Plating information?

[Cheech]

There's been some talk around here concerning plating. I am in the process of deciding whether or not to plate a gift razor.

I won't bore you with the details, but it sounds like there are members here with plating experience (both having it done, and doing it). So, I'd like to ask for information about plating. What are the different methods of plating? What are the uses for different plating types/materials? Advantages and disadvantages? Recommendation for plating shaving gear?

Any and all help appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[SUMMERSRL]

Buddydog does replating. You might consider sending him your questions on options and such.

 

[stogieman]

Buddydog does replating. You might consider sending him your questions on options and such.

+1. See this link: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=142091

 

[billc508]

Well I have had several razors re-plated both nickel finish and gold including
open combs and aristocrats and superspeeds. There is a plating facility near where I live in the Boston area and they specialize in restoration of antiques and such. They use polishing and a chemical bath if necessary to clean the razor and strip off the old lacquer in the case of gold ones. the plating process is copper, nickel, gold or copper, nickel for the superspeeds. They re-lacquer the gold to preserve the plate just like Gillette did. Cost is around $30 or so and for something that you use a lot which will last a long time, I find it
reasonable. They look pretty much like they did when new. I have sold re-plated razors for more money than similar un-touched ones so I wouldn't worry about destroying any collector value. A high dollar collectible is usually pretty much pristine to begin with and comes with all the original packaging so unless you have something rare in that condition, it really is up to pleasing yourself, good luck, BC

 

[Bit2]

Well I have had several razors re-plated both nickel finish and gold including
open combs and aristocrats and superspeeds. There is a plating facility near where I live in the Boston area and they specialize in restoration of antiques and such. They use polishing and a chemical bath if necessary to clean the razor and strip off the old lacquer in the case of gold ones. the plating process is copper, nickel, gold or copper, nickel for the superspeeds. They re-lacquer the gold to preserve the plate just like Gillette did. Cost is around $30 or so and for something that you use a lot which will last a long time, I find it
reasonable.

I have used Dale's Services at Reliable Electroplating and he does a fantastic job.
I had a couple razors done in Rhodium and two other in gold. Fantastic!!
Remember if you use Rhodium, it is 10X costlier than gold

View attachment 97184



'46 Milord , '52 SS (ABOVE)& '61 Flair in Rhodium, Franken-razor, Old Head with New Handle.

View attachment 97187

 

[onotoman]

If a vintage razor is to be given as a gift, I'd suggest getting it replated unless it is in pristine condition. You don't want the recipient thinking you are a cheapskate by buying them an old worn out razor do you?

Find out if the recipient prefers gold or nickel finish. Personally, I'm not a fan of gold and much prefer nickel, Rhodium (often termed white gold) or chrome jewellery, razors etc. Check their jewellery - stainless steel watch and rhodium wedding ring would indicate that the person prefers a silver look to gold.

Most earlier razors were gold rhodium or nickel plated - modern razors are chrome plated.

Hope this helps

Dave

 

[SpartanFan]

Had a great experience with buddydog. He is the only one I have used so I don't have knowledge of the others. He was great in answering my questions. Very happy with my replate.

 

[billc508]

Just saw the pics of Bit2's razors, WOWEE. I did not know that about the cost of the rhodium, never had one of those. I do use the Reliable Electroplating in Chartley, Ma. He has always done a great job for me and I have a couple more I want to get done. Most of mine are in gold these days and they are as in the pics nice and bright and they still shave great. The post about the gifts was spot on the money, they make great gifts, you can buy one for reasonable money and have it plated and it comes out looking like a million bucks. I think King Gillette would like it that these old babies are given a new life and lots of use. I salute his picture every morning before I put my razors back in the family vault and I have the address of the old Gillette facility tatooed over my heart to show the proper respect so I hope you guys are just as sincere, BC

 

[dantodd]

So what is a reasonable price for a 3 piece razor in nickel, silver, gold, rhodium?

