To replate or not to replate, That is the Question

[JoshD]

I just got a 1948-50 SuperSpeed and it has a lot of plating loss. I am wanting to use this as a daily shaver, or PIF to a member here at B&B. Should I replate it or just leave it the way it is.

I have not even shaved with it yet, I just got a couple of days ago and have not had the pleasure.

I know replating reduces the "collector's" value, but I don't want this to just be a collector's piece. I want it to be used the way it was designed to be.

Thanks

Josh.

 

[lungho]

This was advice given to me by other members in this forum.

If you plan on reselling the razor at some point, replating destroys the value. However if plan on keep this razor forever and care more about aesthetics, then replating may be a good option for you. If the razor is simply dirty and not worn, try cleaning using some methods discussed in this forum. Use the search function for that.

I'm relatively new to DE razors. I'm sure there's more advice others can give you. This is simply my 2-cents.

 

[cooncatbob]

It's a safety razor not a classic Duesenberg (Gillette made millions), if it needs replating it probably doesn't have any collector value anyway.

 

[buddydog]

Most old razors are worth more restored.Not very many have collector value.A collector has no use for a razor that needs replating.

 

[moodymick]

I'd go with the re-plate, who would want to display or use something that is rusted or manky!

 

[maxman]

I'd replate it if you intend on using it.
A collector might not like it, but someone who intends to use it will.
If you decide to sell it that is.
I have a few to do, just to lazy to send them away.

 

[toeknee]

I had my Gillette new replated,simply because i like shaving with it and didn't like to see it sitting there looking all scruffy,now it looks brand new and i enjoy shaving with it even more,so if it's gonna be a daily shaver go for it!

 

[JoshD]

Thanks men,

My next purchase will be a plating kit. I think I will get into that, if I get good enough I will offer my services here to the B&B members. I know that there is already two members that replate. One is here in the U.S. and the other is in the U.K. I am on the Eastern side of the U.S. It will give the guys here in the states another option, if you live on the east coast.

we will see how it goes.

Josh

 

[buddydog]

Thanks men,

My next purchase will be a plating kit. I think I will get into that, if I get good enough I will offer my services here to the B&B members. I know that there is already two members that replate. One is here in the U.S. and the other is in the U.K. I am on the Eastern side of the U.S. It will give the guys here in the states another option, if you live on the east coast.

we will see how it goes.

Josh

Before you dive in to plating,let me explain why I can do it so cheap.I am a jeweler,I've been making jewelry since 1973.I have thousands of dollars worth of tools at my disposal,and an apprentice.I have an electro-plating set up that gets very little use.Plating solutions are very expensive.When mine are used up I probably won't replace them.I do plating in the evening and on weekends,only because I like razors.It takes about 21/2 to 3 hours to do a razor.If you buy plating equipment just to plate razors at $35.00 each you will be loosing money.It takes more than just plating equipment,You have to sand out scratches and polish the razor before plating,so you need jewelers files and a buffer.

Not to discourage you or anything......

 

[JoshD]

so you replate razors?

I could not remember who it was.

How much do you charge per razor?

I was just wondering if it could be done at home. I am not trying to undermine your plating business. I am always an experimentalist.

There is a place online that sells a very small plating kit for about $40. I was just wondering if it is any good and what type of results I can get. I do have a buffer and some files at my disposal. So all I really need is the electrolysis stuff.

Josh

 

[maxman]

I investigated replating at home. Buddydog is correct (and being a jeweller he would know) it is expensive and takes a lot of equipment to do it properly.
Never mind the chemicals, polishing, &c.

There have been plenty of threads on replating and they all end up with people sending the items to a person who has experience.

If you do try it at home, let us all know how you make out.

 

[buddydog]

I forgot to mention,The plating solutions are cyanide based.

 

[JoshD]

I forgot to mention,The plating solutions are cyanide based.

Oh, I will watch out for that. Thanks for the heads up. I already have some good thick rubber gloves and a really good respirator. I want to try this on a razor that I only paid $5 for off of the bay before I try it on some irreplaceable '65 Mustang console parts. I am using it as a trial run.

Thanks for the caution.

Josh

 

[buddydog]

I have a workshop just for plating.....

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And re-loading....

 

[JoshD]

What are the golf clubs for?

I love the heater. My grandfather has a two burner like that.

Josh

 

[cooncatbob]

Buddy Dog is that a RCBS Jr?
I have on just like that for reloading black powder 45-70s for my Sharps.

 

[billc508]

Listen to cooncatbob and buddydog, they have something you cannot buy in a kit, it's called experience and you need that as much as the tools to do a good job. That means an investment in years of doing so you know which is the right way. I had one of my '48 supers replated at the professional facility that I use which is close to me, otherwise I would probably just send it over and let the B&B guy do it. It came out beautifully, and functions perfectly, and is a joy to look at and to use. I also have replated and sold some vintage razors and I got more money for them than similar razors were selling for as is. Unless it is a very special presentation piece and you have the original papers and case and box and blades and everything, it is not really of interest to serious collectors. Send it to the plater and enjoy it, you will not regret, bc

 

[shamus]

If you're not happy with the finish then unload the razor and find one in "pristine conditon" for your everyday razor.

The cost of replating 1 razor might not be worth the time, effort or expense.

Just my opinion.

Tutti Frutti, Cheers

 

[troy1979]

+1 on shamus reply, for $20 you can get one in great condition. IF the razor was your dads then a different story.

 

[DESkydiver]

I just received my B3 and D3 (TV) Super Speeds back from having fellow B&B member onotoman replate them. Great work and price. He is in the UK so postal delays took a month for the turn-around; well worth the wait !!

Before I sent them I boiled them in water & vinegar for about 7 minutes, when I got back the water was so black and the plating also greatly faded. I decided I did not want to use these razors in that condition with years of who knows what built up.

I figured replating was the way to go, read numerous posts and onotoman came up frequently. If you're looking, I'd send him a PM.