Grotty New Before and After

[onotoman]

Hi Guys

For those who wanted to see the before and after plating pics of that grotty new that I showed a while ago, here you go..

Best Wishes

Dave

Ooops I've shown the wrong head base plate in the 'After' but the other parts are from the 'before' and the head base came out just as good - honest :-)

http://www.razorandsoap.com/newbefore1.jpg
http://www.razorandsoap.com/newafter1.jpg

[mattface]

very nice! how much does a replate job like that usually run?

[onotoman]

Thanks :-) - $20 or £15 plus shipping.


very nice! how much does a replate job like that usually run?

[mattface]

Thanks :-) - $20 or £15 plus shipping.

Nice, I've got a bar handled new like that. Mine's bare copper and brass and looks pretty enough, but I'd like it better nickel plated. Shipping might be a deterrent though.

[Chester]

Lovely.
I've got a "grotty" Rotbart that could use the same treatment.
-- Chet

[drews50]

While in it's original condition this razor was heading for someones trash bin. Now it has a prized spot in someones collection. You've given it a new life.

[Wetshavemike]

Beautiful plate job. Nice piece!!:thumbup1:

[inspiringK]

That is an impressive change. Good thing to keep in mind.

[IronHammer]

Very nice! Looks fabulous!

I have a question though. I notice that the plating looks a skoche uneven on the head. Is that normal for replates? Is it not possible to obtain a mirror perfect finish? Please don't think I am not knocking your gorgeous razor, just curious! I would love to have some of mine redone.

I am thinking a particular unnotched 1940's SS, but shipping costs to the UK would be an issue for me. I understand that buddydog does replates as well. Do his have the same beautiful, but ever-so-slightly uneven finish?

-Todd

[Holzie]

I am going to bet that if you had that razor in your hand you would see a perfect mirror finish. Photographing mirrored surfaces takes incredible photographic skills.

[mandoman]

:w00t: :tongue_sm

[onotoman]

Hi Ironhammer,

The finish of the plating is all to do with the underlying metal. With this particular razor, it had gotten to the stage where the surface of the brass has started to pit (or corrode) and although a lot can be polished out, it does remove metal, so it's a bit of a trade-off.

If a razor is replated before it gets ot this stage ,the finish is indeed, as original and mirror-like.


Very nice! Looks fabulous!

I have a question though. I notice that the plating looks a skoche uneven on the head. Is that normal for replates? Is it not possible to obtain a mirror perfect finish? Please don't think I am not knocking your gorgeous razor, just curious! I would love to have some of mine redone.

I am thinking a particular unnotched 1940's SS, but shipping costs to the UK would be an issue for me. I understand that buddydog does replates as well. Do his have the same beautiful, but ever-so-slightly uneven finish?

-Todd

[onotoman]

It does indeed look better 'in the flesh' most of the marks are dust and finger marks. But, as I mentioned earlier, there was some pitting to the head as this razor had been neglected for so long and although most polish out, there are some imperfections.

At the end of the day though, a razor is a utility item and the finish of the originals are often not 'mirror-like' - it would just take the makers too much effort to achieve under mass production conditions.


I am going to bet that if you had that razor in your hand you would see a perfect mirror finish. Photographing mirrored surfaces takes incredible photographic skills.

[fidjit]

At the end of the day though, a razor is a utility item and the finish of the originals are often not 'mirror-like' - it would just take the makers too much effort to achieve under mass production conditions.

Except for the British Rhodium Aristocrat series :thumbup:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/limbot/Aristocrat%2021%20Feb%202010/P1010934-1.jpg

Nice job on the replates :thumbup:

[akira7799]

But, as I mentioned earlier, there was some pitting to the head as this razor had been neglected for so long and although most polish out, there are some imperfections.

Dave,

Correct me if I am wring, but aren't copper alloys, brass and the other majority of safety razor base metals relatively soft?

If this is the case what grit can take care of removing pits in the head without removing an excess of material and leaving grit marks? I'm guessing it's a balance between ultimate finish vs. time and energy expended.

Thanks Dave,
Dave (just trying to make 'the ol' same name joke)

[alex2363]

good price for replate, onotoman always does wonders.

[IronHammer]

I have to wonder about the time it would take to get things back from the UK with all of these int'l shipping delays lately. I am still waiting for package from Bulgaria that was sent the week after Christmas.

-Todd

[onotoman]

Hi Dave

You are correct, most razors are made from brass and usually, the areas of most wear - such as the handle section and top of the head are copper plated before nickel plating - this copper helps the nickel to 'stick' better. Copper can also be used to cover imperfections by building up a coating then polishing.

As for polishing, I tend to use fine wet and dry paper then wire wool of a fine grade too. A final buff on a wheel usually gives a nice finish ready for plating.

Pits can be removed either by sanding - if not to deep or filling with silver solder or similar if deep. As mentioed though, it's all effort versus finished result. If it's a rare Aristocrat or something, then a lot of effort is justified - but a run of the mill Tech may not justify the effort

Best wishes

Dave (2)


Dave,

Correct me if I am wring, but aren't copper alloys, brass and the other majority of safety razor base metals relatively soft?

If this is the case what grit can take care of removing pits in the head without removing an excess of material and leaving grit marks? I'm guessing it's a balance between ultimate finish vs. time and energy expended.

Thanks Dave,
Dave (just trying to make 'the ol' same name joke)