U.S. re-plating options

[PLANofMAN]

I think Jaycee-uk would have been the better choice. He strips the razor, and instead of polishing any defects away, he brazes over the pitting, scratches, and dents so that any polishing done is minimal, to preserve the original details of the razor.

The man is OCD when it comes to his work. I'm fairly certain that most of the American replaters have had issues with over buffed razors. Jaycee hasn't been at this for long, but his body of work thus far speaks for itself. The man is a perfectionist.

 

[Looney12345]

I think Jaycee-uk would have been the better choice. He strips the razor, and instead of polishing any defects away, he brazes over the pitting, scratches, and dents so that any polishing done is minimal, to preserve the original details of the razor.

The man is OCD when it comes to his work. I'm fairly certain that most of the American replaters have had issues with over buffed razors. Jaycee hasn't been at this for long, but his body of work thus far speaks for itself. The man is a perfectionist.

Oh I'd love to get a razor restored by Jaycee, but from an American's perspective, perhaps the option @Darkbulb has gone with is best for him... I'd definitely be using Jaycee's services when I come to get a razor restored, but I live over here Also need to find the right razor that I actually want to get restored... still got lots to try before that happens!

 

[Darkbulb]

Oh I'd love to get a razor restored by Jaycee, but from an American's perspective, perhaps the option @Darkbulb has gone with is best for him... I'd definitely be using Jaycee's services when I come to get a razor restored, but I live over here Also need to find the right razor that I actually want to get restored... still got lots to try before that happens!

I'm sure Jaycee does great work as well but from my interactions with Chris, hearing how passionate and extremely knowledgeable he is about the area - and seeing photo samples of his work - I'd say I'm 100% certain I went with the right guy.

Really excited to see how it turns out and will post some before and after photos here later in the year.

Thanks all for the suggestions provided.

 

[Looney12345]

I'm sure Jaycee does great work as well but from my interactions with Chris, hearing how passionate and extremely knowledgeable he is about the area - and seeing photo samples of his work - I'd say I'm 100% certain I went with the right guy.

Really excited to see how it turns out and will post some before and after photos here later in the year.

Thanks all for the suggestions provided.

I'm excited for you, think it'll look brilliant when it's finished. I actually think Chris will be quite excited by it as well as it's something a bit "different"

 

[PLANofMAN]

Oh I'd love to get a razor restored by Jaycee, but from an American's perspective, perhaps the option @Darkbulb has gone with is best for him... I'd definitely be using Jaycee's services when I come to get a razor restored, but I live over here Also need to find the right razor that I actually want to get restored... still got lots to try before that happens!

Don't forget, I'm American as well, so that is at least one American's perspective.

 

[Looney12345]

Don't forget, I'm American as well, so that is at least one American's perspective.

Lmao well bugger me. That flat cap had me fooled!

 

[Redd]

At the end of the day, the proof will be in the pudding, as the saying goes. Look forward to seeing the pics and hope all goes well.

 

[Darkbulb]

Contacted Chris at RazorReplate about the small crack I noticed in the handle of the razor I am having him work on next month:

Once again his answer was excellent:

"The cracks are par for the course with this type of handle. It is actually somewhat of a design flaw from Gillette. It affects many razors (Goodwill, Old Type with ball-end handle, NEW with ball-end handle, etc.)

Honestly, I do not think Gillette ever considered the fact that these razors would be used and restored 75 - 100 years down the road!

The manufacturing process was "bottom-line-oriented" to say the least. Gillette made their money on the sale of razor blades. The razors were means to an end. Back in the day, these razors were no more thought about than we would think of a Gillette Fusion, Mach III or similar item that is available in stores today. If a razor become too dirty or got damaged, it was tossed and a replacement purchased at almost any pharmacy, general store, etc. Because of this, manufacturing processes were oriented toward delivering a usable razor at as low of a price as possible.

