Tips for Spotting a Replate?

[Gryffindor]

Hey there!

I searched quite a bit on this type of topic, but came up empty. If there is a thread already going for this, feel free to move my post over!

I'm looking for any tips and tricks for how to spot whether a razor has been replated in the past. Of particular interest would be how to identify this on a razor that is *not* in awesome condition. Any insight is welcome, though!

Yes, there is a reason I'm asking. I'll share when it arrives.

 

[razorboi]

Relatively few vintage razors have been re-plated, mostly because it's cost-prohibitive to do so. An exception might be a razor of sentimental value, but that's unlikely to come on the market.
Re-plating can be economic for scarce or collectible razors sourced from flea markets/thrift stores for resale. In such a case, one needs familiarity with original examples of the model to spot a re-plating. An N.O.S. example would be a starting point for comparison. I've seen re-plated razors that just don't have the right colour or hue to the plating as an original, or the plating appears thicker than it should be. Chipping or peeling of the plating anywhere usually indicates re-plating.
If a razor's functional mechanisms are no longer tight as new, but exhibit some looseness associated with wear, then the plating should be absent (worn off) on those places where the parts interact with each other. A specialist in that model of razor should know where brassing first appears and I would look there first for at least some expected signs of wear.
Because the re-plating of razors is a relatively recent thing, it's highly unlikely that a re-plated razor would have since been used enough to show any appreciable wear. Re-plated razors usually present as "too good to be true."

 

[Gryffindor]

Relatively few vintage razors have been re-plated, mostly because it's cost-prohibitive to do so. An exception might be a razor of sentimental value, but that's unlikely to come on the market.
Re-plating can be economic for scarce or collectible razors sourced from flea markets/thrift stores for resale. In such a case, one needs familiarity with original examples of the model to spot a re-plating. An N.O.S. example would be a starting point for comparison. I've seen re-plated razors that just don't have the right colour or hue to the plating as an original, or the plating appears thicker than it should be. Chipping or peeling of the plating anywhere usually indicates re-plating.
If a razor's functional mechanisms are no longer tight as new, but exhibit some looseness associated with wear, then the plating should be absent (worn off) on those places where the parts interact with each other. A specialist in that model of razor should know where brassing first appears and I would look there first for at least some expected signs of wear.
Because the re-plating of razors is a relatively recent thing, it's highly unlikely that a re-plated razor would have since been used enough to show any appreciable wear. Re-plated razors usually present as "too good to be true."

Thank you kindly! This is super helpful!

 

[rudyt]

I'm looking for any tips and tricks for how to spot whether a razor has been replated in the past.

A dead giveaway is the "crispness" of the knurling and lettering. Replated razors that have been buffed before replating have soft edges to the engraving, and razors that have not been buffed have buildup.

 

[Gryffindor]

A dead giveaway is the "crispness" of the knurling and lettering. Replated razors that have been buffed before replating have soft edges to the engraving, and razors that have not been buffed have buildup.

I’ll be on the lookout for this as well. Much appreciated!

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

On a couple of razors I've handled you could be pretty certain they were re-plates because the finish was actually nicer (thicker and more even) than on a NOS example. It's more difficult when the original was of very high quality and the person doing the re-plate was highly skilled.

 

[Gryffindor]

On a couple of razors I've handled you could be pretty certain they were re-plates because the finish was actually nicer (thicker and more even) than on a NOS example. It's more difficult when the original was of very high quality and the person doing the re-plate was highly skilled.

Thank you for the reply! I have a replated Short Comb head, and I can tell that it's been replated for the reasons you describe here. The plating is super even, and it looks better than brand new. This is going to be an interesting arrival, as the razor is not even close to pristine.

 

[romsitsa]

Look for “smooth” spots. On tto-s knurling, on three piece razors the inner surfaces (inside cap/comb, inner tube) are the best places to start. These were not polished, only machined during manufacture.

Adam