So, let's say for a moment that I wanted to fix this razor ...

[Jack-in-the-Green]

I picked up this straight at an antique store the other day, and now I'm finding myself being very tempted to get it restored and to take up straight shaving. A temptation I've resisted up to this point. Being the enablers you all are, I was hoping you could give me an idea of whether or not this thing is restore-able, what all would be involved, and about how much it would likely cost me.

And if I did do such a thing, would this be a good razor for a beginner, or would I be better off looking at something else to start?

 

[chainfire]

i wonder if you can -at the very least- save the scales. they're really cool.

 

[leighton]

Hone away about a millimeter or less off the edge to get rid of the chips, polish up the blade to make it shine and give it some rust resistance.

Very worth it. The scales alone are worth quite a bit. But the toe is pretty gnarly, it will never shave as well as it once did again.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I would get another razor for your first and send that one out to someone...

The scales are worth more than the blade.

 

[Jack-in-the-Green]

Since I don't even know how to strop, let alone hone, I would definitely want someone else handle the restore. I guess what I'm wondering is if it's worth trying to do so, or should I set it in a display and just admire the beauty of the scales? And if I did want to have it restored, how much would it likely cost me?

 

[leighton]

Since I don't even know how to strop, let alone hone, I would definitely want someone else handle the restore. I guess what I'm wondering is if it's worth trying to do so, or should I set it in a display and just admire the beauty of the scales? And if I did want to have it restored, how much would it likely cost me?

Worth it? I would say probably, if not yes. As for cost, pming you how much I would charge for that work and you can ask others for an opinion. Costs vary a lot, and they vary depending on a lot of factors like: how good of a final polish is put on the metal, how popular the restorer is, how much they value their time, etc etc.

 

[chainfire]

Worth it? I would say probably, if not yes. As for cost, pming you how much I would charge for that work and you can ask others for an opinion. Costs vary a lot, and they vary depending on a lot of factors like: how good of a final polish is put on the metal, how popular the restorer is, how much they value their time, etc etc.

Out of my own curiosity, in a case like this, if you don't necessarily mind switching the blade - is it easier to pop off the scales and change the blade with a similar one or are you better off repairing the blade that's here?

 

[leighton]

Out of my own curiosity, in a case like this, if you don't necessarily mind switching the blade - is it easier to pop off the scales and change the blade with a similar one or are you better off repairing the blade that's here?

This blade is perfectly saveable. So in this case, its a matter of preference. The problem is usually finding a suitable blade to fit those scales. In this case, the blade your replacing is a George Wostenholm Pipe razor. I would be hard pressed to find a better blade to put in those scales. Ideally you would have one in the exact same model who's scales got stepped on. In which case, I would switch the scales.

But keep in mind that depinning involves a slight risk of damage to the scales. You'd be surprised how bent those pins are. I'd say the risk is about 1% to 5%

 

[heirkb]

I would get one of the members here who knows how to modify razors to change the toe on that razor. Cut off the really damaged part and make the razor a French point or something. I know for sure Ambrose and Seraphim can both do that type of work.

 

[leighton]

I would get one of the members here who knows how to modify razors to change the toe on that razor. Cut off the really damaged part and make the razor a French point or something. I know for sure Ambrose and Seraphim can both do that type of work.

I was unaware Ambrose ever did that type of modification. I think your thinking about Fnord5 and myself. But I don't like doing it because I don't find it fun. Its a necessary evil that I hate to do.

Anyway, the tip isn't dead. Its just not perfect. Would you throw out an otherwise good pair of jeans just because a knee got scuffed a little? Well, I wouldn't, but I suppose other people would. And if thats how you lean, then I suggest finding an entirely new razor to replace the blade.

 

[Muirtach]

I was unaware Ambrose ever did that type of modification. I think your thinking about Fnord5 and myself. But I don't like doing it because I don't find it fun. Its a necessary evil that I hate to do.

Anyway, the tip isn't dead. Its just not perfect. Would you throw out an otherwise good pair of jeans just because a knee got scuffed a little? Well, I wouldn't, but I suppose other people would. And if thats how you lean, then I suggest finding an entirely new razor to replace the blade.

I agree. It is not going to be what it once was, but that is a beautiful Pipe razor and is worth saving every bit of it.

Heck I would be willing to swap out a different pipe blade I have for it jsut because I like that etching so much.

 

[ambrose]

It is restorable but thats up to you if you want to invest in to it. Its sure will make a nice shaver. Seraphim, I think is most known for his very custom modifications. leighton and Fnord5 also do this kind of work and think that they will do a fine job at doing so as well.

I have done many regrinding of points and some other fun projects. I mostly do it upon request or if the blade has an ugly point that I cant stand or a chip that needs to come out.

I re did this le grelot to have a very pronounced french point because it had the ugliest oblique point I had ever seen. LINK

I also made these custom pu-erh tea knifes. Which was some heavy regrinding and shaping LINK and LINK

These are just a few of the recent ones I did.

Im currently not taking on any restores at the moment so im not trying to sell myself here, but just wanted to take a sec to chime in. Best of luck bud

maybe someone can re work the lady on the scales to drop 10 lbs maybe dye her hair to make her a brunette. Thats the kind of restore im looking for im kidding