I started a post a few days ago in the de shaving forums about replating de razors and what folks think about them, some love them, some say as soon as you replate its not genuine vintage anymore so what about straights, i have not been into straights that long to answer this question so some thoughts of experianced users would be great, is a vintage straight still a vintage staright if its been re scaled/pinned etc, i understand that from the blade angle its still a genuine vintage razor which maybe 100 or 200 years old but the scales are not and maybe only 6 months old?
Vintage or not?
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To me it would be like a classic car not being a classic simply because you put new tires on it.
I would use the analogy of renovating a house or restoring a car. You are updating the parts that need to be updated/replaced, whilst remaining true to the original product.
restoring straights is a bit differemt to replating razors.
a good set of custom scales can often increase the value of the razor. However new scales are generally put on only when the old scales are broken (or with some guys, a bit boring). Some razors (dubl ducks, pumas etc) can be worth less without their distinctive scales
a good set of custom scales can often increase the value of the razor. However new scales are generally put on only when the old scales are broken (or with some guys, a bit boring). Some razors (dubl ducks, pumas etc) can be worth less without their distinctive scales
I would only replace the scales if they are broken. I want something that works, otherwise, I will keep the original!
Aesthetically, I like to shave with razors that look and feel like they did when my grandfather put them down. Cleaned, but little else. That is personal taste.
There is another reason why I prefer straight razors be left pretty much as is, and a more practical reason.
I honed a very nice looking Boker the other day that could only with great difficulty and care be brought to shave readiness, and then would not maintain its edge well. It was honeycombed with rust. The blade had been buffed and polished, and the rust pits would not be noticed by most. To the eye, it looked like a razor that had been very well maintained, and undoubtedly would sell for a nice price on Ebay and elsewhere.
I know many here like a buffed and polished look with straight razors. I know this is a matter of personal taste. But, when I see a vintage razor that is polished and shiny, I instinctively wonder what secrets they are trying to hide.
There is another reason why I prefer straight razors be left pretty much as is, and a more practical reason.
I honed a very nice looking Boker the other day that could only with great difficulty and care be brought to shave readiness, and then would not maintain its edge well. It was honeycombed with rust. The blade had been buffed and polished, and the rust pits would not be noticed by most. To the eye, it looked like a razor that had been very well maintained, and undoubtedly would sell for a nice price on Ebay and elsewhere.
I know many here like a buffed and polished look with straight razors. I know this is a matter of personal taste. But, when I see a vintage razor that is polished and shiny, I instinctively wonder what secrets they are trying to hide.
+1 I like the patina and other honest signs of age in vintage straights. Obviously, rust must be removed from the edge, but I'll do so in the least aggressive manner possible.
Many of my razors have cracked scales too, but so long as they still function well, I have no desire to replace them.
There are some precedents for this in other vintage arenas. It is a good question. Vintage woodwind mouthpieces are a good example. Some mouthpieces have a great reputation, and are worth serious money. People do modify them, so they do not conform to the original specs. This is not obvious, as it takes a micrometer to measure. Custom artisans have adopted a convention of signing their work. I like this method.
Custom scales could easily be signed with a maker's mark, just to avoid confusing people about what an original Brand X razor looked like.
Def a YMMV question on all levels.
Personally, I would rather keep the original scales.
If you come across a brand that is valuable, than it is in your best interests to keep the original scales if you ever plan on selling it.
Then you have to think about the actual scale itself (ivory, bone, carved with a exquisite design, bolsters, inlays, etc.)
Personally, I would rather keep the original scales.
If you come across a brand that is valuable, than it is in your best interests to keep the original scales if you ever plan on selling it.
Then you have to think about the actual scale itself (ivory, bone, carved with a exquisite design, bolsters, inlays, etc.)
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Thanks for the replies
