Razor Replating

**SafetyRazorDave** · 10-21-2010, 07:19 AM

Hey all,

So I had been considering getting a few of my razors replated. I even sent a few inquiry emails to a website that offers such service. But lately I was thinking that I kind of like the razors the way they are. It's not an issue of functionality, only aesthetics.

Even the razor with the worst plating loss, my gold ball-end Gillette Tech, isn't that bad and I kind of like the look of it. I can see that if a razor is totally cruddy and rusty then a replate may be in order, but I'm talking about pure aesthetics here.

Am I the only only the feels that some signs of wear and tear on an old razor add some character to it? I'm afraid if I get them replated they will loose their personality! It's an old razor and should show some wear, and some wear means it's been loved. I got into this to shave, not to collect. The signs of wear are from the razors being shaved with, and isn't that a good thing? Seriously, does anyone else know what I'm talking about and agree?

Btw, this isn't meant to be a post bashing replating. I have nothing against it and I'm not debating the ethics of it, just stating how I feel about making my used razors look brand new again, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for reading!

**jansob** · 10-21-2010, 07:58 AM

To me it's a matter of degree...I have a couple that are really bad, and those will be replated and brought back to their former glory...others have a bit of wear and will remain the way they are.

**tchmango** · 10-21-2010, 07:59 AM

You know some of my razors are OK wearing the experiences of time as reflected in their appearance. Then I have a few (primarily gold plated) razors that just look nasty with plate loss. Sure there is no loss of function or capability from plate loss. Ultimately I use a case by case basis to determine when to re-plate. Factors such as original purchase price, cost to plate etc. How much I like the razor and long term plan for the razor affect my decision. There is no right or wrong.

**SafetyRazorDave** · 10-21-2010, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by jansob

To me it's a matter of degree...I have a couple that are really bad, and those will be replated and brought back to their former glory...others have a bit of wear and will remain the way they are.

Agreed. Mine aren't really bad so will remain the way they are.

Originally Posted by tchmango

You know some of my razors are OK wearing the experiences of time as reflected in their appearance. Then I have a few (primarily gold plated) razors that just look nasty with plate loss. Sure there is no loss of function or capability from plate loss. Ultimately I use a case by case basis to determine when to re-plate. Factors such as original purchase price, cost to plate etc. How much I like the razor and long term plan for the razor affect my decision. There is no right or wrong.

Totally agree here too, no right or wrong.

**cnnc97** · 10-21-2010, 08:24 AM

I have a late 40's Aristocrat where the handle is about 2/3 nickel instead of gold. For that reason I have been considering getting it replated. The top of the doors are worn and don't look great, I can live with that. It's the multi colored handle that has me considering it.

**alex2363** · 10-21-2010, 02:34 PM

i like that new car smell of a replate razor

**GeorgeMason** · 10-21-2010, 02:36 PM

I think its to each their own on the subject of replating. I have a well worn Aristocrat that I plan on getting replated, and while I am at it I may get my Tech plated as well, while my Rocket still looks good so I will leave it alone. Even though the Aristocrat and the Tech function perfectly I just think they deserve a new coat

**internet** · 10-21-2010, 02:53 PM

Which types of Gillettes are worth re-plating? and could you recommend a company that re plates razors. TIA

**cnnc97** · 10-21-2010, 02:58 PM

There are a couple of users on here. Ontonoman, Cooncatbob and Buddydog. Reliable Electroplating in Massachussetts has also been recommended.

I would suggest checking the yellow pages for replating services in your area. If you can find one that does restoration work you can save on shipping it back and forth and risking the mail service losing your razor.

**GeorgeMason** · 10-21-2010, 05:08 PM

Now if I were able to find someone local to relpate my Aristocrat, is there a tutorial on taking it apart and putting it back together? I am sure that The Chrome Pit, The local plater here, would know much about stripping down and rebuilding a TTO razor

**alex2363** · 10-21-2010, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by internet

Which types of Gillettes are worth re-plating? and could you recommend a company that re plates razors. TIA

use our members they have a reliable track record, onotoman, did few mine, nice work, buddydog too

**SafetyRazorDave** · 10-21-2010, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by alex2363

use our members they have a reliable track record, onotoman, did few mine, nice work, buddydog too

Just out of curiousity, what metal were your razors done in? I see most vintage Gillette's are nickel plated, but some were rhodium. I considered the rhodium plating route, but it's kinda $$$.

**crugg** · 10-21-2010, 10:24 PM

Is it really worth re-plating? For antique purposes. Doesn't it lower the actually value of the piece in the long run?

**jansob** · 10-21-2010, 10:27 PM

I would only replete a razor I did not intend to sell...you'd ruin any collectible value and never get enough to cover the cost of replating. I have replated the New I use the most. Very glad I did as it was very grody.

**Go West Young Man** · 10-22-2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by crugg

Is it really worth re-plating? For antique purposes. Doesn't it lower the actually value of the piece in the long run?

It's not like you can devalue a $10 Tech or a $20 Superspeed very much.

**internet** · 10-22-2010, 04:31 PM

Re:
Originally Posted by crugg
Is it really worth re-plating? For antique purposes. Doesn't it lower the actually value of the piece in the long run?

How can you tell that a razor was replated?

**Go West Young Man** · 10-22-2010, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by internet

How can you tell that a razor was replated?

The absolute perfection of it's finish.

**jansob** · 10-22-2010, 06:33 PM

Yes, they look utterly new (after all, the entire outside surface IS new) as long as there were no bad scratches and the prep was done well. Even an NOS razor should have a tiny bit of dulling and oxidation.

I fully expect to start seeing replated Fatboys on the 'bay soon since the price just keeps getting crazier and crazier.

**Hank21** · 10-22-2010, 06:33 PM

Not that I'm considering it but how much does it cost to replate?
All the razors I have are in excellent condition.

Any prices (Chrome):

Ball Handle Tech = $?
Flare Tip Super Speed = $?
Fat Boy = $?

Does anyone know what's involved in replating a more complex razor like an adjustable? Does replating change the shaving characterisitics of the razor?

**jansob** · 10-22-2010, 06:43 PM

I've only had a 3-piece done, so don't know about TTOs. When you said chrome I'm assuming you meant nickel (that's what the ordinary Gillette was originally plated in.) I'd expect $30-35 for a 3-piece in nickel, but that's just a guess. PM onotoman or buddydog and ask...you're not committing to anything by inquiring.

Oh, forgot...in my case I felt that the razor shaved better because it was smoother. But that could easily be confirmation bias (ie: I expected it to, and wanted it to, so I felt that it did). My razor was also totally worn to the brass on the head, as I think a previous owner tried to polish it.