Is it a bad idea to clean and use this antique razor?

[chamm]

Doesn't matter. I'd still shave with it.

Oh, I wouldn't suggest he not shave with it! :-D Only that it might require a slightly different cleaning technique. If the "gold" color the OP describes is truly gold, then a little more care should probably be taken in shining it up, to avoid damaging the plating. If it's the brass showing, then a soap in piping hit dishwater and some scrubbles will make it perform like a champ.

 

[honeybadger79]

I specifically wrote "gold color" because i just don't know. I assume that when I post the pics I'll be a bit closer to learning which if some of you can make such a judgement.

Thanks again!

 

[chamm]

I specifically wrote "gold color" because i just don't know. I assume that when I post the pics I'll be a bit closer to learning which if some of you can make such a judgement.

Thanks again!

Yes, most definitely. The difference between brass and gold is pretty stark, even though many eBay sellers list items as "Gold Gillette Safety Razor" and the like. A picture should clear up any doubts.

 

[Go West Young Man]

The "value" of that razor in average "user" condition is in the $25-50 range, you're not going to blow your kids' college fund even if you mess it up

 

[honeybadger79]

The "value" of that razor in average "user" condition is in the $25-50 range, you're not going to blow your kids' college fund even if you mess it up

That makes me feel better. I've seen too many episodes of Pawn Shop where a person ruins the substantial value of an antique gun by sanding the patina off

 

[one cut]

Its not a gold old type till we see pictures.

 

[honeybadger79]

Here we go. Pictures!

 

[honeybadger79]

Note all the green funk and that there is a thin crack at both ends of the stem. Hopefully someone can tell me a little bit about this razor. No signature

 

[nuclearblast]

There's some gold left there, mostly on the handle.The head seems to be totally stripped, which doesn't matter. It will shave great.
The barrel is upside down btw! What's the serial #? I can't quite tell from the pic.

Enjoy it.

 

[Cricket1]

Typical old type. Clean it in hot water- i.e. just off the boil, let it soak for 5 mins or so. DO NOT BOIL the razor.

Then once its cooled a bit, scrub gently with an old tooth brush. Rinse off, then soak it in Scrubbing Bubbles, a few minutes. Then run the toothbrush over it again, and rinse.

It is now ready to shave.

 

[honeybadger79]

Thanks! P 55936 (that 9 may be a 3) is the number on the head. And i dont think the barrel detaches from the head, so are you sure its backwards?

 

[nuclearblast]

How cool is that ... one of the last serial numbered Single Rings. 1921.

 

[honeybadger79]

Typical old type. Clean it in hot water- i.e. just off the boil, let it soak for 5 mins or so. DO NOT BOIL the razor.

Then once its cooled a bit, scrub gently with an old tooth brush. Rinse off, then soak it in Scrubbing Bubbles, a few minutes. Then run the toothbrush over it again, and rinse.

It is now ready to shave.

what about disinfectant? I understand that boiling may damage, but i feel like i should do something to disinfect for health sake. And the "old type" is this really from 1904?

 

[Cricket1]

The near boiling and scrubbing bubbles will disinfect just fine. Any real nasties are long gone from the razor, they don't like to live on dry, hard metal surfaces.

 

[honeybadger79]

How cool is that ... one of the last serial numbered Single Rings. 1921.

Thanks! In no way is this meant as a doubt, but how does one verify the year? I'd love to show a few friends the proof that it's this old

 

[nuclearblast]

Thanks! In no way is this meant as a doubt, but how does one verify the year? I'd love to show a few friends the proof that it's this old

Here

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

 

[honeybadger79]

Thank you so much!

 

[honeybadger79]

The near boiling and scrubbing bubbles will disinfect just fine. Any real nasties are long gone from the razor, they don't like to live on dry, hard metal surfaces.

I read up a little on the Wiki of this site and it was talking abiut using MetalWax products in the cleaning and polishing routine. Do you think that is unnecessary? I prefer the methos you described because it seems easier and doesnt require a trip to the store or to purchase anything

 

[nuclearblast]

If you ask me, all that razor needs is some hot water, dish soap and an old toothbrush. I wouldn't even polish it. First because you would remove the plating that's left on the handle, and second I think it's good to leave some of the character. It will be perfectly clean and shave ready once you finish.

 

[honeybadger79]

If you ask me, all that razor needs is some hot water, dish soap and an old toothbrush. I wouldn't even polish it. First because you would remove the plating that's left on the handle, and second I think it's good to leave some of the character. It will be perfectly clean and shave ready once you finish.

Thank you . I've seen two varients in this thread on cleaning. The difference being dish soap versus scrubbing bubbles. I have both. Does it matter which? I may go do this right now for tomorrows shave