Fatboy to Replate or not to Replate?

[T-Box215]

That is my question........ I recently received a 1958 Gillette Executive Fatboy. It was previously owned by my grandfather, and well cared for. I've never been a big fan of gold, however knowing this was his makes it a little different. I'd like to get it rhodium plated. What do you think?

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[Uncle Brian]

The link to the image isn't working for me ... despite that if it was MY Grandads i would leave it as it is.

[Winblows]

It depends of how much you have to give for it.

[Winblows]

Neither for me.

[bhorsoft]

Can't see the photo to judge condition. If it is in great shape - leave it be. If it is pretty rough, I might consider a rhodium replate.

[Bk124tt]

I understand your dilemma! However I just can't stand the gold color razors (IMHO) so I most definitely would have it replated! Even after the replate job it doesn't change that it was your grandfathers so you will still have that special bond with the razor!!

[JDTTO]

To replate or not depends on the sentimental value to you.

For replating, I would prefer nickel. I have only seen rhodium on pictures but to me it lacks character.

[chongo gordo]

Great question.

I was given my Grandfather's Ball-End Old Type. Nothing fancy about it, it's in very nice condition with the exception of the small handle cracks. New to DEs, it's needless to say, I was quite happy about this, and started to think about re-plating.

Ultimately I decided against it. I had reservations about sending it out in the mail. More than that, my Grandfather used the thing for fifty years or so, any wear is from his (or my dad's) hand. I'm keeping it as it is.

[crfcom]

Sounds like as much an emotional decision as practical. There are sound practical reasons to replate, and some of them depend on the condition of the current plating. Nickel is more corrosion-resistent than brass, so if the original plating shows signs of "brassing", there could be good practical reason to re-plate to prevent the exposed brass from corroding. Rhodium is beautiful stuff and an excellent plating finish due to its hardness and extreme corrosion-resistence. My own feelings would be that it's my razor now, and whichever plating I chose would probably be fine with the grandfather who would probably just be proud that you care enough to protect your grandson-grandfather connection. If the current plating is compromised, I would re-plate with a view to protecting the razor for another generation of family. Everbody's different, though.

[Watasha]

I'm looking at replating a couple of my razors but I doubt very seriously I'll replate any of my grandfather's razors.

[Hoss75]

I see replating at nothing more than throwing on a fresh coat of paint. I don't think it takes away anything from your graddads razor or the family connection to do it or the sentimental value. Go for it if you want to. Would you not paint your graddad's house if you inherited that?

[Alucard73]

Go for it. Nothing like seeing a vintage razor returned to its former glory.

[deafficianado]

+1. Rhodium is shiny and on par. Gold is nice too in keeping it original. Chrome has good corrosion resistance.

[garyg]

Looks to be in decent shape, I'm not a fan of gold razors either .. but if I did have one of my gramps', my first choice would be keep it as issued & use it once in awhile, maybe his birthday. Second choice would be restore to the original specs, in this case its gold. I'd never pimp it with anything, camo, black paint, rhodium. If you feel the need for a rhodium Fatboy, be patient & get one off the bay for cheap, one of the groady ones say .. do a scrub & plate it

[GardenWeasel]

It looks great as is! I'm sentimental that way...

[InHotWater]

It looks to be not in bad shape. I would probably just get some good use out of it, and enjoy it. I bet he did too :)

[closecut61]

Just As The Op Comment~~ Its Nothing More Then Throwing On A Fresh Coat Of Sparkle & Shine.. It Doesn't Take Anything Away From It
I Myself Recentely Inherited Several Pieces From My Late Father and Didn't Hesitate With A New Coat On All
These Pieces Will Definitely Be Prepped And Ready For My Children And The Next Generation:}
Good Luck With Whatever You Decide

[InfernoOrangeSS]

I would choose to replate it in original gold just to put it back to its original glory. It's ultimately up to you what you like best, though. Rhodium does look good in the pictures I have seen of it.

[traps38]

As stated nickle does add character.
In my opinion it will look like your grandfather just bought it and gave it to you like a new razor in the box.

[pal]

I like the used look.