Replating Question

[Kramerica]

All,

I would really like a birth quarter Super Speed and a 58 or 59 Fat Boy. However, I am leery of used razors. Just a personal hang up, I'm not sure I could clean them enough to get over the fact that someone else likely bled on them.

That said, I would likely get any such razor replated. I assume the process of stripping off the current plating, preping for replating, and the electrolytic replating bath itself is such a toxic process that any living thing on the razor is destroyed?

Any science nerds...ahem...I mean science EXPERTS out there that can opine and ease my mind? I would REALLY like that Fat Boy.

Thanks!

 

[alex2363]

They use a lot of heat, and ultra sonic before and after cleaning...it will kill anything while in the process

 

[luvmysuper]

Nice Pics Alex, but don't you have any of the way professionals do it?

 

[alex2363]

Nice Pics Alex, but don't you have any of the way professionals do it?

I can call Stan to see if he can video the process for us and we can post it.....stay tuned

 

[ironfist]

That would be great alex, very educational

 

[Kramerica]

Thanks for the info. I assume the plating bath is highly toxic, based on the need for gloves.

I hate to ask, but is there any quality difference between WCS and ABT in their plating results? I've ordered soap, etc from WCS and been very pleased, so based on that experience I'd be inclined to go that way.

 

[showard]

Alex, that would be awesome!
And to think I was going to do a video of how to properly face lather with a stick.....I'd rather see the plating process!
Kramerica, what would be your birth quarter or year SS? I ask because I'm preparing to do a PIF for those who want but don't have a birth year/quarter razor. They're not always that easy to find. And I guarantee that my whole collection is CLEAN.

 

[dcobranchi]

I'm a chemist IRL. You would NOT want to get any of the plating solution on your skin. You can be confident that absolutely nothing living on your razor will survive the bath.

 

[ImTheGluestick]

Nothing against a replate (I'm planning one right now for a gift), but I wouldn't (personally) do it just for sterilization reasons. Anything that survives boiling is certainly not going to survive a CLR dunk (which I use to remove really bad soapscum). You should go with what you're comfortable with obviously, but at least for me, the process of cleaning and polishing a razor seems to be far more exhaustive than I'd ever do just for sanitizing.

 

[BBrad]

Kramerica, I don't think any cooties would survive very long on the surface of a vintage razor. There is nothing for them to eat, no warm place to sleep, and no blood flow to help them move around. While some might take up residence in the crud that may be on a razor, once you physically remove the crud with very hot water, dish soap, toothbrush, and elbow grease there will be none left. A shot of scrubbing bubbles, barbicide, or lysol followed by a dip in 70% isopropyl alcohol (with an air dry) and you are ready to rock 'n' roll. I'm fairly certain at that point they would be as clean as (if not cleaner) than they were when they left the factory.

If all else fails, and a cootie survives, just throw the razor away. He deserves to live.

 

[luvmysuper]

I can call Stan to see if he can video the process for us and we can post it.....stay tuned

Oh, sweet irony.

I'm not sure I could clean them enough to get over the fact that someone else likely bled on them.

I assume the process of stripping off the current plating, preping for replating, and the electrolytic replating bath itself is such a toxic process that any living thing on the razor is destroyed?

What if the guy inspecting and packaging your razor after it is replated has cuts on his fingers from working in such a harsh environment?

 

[man00ver]

Nothing will survive the stripping process. Afterwards, a coat of clean metal plate goes on, and you'll have a totally fresh surface.

Hopefully, that will soothe any lingering hypochondria.

 

[Copierguy]

By all means do what ever eases your mind.
But please consider this, despite door knobs, handrails and restaurant silverware the human population is still trending upward.

 

[Kramerica]

Thanks, all. I realize I'm being kinda silly on this. I'm not usually this way - I've raised 3 dogs and 2 kids, so in general bodily fluids don't phase me much. For some oddball reason the idea of a used razor just doesn't sit well with me.

And the replate would not be merely for sanitization, I REALLY like the look of the Fat Boys I've seen on here that have been replated - awesome looking razors.

Luvmysuper - you bastage. Now I have something ELSE to consider!

Showard - I wouldn't feel right about that, b/c I have no vintage razors to continue the PIF. Thanks for the offer!

 

[NJBob]

Thanks for the info. I assume the plating bath is highly toxic, based on the need for gloves.

I hate to ask, but is there any quality difference between WCS and ABT in their plating results? I've ordered soap, etc from WCS and been very pleased, so based on that experience I'd be inclined to go that way.

I'm pretty sure that it's West Coast Razors (not Shaving) that does the repalting. Different company.

 

[facetime]

I hate to ask, but is there any quality difference between WCS and ABT in their plating results? I've ordered soap, etc from WCS and been very pleased, so based on that experience I'd be inclined to go that way.

Don't know that i have heard about "ABT" but a number of threads about replating include numerous favorable mentions of Reliable (in Mass.) and our own "onotoman" dave, in the UK. I have some things, (nickel and gold) being done by Dave and he has been top flight all the way.
p.s. don't forget the "barbicide, scrubbing bubble" threads about disinfecting/cleaning. might elect to try those first and use the razor a bit before investing extra in the replate.
good luck

 

[onotoman]

Hi guys,

If anything survives the stripping and plating process - which involves hot chemicals, acids (and cyanide for gold and chrome) it is not of this world

Any germs on a used razor will be dead by the time the parcel gets through the post.

Really, don't worry about this sort of thing, you'll pick up more germs going about your business in your average day than you'll pick up from a shave with a rinsed, used razor.

'From the moment the invaders arrived, breathed our air, ate and drank, they were doomed. They were undone, destroyed, after all of man's weapons and devices had failed, by the tiniest creatures that God in his wisdom put upon this earth. By the toll of a billion deaths, man had earned his immunity, his right to survive among this planet's infinite organisms. And that right is ours against all challenges. For neither do men live nor die in vain.'