Have the Gillette Tech Heavy that my grandfather and father both used. It seems to be in pretty good shape but I'm thinking I'd really like to get it refinished. Original color is gold so I'm tempted to go that route but there are some pretty nice other non-gold finishes as well. I think I'd sacrifice a little durability in the gold but it's the most true to the original. What say you?
Honestly I would not refinish a family heirloom. Every scratch scuff and wear mark tells the story of three generations of use. Refinished it will be just another eBay looking item.
I can understand what some people say about not touching it and everything, but honestly it's kind of like if my grandfather or father gave me their rusty 65 Mustang that they bought new from the lot I wouldn't let it stay rusty. It will still have all the history it came with but now it will shine like it was meant to do.
Refurbishing a family heirloom to be handed down to further generations, in pristine condition, does not, in my opinion, devalue the razor at all. Now, as to material to finish??? keep it original looking, or make it more radical looking. That is a matter of esthetics. Only you can answer that one.
pics would sway me. if it was really beat up, prolly redo it. just a little ruff, if leave it. it's really up to you, it'll shave the same either way.
I'd say go for the gold. Since that was the original finish. Pics please! May that heirloom last a few more generations!
Appreciate the opinion. Not sure what will please me that's why I'm asking the pros. Pics coming this evening for those who would like to see it. By the way, I took an old toothbrush and some Crest to the knurled handle last night and it really cleaned it up (old secret for cleaning up your class ring too). I must say that I'm leaning toward leaving it now.....but still thinking. Edit: Pics as promised.
I would go gold. Keep it the way Grandpa had it. You will have an heirloom to hand down. Whatever you decide, congrats! That is a special razor!! Bob
The razor seems perfectly shaveable the way it is. It really is your call, and either way, enjoy the history in your hands.
If you are going to replate it, I would think gold would be the way to go. However, I'm tending to follow along with some of the crowd and say leave it as is. I had a couple of razors I purchased replated and although they look fantastic, I sort of wish I hadn't. There is something about the character of an original razor that I find appealing.
Thanks everyone for the insights, observations, and opinions. The razor shaves beautifully as it is right now. I'm inclined to keep it as is for right now, satisfied with the knowledge that I can always decide to have it re-plated but I can never go back once I do it. @Troy M - This was the deciding factor for me. I've had such nice shaves with it the last two days that I wondered if re-plating could possibly affect more than just the looks. I know the plating is very very thin but I couldn't stand the thought of getting it back all nice and sparkly only to find out the shave quality has been affected. Thanks to all. I knew I'd find the right answer here.
I read somewhere else on this wonderful forum, that one can shave successfully with a razor that has all the plating worn off. As your shaves are good as the razor sits, and the razor has character, good on ya for your decision!