I really like the deep warm shine of nickel plating on vintage razors. Unfortunately, most of modern razors come chrome-plated. How about you, gents? What do you prefer?
Both are purdy.... but I think I like chrome better. Something about that mirror-like finish. Ideally, I'd like to have a vintage DE Razor replated once I determine that it's going to be my favorite for a long time and I'd enjoy it most every day. I'm still in the mode of determining what I like.
I agree with you. I dislike chrome razors. For some reason, to me, they look cheaper than nickel plated versions. I think you nail it in your post. The 'warmth' is the difference. And I like chrome in general... I am actually thinking of having the cowls and mudguard on my vintage Vespa chromed. Entirely chromed. So, yeah, chrome doesn't bother me. But on my razors... I only have a few in chrome. But they just don't look as nice as their nickel brothers. For instance, I have a chrome Merkur that looks like a Chinese cheapie next to my vintage Merkur... but alone, it is beautiful. Obviously the issue is my perception, rather than any defect of the finish... I guess to me, older equals better, and the warmth of nickel conveys that feeling.
I'll take whatever they come in. Don't really have a preference. But if I was replating a vintage razor, I might choose chrome just because it should be harder and more durable. But I'd probably still go with nickel on a vintage.
Harder yes, but not more durable. I've read that chrome reacts to soapy water and over time will bubble up and crack, at least in the thickness used to plate a razor. If you want shine, hardness, and overall durability you should go for rhodium.
Both are better looking than gold...imo...I can recall only one razor I thought looked better in gold than in nickel.
Yeah, I completely agree with that. I actually think copper plating is really striking. I don't think many razor replaters, if any, offer that finish. Which is too bad. I guess it requires more aftercare than nickel, chrome, etc., but not really any more care than raw brass. I guess rose gold finish is similar looking to copper. Hmmm. Maybe I will teach myself how to do electro plating. I have plenty of junk razors to practice on! It wouldn't be the first arcane skill I have learned in furtherance of a hobby.
Nickel, though I also absolutely love the red bronze handles that UFO makes (or is it officially "made," now?)
Or, maybe the rose gold look. My SWMBO 's wedding ring is rose gold, so maybe she would allow more if they matched her ring
