Black Beauty restoration !

**Borked** · 08-08-2012, 09:45 AM

Searched here and unable to find anything of assistance.
Is the black finish upon Super Adjustable razors able to be restored ?
What is the original material/process used to get this durable black finish ?
Are there any sponsors that have expertise/relevant skills/experience to do so ?

**smalltank** · 08-08-2012, 09:54 AM

got pics?...best bet it to replate your DE razor...its not like a straight where you can sandpaper off the rust and other debrit on it to make it look shiny as bought from the store...give or take a few spots on them

**Borked** · 08-08-2012, 10:12 AM

Actually, I don't own one yet.
Am still seeking an X3 Super Adjustable as a gift, yet doing my research before hand if it can be replanted to new condition.

**Sledgehammer39** · 08-08-2012, 11:58 AM

From what little I do know about re-plating. The Super Adjustable razor used an anodizing process to plate the handle ( I suspect is aluminum). I have a couple which would need restoring but the re-plater that I send stuff to does not have that type of machine or process to deal with this razor.

**chongo gordo** · 08-08-2012, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer39

From what little I do know about re-plating. The Super Adjustable razor used an anodizing process to plate the handle ( I suspect is aluminum).

I'm not positive, but I think the Super's handles are brass, same as the Slim and the Fatboy. They're pretty heavy.

**Teddyboy** · 08-08-2012, 06:17 PM

Is there some reason that a quality black paint wouldn't work?

**MondoJ** · 08-08-2012, 06:19 PM

I did read of someone that used that stuff in a can that can stop leaks, it's the commercial where they replace the bottom of a boat with a screen door treated with this stuff and it didn't leak. The OP brushed it on and it looked good in the pics, sorry I cannot remember the product name. I'll see if I can google something.

Found it, it's called Flex Seal http://www.flexsealspraycan.com

**Sledgehammer39** · 08-08-2012, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by chongo gordo

I'm not positive, but I think the Super's handles are brass, same as the Slim and the Fatboy. They're pretty heavy.

You could be correct, I did PM a vendor who does replating to see if he would chime in on the topic.

**BBrad** · 08-08-2012, 09:16 PM

The Super Adjustable handle is a "white metal" alloy with a baked resin coating. There are resin-coating products used in firearms restoration that are fairly easy to obtain and use . . . I recall a thread earlier this year on using such products to resin coat a complete razor, with strikingly handsome results. As I recall it wasn't cheap.

**turtle** · 08-08-2012, 09:24 PM

The super adjustable razors are still reasonably priced for one in excellent condition.

A restoration would cost what a replacement would cost

Unless the razor has sentimental value I would suggest putting it aside and searching out a nice example to use.

**onotoman** · 08-09-2012, 03:51 AM

Hi Guys,

As far as I'm aware, earlier Black Handle Adjustables and Super Speeds with Black Handles have the handle made from Aluminium with an anodised coating. Later Black Handle Adjustables have a plastic handle.

Anodising is a very specialist process and as far as I know cannot be done without the handle being removed from the razor.

Replating the razor itself in Nickel, Gold, Rhodium or whatever will not harm the anodising in any way, but if it is already worn, then the underlying aluminium will oxidise in the acids used during plating, so the pitting will be worse.

I'm really not a fan of Aluminium Handle TTO Razors as about half of all those I have are seized - aluminium and soaps, acids etc just don't mix. It's also too soft a metal and anodising is very thin.

**Borked** · 08-09-2012, 06:52 AM

Are you able to afford a guide as to the year plastic handles appeared on the scene ?

**onotoman** · 08-09-2012, 07:51 AM

I can't remember the exact date on the particular razor (it was sent in for replating of the nickel - which, by the way was far thinner than that applied to earlier models) but it was probably the last year of two of production.

Originally Posted by Borked

Are you able to afford a guide as to the year plastic handles appeared on the scene ?

**chiefmate** · 08-09-2012, 08:25 AM

look here http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1...MA-HYDE-reg-II on the Brownells web site. If you refinish anything as a hobbyist many of these coatings a very useful.