Restoring grandpa's razor!

[Olajidebt]

Hello fellow forum member! My parents left on a vacation a couple of days ago and left me to care for my grandma. While I was searching for her medicine, lo and behold, I found a razor, an OLD razor, a GILLETE razor. I asked my mother and she said that it was her father's razor, who sadly passed away when my mum was 16 so I never had the pleasure of meeting him. The razor even had a vintage POLSILVER blade in it. My question is this. The razor is in kind of a bad situation, even though the doors open really easy and well, and they are aligned perfectly. I want to restore it to the best of my powers and possibilities! Could you give me some tips on what solutions to put it in, how to scrub it, with what paste etc. I probably won't use it that much afterwards but in a way it's a family heirloom and my mother will be really happy that I restored it. I thank you very much in advance and I will post pictures below, if anyone needs more pictures, please ask I would be happy to provide!

 

[JimmyCB]

Great that you found your grandfather's razor that has family memories. It looks in good mechanical shape, which you confirmed. I would recommend a lengthy soak in Dawn liquid and water, followed by a scrub with a soft brush. If this doesn't remove all the accumulated grim, repeat. I have a couple of re-plated razors, but really prefer my razors with the patina of age as long as they're clean. Hope you will enjoy the shaves.

 

[Multum in parvo]

Warm/hot water and dish soap/dawn + a soft toothbrush
Given the state of it you might have to repeat the procedure.
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner it will be quicker.

 

[Olajidebt]

How long is lengthy? 10 hours? 20 or more? We don't have dawn but we do have dish soap, I guess any brand would do? Should I put something on the brush, some paste or just plain brush? Thank you for the advice!!!

 

[Dog Whiskerer]

I probably won't use it that much afterwards but in a way it's a family heirloom and my mother will be really happy that I restored it.

And I imagine it would make your grandfather happy if you used it. Regularly. Like he did.

 

[Multum in parvo]

I always get antsy after 30-40 minutes and start brushing under running water followed by another soak.

If you are a patient men I would leave it over night and then give it a go in the morning.

 

[Iron Paw]

Made in England too.
They are a nice razor.

 

[Olajidebt]

And I imagine it would make your grandfather happy if you used it. Regularly. Like he did.

I do use my Henson regularly, even though it's on sabbatical while I try once again to get my straight freak on. I have issued with razors other than Henson and daylong beards, they always get stuck when going ATG, the whiskers just stop them, like they're superman's whiskers, made of steel. The only razor I don't have that issue with is the Henson, and I give it solely to blade chatter. I even have that problem with Straights but that's another topic. I will use it on and off for sure!

I always get antsy after 30-40 minutes and start brushing under running water followed by another soak.

If you are a patient men I would leave it over night and then give it a go in the morning.

Indeed I am a patient man, I will leave it then over night! Just put the whole razor in the solution? Also what about vinegar and soda or something like that? Or that might damage the razor? Again many thanks!

Made in England too.
They are a nice razor.

Yeah I saw it was English, quite pleased with it, hopefully I can clean it up well!

 

[nemo]

Congrats on the flare tip Rocket!

Just a soak in warm water and dish detergent plus elbow grease with a toothbrush -- skip the vinegar, acid is no good for nickel finishes.

 

[Chevyguy]

How long is lengthy? 10 hours? 20 or more? We don't have dawn but we do have dish soap, I guess any brand would do? Should I put something on the brush, some paste or just plain brush? Thank you for the advice!!!

Regular toothpaste works well as a cleaner and polish, and it's mild on the razors finish. Use an old toothbrush.

Clayton

Sent from my SM-A705U using Tapatalk

 

[Olajidebt]

Thanks all! Will post an update with hopefully a much better looking razor ))

 

[slim6596]

These old Gillette razors clean up nice…