Replating

[arghblech]

I know some folks think it's a sin but let's say that we have a razor, a New for instance, that is really ugly but perfectly functional. Major plating loss etc etc.

Would it be a huge mistake to consider replating it? I was thinking rhodium

I like the rhodium look and it wouldn't be too horribly expensive for a razor that I intend to keep using for years.

[thirdeye]

.........

[biozombie]

I did about 30 minutes worth of research last week, came to the conclusion that it's terribly expensive. Have you tried hitting that old razor up with some good polish?

[cooncatbob]

I take my stuff to a local brass shop and once a week they take their stuff here.
http://www.goldsealplating.com/plating.html
Only problem is most places have a minimum batch price.
If I were you I'd check the phone book and call around.

Check out this site.
http://www.artisanplating.com/

[Starfury]

I know some folks think it's a sin but let's say that we have a razor, a New for instance, that is really ugly but perfectly functional. Major plating loss etc etc.

There is one main reason people have a problem with this:

Reselling.

I know, I know...you will never sell your razor, right?

But maybe 80 years from now someone will, and the buyer may have no idea it was re-plated. He may think he has the original.

Now you see why many think its a sin.

[thirdeye]

Another thing you may want to think about is that while some people have gone the re-plating route, the plating has not been time tested and the quality or longevity is still not known to anyone. It simply has not been proved out that it will last very long.

[arghblech]

I take my stuff to a local brass shop and once a week they take their stuff here.
http://www.goldsealplating.com/plating.html
Only problem is most places have a minimum batch price.
If I were you I'd check the phone book and call around.

Check out this site.
http://www.artisanplating.com/

I found that artisanplating.com site. Thanks for the tips.

[arghblech]

I realize that for reselling it could be a problem. I have no intention of thwarting any collectors but if the thing is ugly and plateless *shrug*.

I'll take all these comments into consideration.

[Siv]

Argh, I would just stamp a 'R' or some other sign to indicate that it has been replated.

The collectors are fussing that they may pay a lot for what they think is a mint condition razor when actually it's mutton dressed as lamb. As long as they can easily tell it's a replate, I see no problem with doing it.

If you find a way of getting this done that isn't going to cost silly money, I would be interested - I have a bunch I would pay to get plated.

[cooncatbob]

Another thing you may want to think about is that while some people have gone the re-plating route, the plating has not been time tested and the quality or longevity is still not known to anyone. It simply has not been proved out that it will last very long.

Gillette used really thin plating.
These items weren't designed to last as long as they have.
I would imagine that any plating done by a professional shop will last as long as the original plating.
Since these razor with worn plating are basically worthless, the decision to plate is up to the owner.
BTW.
I sent artisan plating an e-mail and a picture inquiring how much to replate a 3 piece in Rhodium

[thirdeye]

Gillette used really thin plating.
These items weren't designed to last as long as they have.
I would imagine that any plating done by a professional shop will last as long as the original plating.
Since these razor with worn plating are basically worthless, the decision to plate is up to the owner.
BTW.
I sent artisan plating an e-mail and a picture inquiring how much to replate a 3 piece in Rhodium

We can debate this til the end of time but the fact remains that a re-plated razor has not proven it's worth.

Hey if someone wants to rre-plate their razor and take that chance, so be it. I wise them well and hope that it works out for them.

I just hope they don't try to pass it off as a mint condition vintage razor. That is my ony pet peeve with this issue.

I think the work you've done is fantastic Bob it and all looks great.

[General Burnside]

Gillette used really thin plating.
These items weren't designed to last as long as they have.
I would imagine that any plating done by a professional shop will last as long as the original plating.
Since these razor with worn plating are basically worthless, the decision to plate is up to the owner.
BTW.
I sent artisan plating an e-mail and a picture inquiring how much to replate a 3 piece in Rhodium

I agree, as long as someone is not doing it to rip off a buyer later. Please post the cost for replating when they get back to you with it, I bet a lot of us want to know how much it costs.

Thanks,
GB

[Gravy]

I also have a New that has lost a lot of its original finish.
I also plan on using it for years to come.
I'm also interested in getting it re-done.

So my only concern is if I plan on making a fortune off it in the future?
I really just want to keep shaving w/ it.

[arghblech]

Gravy: That's me in a nutshell. I want it for me to shave with and to have it look nice and shiny.

Cooncatbob: Their rhodium is .20 micron according to the website. If several folks wanted to do this we could maybe get a batch done. I think rhodium may be prohibitively expensive but I was thinking of getting something that will stay super shiny for many years to come.

[kicker245]

Gravy: That's me in a nutshell. I want it for me to shave with and to have it look nice and shiny.

Cooncatbob: Their rhodium is .20 micron according to the website. If several folks wanted to do this we could maybe get a batch done. I think rhodium may be prohibitively expensive but I was thinking of getting something that will stay super shiny for many years to come.

On their website I remember reading you can't plate rhodium directly onto copper (gillette NEW), there needs to be a nickel base first. Just something we should all take into consideration, but if we do decide to do a group project, count me in!

[Colphax]

I'd already been pondering getting the head of my grandfather's 1918 Old Style re-plated with nickel (the comb and handle are in good shape, just the cap is showing wear) with cooncatbob. And now this! Temptation, get thee behind me!

Rhodium's been something I've wanted ever since I found out about it being used on some razors. I'll have to keep an ear to this thread to see what may happen...

[SALBOSKI]

+1

[cooncatbob]

On their website I remember reading you can't plate rhodium directly onto copper (gillette NEW), there needs to be a nickel base first. Just something we should all take into consideration, but if we do decide to do a group project, count me in!

You have to nickel plate under chrome too.
It's part of the cost, like a primer or sealer coat in painting.
I believe it says copper alloys which includes brass.

[kicker245]

You have to nickel plate under chrome too.
It's part of the cost, like a primer or sealer coat in painting.
I believe it says copper alloys which includes brass.

gotcha. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this thread!

[Island Brian]

Sorry to be so late to this thread, but it is fascinating, in a philosophical way.

I do not think any of us disagrees that nobody should ever pass off anything as an original or mint condition vintage item unless it is absolutely and unequivocally true. But I am wondering at what point something becomes a "modification" such that the item is no longer "original" or organically "mint"?

If re-plating makes the razor "not original", could the same be said for fixing bent teeth on an open comb? How about repairing a hinge or a snap on a box? Or refurbishing the inner-workings of an adjustable? For that matter, some collectors probably polish their razors to better-than-new condition! Should those be considered "not original?" Is there a standard to follow?

Hmmmmmm...