Aside from cosmetic reasons, is it advisable to refurbish and re-plate a vintage razor? Are we adding or loosing value? Is a vintage razor in good / excellent conditions more valuable than one just refurbished and re-plated?
I have replated (or rather I had them re-plated) some razors that simply were not in collectable condition and they went from curios to cherished members of my rotation.
A clean and re-plated razor is a more sterile instrument and in some cases will shave better than a rough or pitted example. I also don't want ugly razors in my den, out in the open, when part of the rotation.
To br frank, my razors are for me to enjoy - I don't give a whit what the next owner may one day think. These are not mega-investments, I do what brings be pleasure. I recommend this approach, razors are not your 401K.
For something like a daily user Super Speed, find the absolute best original example you can for probably $25 or less and just use it. Buy an ugly one for $8 and sink $65 more in nickel plate plus postage and you're upside down.
Aside from cosmetic reasons, is it advisable to refurbish and re-plate a vintage razor? Are we adding or loosing value? Is a vintage razor in good / excellent conditions more valuable than one just refurbished and re-plated?