Scored some antique store razors today with mechanical issues. Help?

[_MementoMori_]

I went antique shopping today with my wife for my birthday. In my excitement over seeing razors in an antique store at all, I snatched up everything in sight. I got them all for between $2 to $5, so I'm not out much if they can't be fixed, but here's what's happening:

I have a 40s SS that the TTO knob "drops" about a 1/4" out of the handle when all the way open. It just hangs there while the doors are open, and you have to push it back up into the barrel and twist to close it. It closes tightly and functions perfectly otherwise.

I have a Blue Tip SS with a very... and I mean VERY sticky TTO knob. It feels like someone shoved a wad of gum inside the handle. It does open and close tightly, but it's a chore to do it.

I've never disassembled a razor, but I paid so little for these that I don't mind doing so if there's a chance I can fix them. I'm hoping you gents are familiar with these symptoms and know how I should proceed.

Oh, additionally, aren't all Ball End Old Types supposed to be silver? I bought two that are worn down 100% to the brass, but I'm just wondering. It almost looks like they may have been gold. Maybe they're Techs and not Old Types. I'm not the greatest ID person around.

Thanks in advance!

 

[_MementoMori_]

Guys, disregard the first question. A little research here yielded the answer. Feel free to discuss it still if you wish, and any thoughts on the second issue will be appreciated.

 

[bbarton713]

Don't use the CLR. It will likely take off the paint on the tip.

 

[Copierguy]

So you saw the pipe tool thread I guess for the TTO dropping down from the handle. Some folks use the back edge of a butter knife and tap the knife into the groove as they roll the razor handle along the edge of a table or down a 2 x4....

Soaking the blue tip razor over night in soapy water may go a long way to free it up...

Best wishes,

 

[_MementoMori_]

So you saw the pipe tool thread I guess for the TTO dropping down from the handle. Some folks use the back edge of a butter knife and tap the knife into the groove as they roll the razor handle along the edge of a table or down a 2 x4....

Soaking the blue tip razor over night in soapy water may go a long way to free it up...

Best wishes,

Yeah, I saw the pipe tool thread. I already priced one on ebay at $3.50 with free shipping. The butter knife method sounds even more appealing, obviously. I'll have to think this over.

As for the Blue Tip, I think soaking it overnight is definitely the first thing to try. I've opened and closed it a lot since buying it, and even that seems to be loosening it up a bit. Thanks for your advice and well wishes.

 

[Aberneth]

If the TTO is gummed up with soap scum or other oily debris, an overnight soak in mineral oil will do the trick.

 

[ShaveMark]

Which mall did you get them from, I think that I saw that SS the other week but i've been to literally every antique mall so I get them confused.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Not all Ball Handle Old Types were silver. The top picture is an Old Type, and the bottom pic is of a Ball Handle Tech.

 

[_MementoMori_]

Well, one down one to go. I fixed the 40s SS last night with the pipe cutter trick. I flattened a small portion of knurling like some other people have, but it's hardly noticeable.

Now to de-gunk that Blue Tip... without harming the paint. That seems to be the tricky part.

 

[ShaveMark]

Are you skipping my question altogether?

 

[_MementoMori_]

I went waaayyyyy out to St. Mary's Antique Mall. It definitely isn't within my normal range, but it was worth the trip.

Be warned, that place is enormous and takes about 4 hours to get through.

 

[ShaveMark]

I went waaayyyyy out to St. Mary's Antique Mall. It definitely isn't within my normal range, but it was worth the trip.

Be warned, that place is enormous and takes about 4 hours to get through.

Been there 2 weeks ago but missed the blue tip.

 

[ShaveMark]

If you would have gone 3 weeks ago you could have really cleaned up but I did instead! It's big, an old elementary school and yes it takes at least 4 hrs to go through. There are 2 in Farmington but don't waste your time, I already scored everything that they had.

 

[_MementoMori_]

I only buy models I don't have already, so I've just about hit the point that all I still need are the rare, high-end razors. For instance, I passed on a Gold Tech and a Flare Tip at St. Mary's because I already have very fine examples of each. The exception to that rule for me is if I see a razor I already have but the one for sale is in better condition. Then, I'll buy the one in better condition and sell the previous one here or eBay.

I also just generally don't go for things like Injectors and such. I don't shave with them and I'm not strictly a collector, so I don't see the point in owning them.

Oh, also, the Blue Tip is back to 100% operational. I soaked it for about 15 minutes in WD-40 and it's smooth as butter now. It's a pretty razor!

 

[ShaveMark]

That's good about the blue tip being back to like new I finally tried an injector about a month ago and was pleasantly surprised by the easy smooth shave it offered, not a bad razor to try and add to your rotation. I'm at the point now that I have most razors also except the rare and really collectibles but I don't buy very often from E-Joke, mine all have come from antique malls. I use all of my razors, the nicer more valuable ones may only get used once but I do try them. I use all, the DE's, SE's injectors, straight's, durham's, Roll's and various novelties plus all different kinds of brushes, strops and hones. I just get so into it that I want to experience all of the history. Now i'm trying to collect at least one of every model of safety razor ever made.

 

[_MementoMori_]

I don't think I'd ever be courageous enough to shave with a Rolls. Congrats on that.