 

[Bit2]

Just saw the pics of Bit2's razors, WOWEE. I did not know that about the cost of the rhodium, never had one of those. I do use the Reliable Electroplating in Chartley, Ma. He has always done a great job for me and I have a couple more I want to get done. Most of mine are in gold these days and they are as in the pics nice and bright and they still shave great. The post about the gifts was spot on the money, they make great gifts, you can buy one for reasonable money and have it plated and it comes out looking like a million bucks. I think King Gillette would like it that these old babies are given a new life and lots of use. I salute his picture every morning before I put my razors back in the family vault and I have the address of the old Gillette facility tatooed over my heart to show the proper respect so I hope you guys are just as sincere, BC

+1

Bill ,I just sent 2 GEMS to be re-plated in gold from Dale.
He does a fantastic job, especially in Gold.
John

 

[buddydog]

Here's one just finished....

[/IMG]
Here it is getting the nickle coating before the gold.

[/IMG]

 

[BroJohn]

Billc508/Bit2 --

How do they handle the TTO's? Are they dismantled and then reassembled after plating?

Or do the re-plate them intact? If so, how does that effect the joints of the moving parts or mating parts? Do they bind up? I know they just flash on a few tenth's, but am curious as to the outcome. The plating jobs look pretty good.

-- John Gehman

 

[buddydog]

It's not a few tenth's it's a few thousandth's.

 

[billc508]

TTO razors do not need to be dis-assembled. Gillette, from what I am told, plated them in the assembled condition. My TTO models were done the same way. Tolerances are wide enought and plating is thin enough so that there is
no interference. I have replated a '34 aristocrat open comb in this way and if there was ever a TTO that was going to hang up it would have been this one. No problem whatsoever, still just as smooth after as it was before. These razors were never sold with the idea of dis-assembly in mind given the mass production and the cheap price at the time. Some people have been able to do it successfully but a lot of them have been destroyed so do not take it apart if you don't have to. BC

Billc508/Bit2 --

How do they handle the TTO's? Are they dismantled and then reassembled after plating?

Or do the re-plate them intact? If so, how does that effect the joints of the moving parts or mating parts? Do they bind up? I know they just flash on a few tenth's, but am curious as to the outcome. The plating jobs look pretty good.

-- John Gehman

 

[BroJohn]

TTO razors do not need to be dis-assembled. Gillette, from what I am told, plated them in the assembled condition. My TTO models were done the same way. Tolerances are wide enought and plating is thin enough so that there is
no interference. I have replated a '34 aristocrat open comb in this way and if there was ever a TTO that was going to hang up it would have been this one. No problem whatsoever, still just as smooth after as it was before. These razors were never sold with the idea of dis-assembly in mind given the mass production and the cheap price at the time. Some people have been able to do it successfully but a lot of them have been destroyed so do not take it apart if you don't have to. BC

Bill --

OK, that solves a mystery that has had me curious for some time. It makes sense. Thanks.

-- John Gehman

 

[Bit2]

Billc508/Bit2 --

How do they handle the TTO's? Are they dismantled and then reassembled after plating?

Or do the re-plate them intact? If so, how does that effect the joints of the moving parts or mating parts? Do they bind up? I know they just flash on a few tenth's, but am curious as to the outcome. The plating jobs look pretty good.

-- John Gehman

See Bill Below +1

TTO razors do not need to be dis-assembled. Gillette, from what I am told, plated them in the assembled condition. My TTO models were done the same way. Tolerances are wide enought and plating is thin enough so that there is
no interference. I have replated a '34 aristocrat open comb in this way and if there was ever a TTO that was going to hang up it would have been this one. No problem whatsoever, still just as smooth after as it was before. These razors were never sold with the idea of dis-assembly in mind given the mass production and the cheap price at the time. Some people have been able to do it successfully but a lot of them have been destroyed so do not take it apart if you don't have to. BC

+2 Ditto

John