Would this Tech be suitable for being re-nickeled?

[JCinPA]

I believe this is a pre-war tech based on posts in this forum and the WiKi. It has the triangular vents in the baseplate, and there is no Gillette marking on the cap, the cap is smooth. It weighs 48 grams, and I cannot find one with that weight in the WiKi.

Some have said some razors are pot metal (whatever that is) and not suitable for nickel plating. This razor is a really nice shaver and I would consider having it redone at Black Roads Gold. I just want to make sure it is a good candidate for it. I think it is, but I'm not that knowledgeable.

 

[Alum Ladd]

I believe this is a pre-war tech based on posts in this forum and the WiKi. It has the triangular vents in the baseplate, and there is no Gillette marking on the cap, the cap is smooth. It weighs 48 grams, and I cannot find one with that weight in the WiKi.

Some have said some razors are pot metal (whatever that is) and not suitable for nickel plating. This razor is a really nice shaver and I would consider having it redone at Black Roads Gold. I just want to make sure it is a good candidate for it. I think it is, but I'm not that knowledgeable.

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Yep, that comes in at around the average weight for a Pre-War. They seem to fluctuate between 48 and 50gms. I suspect its the handle. Some are fractionally heavier than others.

Pre-Wars are rock solid, efficient shavers. Arguably the finest Tech generation. If it's treating you well and you are fond of it, a replate would be an idea.

 

[JCinPA]

Well, that was quick! That's exactly what I have! Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think I will have it replated. That's one in my den I actually use and want to hang on to. I'm clearing some unused stuff out, but this is a great little shaver. Gonna use it tomorrow, as a matter of fact!

Thank you very much.

 

[dmshaver]

Great razor, my PreWar is my favorite Tech. Enjoy!!!

 

[DesertIguana]

If you got the EXTRA Money to blow, will not kill you like cigarettes. Plate it.

 

[EdHeart]

I've two techs, a NLC and NSC. I really enjoy all of them. I've contemplated plating (something about alliterative sound...) and have arrived at not wanting to. Three of the foregoing are brass colored, clearly the plating and any laquer (if any was used) is going from most of it. The character of the patina has grown on me. One of the techs is colored like yours. This one I was considering for plating and was mulling over nickel vs rhodium.

Anyone have an opinion regarding either of those two choices?

@JCinPA enjoy your soon to be shiny tech. These are indeed great shavers. i suppose that's why there are so many clones of the design.

 

[JCinPA]

I’m no plating expert, but I think nickel is harder than rhodium. Won’t be at all surprised if I’m corrected. I’m going nickel because it’s correct, and hard.

 

[lasta]

Looks to be in fair enough condition as is. No need for replating. A little clean and light polish will do.

 

[Joezamboni]

Looks to be in fair enough condition as is. No need for replating. A little clean and light polish will do.

I’m curious what a quick hit with a Polishing wheel with red (possibly even white) rouge would do. Looks more dirty then beat.

It is nice to have a freshly replated razor though, especially when it’s one you enjoy. It’s more satisfying to keep one that’s in good factory shape that way and to resurrect something that’s beat.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Since you can find similar Techs in almost new condition, I'm not sure it makes economic sense to replate it, but up to you.

The pot metal and aluminum Techs did not come out until some years after those were made. You can easily tell the difference by dropping the top cap on a counter. The brass ones will ring, the zamak ones will make a higher pitched sound.

 

[Marco]

John, it will come out as brand new. Here below the 2 Fat Handle Techs you purchased for me back in 2021. Both were professionally replated before shipping to Italy. Remember them, my friend?

 

[Wombat ESQ]

I’m no plating expert, but I think nickel is harder than rhodium. Won’t be at all surprised if I’m corrected. I’m going nickel because it’s correct, and hard.

50/50 Dang, Other way round. Rhodium be the harder of the two

 

[ivan_101]

I seriously doubt the razor in the original post is pot metal.

Do you really need to replate that one?

Rhodium is harder than nickel.

 

[JCinPA]

Interesting. Shows you I don’t know metallurgy! It certainly does not “need” replating. I’m just thinking about how gorgeous it would be. Not at all necessary. But many of us have wasted money on sillier stuff around here!

 

[JCinPA]

@Marco oh, yes, I certainly do! I’m not in any hurry to replace this one, but after I get my razor collection down to what I really want to keep, I’m likely to send this and a fat boy to Black Roads Gold. Just because. Those are both stunning!

 

[Phoenixkh]

I had my birth year/quarter 1953 SuperSpeed replated in Chris' white platinum.... It came out brilliant. I'm sure nickel would also be very nice.

 

[BigJ]

Certainly not an ‘economic’ decision. The question is, ‘Do you want a shiny ‘new’ looking razor?

My guess is that the answer is ‘YES!‘ So go for the re-plate!!

 

[Umma2gumma]

Make sure you definitely like the way it shaves first.

I had two Slims replated, they look gorgeous but I don't really like the shaves all that much. At least compared to the Superspeeds from about the same era. Less smooth at higher settings, less efficient at lower settings.

Also, any nick, pit mark, or scratch will show even after replating. So if you want a brand new perfect razor, start with a perfect razor sans some plating. Personally, I don't mind small marks as long as they are not on the polished TTO doors. They show history. But some people may expect absolute perfection.

 

[fieldsjj]

I’m no plating expert, but I think nickel is harder than rhodium. Won’t be at all surprised if I’m corrected. I’m going nickel because it’s correct, and hard.

rhodium is about 50% harder than nickel. (6 on the MOHS scale vs. 4 for nickel)

 

[KenM]

Send it off. Chris's Mirror Nickel is spectacular. I haven't seen his rhodium in person but the nickel and gold are better than you think they can be.