The crack problem is caused by Gillette utilizing what is known as an "interference fit" to secure the ferrule and the ball into opposite ends of a tubular handle component. The pieces are not soldered together, nor was there any adhesive utilized. The end pieces were basically forced into the ends of the tube - and the interference was great enough to secure a firm connection (at least for a few decades!)

The actual outer dimension of the inserted part of the ferrule and ball are actually 0.02 inches LARGER than the interior diameter of the tubular handle. It is sort of like a small snake swallowing a frog! This "too tight" fit is quite strong, but exerts great stress on the thin walls of the brass tube. Through the years, metal fatigue occurs and the cracks appear. The process is exacerbated by thermal cycling (repeated hot-cold, hot-cold exposure from the use of the razor), which causes expansion and contraction of the thin wall of the brass tube. The end result is what you see!

Many times, this is cosmetic.......but it WILL (eventually) result in overt failure of a handle - to the point that the ball and/or ferrule become loose. A loose ferrule creates a dangerous condition for using the razor.

Rest assured, that 90+% of these razors exhibit this issue - and that most function perfectly - with no looseness. While the cracks can be structurally-reinforced to help prevent worsening of the crack - or loosening of the components, the cracks are essentially always visible - even on a replated razor.

Captain Murphy does excellent repairs of cracks on these razors. If they wish to have the issue addressed, most of my customers have CAP to manage the repair. He utilizes jeweler's solder (silver-based). In addition to stabilizing the crack, he is also able to "fill-in" the crack to some degree. Unfortunately, even a repaired crack can still be visible beneath new plating. You can reach CAP at vintagerazorrepair@gmail com

So....my advice is.....do not worry too much about it. Unless the seller clearly stated that there were no cracks, it is pretty much expected to find this condition. It is so common that many do not even think to mention small cracks when selling these razors. It is more unusual to find a listing that states "no cracks"!

The decision that you will need to make is whether you wish to repair and stabilize the cracks before a replate - or if you feel that the cracks are structurally-sound and are not likely proceed to overt mechanical failure during your ownership of the razor. If you feel that the cracks are simply an aesthetic issue, you can proceed with a replate. Keep in mind, that if the cracks are repaired after a replate, the soldering process and heat will have a negative impact on the appearance of the plating. If you aim to correct the cracks, I would recommend that it be done before having the razor replated."

 

[PLANofMAN]

The answer would have been a bit different from Jaycee. When he got done with it, you would never have known there was a crack there.

 

[Redd]

Well, that was certainly a comprehensive answer. What would I do? Well, I suppose it would depend if I was going to use the razor on a regular basis. If this was the case, I would be tempted to go down the fix it first route - just in case it worsened somewhere down the line (pun intended). However, if it was just going to be a show piece, I would be tempted just to go replate. As the chap says, even if repaired it will still be visible through the replate - let the next buyer worry about it.

 

[Darkbulb]

The answer would have been a bit different from Jaycee. When he got done with it, you would never have known there was a crack there.

Never having dealt with Jaycee I don't know - but I think Chris' answer was both informative and provided a great level of transparency into what options are available.

The description you provided of Jaycee's work methods/technique doesn't make complete sense to me though.
If I understand it, after looking at Jaycee's site, he seems to be doing exactly the same as most other re-platers; removes material, plates with copper underpayment and soldering larger gaps.

I was curious enough to message Jaycee with a link to this thread to maybe have him weigh in

 

[UKRob]

Never having dealt with Jaycee I don't know - but I think Chris' answer was both informative and provided a great level of transparency into what options are available.

The description you provided of Jaycee's work methods/technique doesn't make complete sense to me though.
If I understand it, after looking at Jaycee's site, he seems to be doing exactly the same as most other re-platers; removes material, plates with copper underpayment and soldering larger gaps.

I was curious enough to message Jaycee with a link to this thread to maybe have him weigh in

Last sentence - it would be great to see him on the site.