Shaving with a Gold Plated razor

[Sprags]

Kinda new to the forum. Started shaving with a EJ 89 a few weeks ago and to was my first good shave...no cuts, no nicks, no errors.

After browsing this forum I see that vintage razors are what everyone here seems to covet. Personally I can't see shaving with a razor that looks kinda grungy that was used by someone else. Even if the razor has been thoroughly cleaned.

I then saw the threads that show photos that have been restored. Those seem like they would be OK to use. However, Gold plated razors seem like they may wear or damage easily. is this true?

i found this web site: http://razoremporium.com/store/index.php?main_page=products_new while looking for Automatic razors. The refurbished gold plated razors look nice but if someone can offer input about these gold plated refurbished razors it will be appreciated.

thanks...Blake

 

[Jeff_H]

Blake,

If no one has said it, welcome to the forum. Vintage Gillette gold razors had a lacquer over the gold wash coating which helped protect it. Over the years it has worn of all but the ones that have seen the least use. The gold wash Gillette used was very, very thin. Vintage razors replated using modern electroplating have several advantages over the vintage coating, if it is done by a reputable company....more on that in a moment.

The main difference between vintage gold and modern gold replating is the modern versions almost always use a thicker plating layer than Gillette used. Not that it is caked on, as all plating material is typically only a few thin layers. I don't know the exact thickness of the layers, others can comment on that better. A modern replating involves a razor well stripped and cleaned of the old finish, but not buffed so hard that it loses any original detail. Then it is plated in nickel, which protects the brass underneath and gives the gold something to bond with very well. Then the gold is applied, again, more thickly than Gillette ever did. I am not sure if a lacquer layer is still applied over gold.

The result, if done by a quality company who cares about their work, like Dave at www.restoredrazors.com , is a razor that with normal care will last for at least decades and will likely outlast you.

As for Razor Emporium, I have no personal experience with them, so I do not want to disparage them unfairly by my comments. However, I suggest you do a search here on the forum, in the safety razor section, and I think you will find more than you ever wanted to know about their work and reputation.

There are a couple of very good restoration places here in the states, but if I were getting my razor done in gold, it would be Dave at Restored Razors for me...without hesitation.

 

[mblakele]

To me, patina looks good, used razors are just fine, and gold is too flashy: take my advice with that in mind.

Unused vintage (NOS) razors exist, but they command a premium. Once used they are no longer NOS, so using one is a bit like driving a new car off the lot: it loses a fair bit of value instantly. Replating can result in a like-new razor, but it is a little harder to find platers who do gold. Take a look at Razor_Replating on the wiki for options.

Many of the vintage gold finishes are very thin. Modern ones might be better, but no plating will last forever.

Razor Emporium has a poor reputation. Make your own decision, but consider the value proposition and what your options might be if the transaction goes bad. You might do better by reaching the 45-day / 50-post threshold and posting a WTB here.

 

[Copierguy]

Yes gold razors can show signs of ware and normally before other materials. They are wonderful eye candy I think originally aimed at buyers with means to repair or replace as needed. They normally came from the factory with a protective coating of lacquer that I suppose if maintained would keep a gold razor looking it's best.

As for razor restoration, the place your search found has not enjoyed a very favorable reputation around here. Search for replate here in the DE forum and you will find some B&B members with a good track record.

 

[Wes Murphy]

www.restoredrazors.com does not work for me and hasn't since I've on this site.

 

[Shutterbug57]

www.restoredrazors.com does not work for me and hasn't since I've on this site.

Why not? The seem to have a pretty good reputation with the board members.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I am waiting for my replates (7 O' Clock British New and USA short comb New) to come back from Restored Razors/onotoman. Gold caps, rose gold baseplates, and a gold Tech fat handle. I have never heard of any problems with Dave either in the quality or the customer service areas.

I will say that shipping to England was tricky, as my local post office had a heck of the time finding "Tyne & Wear" on their mailing database! It did get there just fine, however.

 

[pbnj]

Why not? The seem to have a pretty good reputation with the board members.

Think he means the link..