustable now demands I dial it down one setting.
One thing's for sure, an Old Type shaves great. A bell bottomed Aristocrat is somehow even more enjoyable. It's inspired many newer designs and it will be stunning for sure with a fresh coat of nickle or rhodium!!
Looking forward to seeing some after pictures!!!
Congrats on the epic $1 score too. OUTSTANDING!!
Rare one for sure.
Just an FYI, as I don't see people mention it often besides having it re-plated may exaggerate any flaws too severe to buff out. I feel the buffing and new plating may subtly change the shave experience. Chalk it up to a smoother finish or a minute change in the geometry from being buffed and re-plated. Any old razor I absolutely adored and chose to have re-plated seemed to come back eager to bite me.
Maybe it's in my head? I think it's the fact that I got used to using a rough finished old gal that came back glassy smooth and eager to show off her rediscovered glory.
An open comb Aristocrat I used to consider a kitten is now a mountain lion. An Executive Adjustable now demands I dial it down one setting.
One thing's for sure, an Old Type shaves great. A bell bottomed Aristocrat is somehow even more enjoyable. It's inspired many newer designs and it will be stunning for sure with a fresh coat of nickle or rhodium!!
Looking forward to seeing some after pictures!!!
Congrats on the epic $1 score too. OUTSTANDING!!
Wow, what a great find! i would go with Rhodium or Nickel. Good luck.
I don't think I would replate this one, Stromberg. It looks nice as-is and replating would take its value down substantially. Yes, you paid $1 for it but as it sits it is probably worth $50 plus. Also, that handle will eventually crack where the ball is fitted into the tube handle (they all do, how you found one uncracked is actually a mystery to me) so a replate would be a waste of time on this handle. If anything use the razor as-is until the handle cracks, have a new handle made and replate the head to match.
This razor was made for the thicker three hole blades common until about 1930, they work with the current DE blades but as the geometry is different this razor may be very mild so I would only use it when your last shave was less than three days ago.
This razor was made for the thicker three hole blades common until about 1930, they work with the current DE blades but as the geometry is different this razor may be very mild so I would only use it when your last shave was less than three days ago.
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