So I have cruised several threads on cleaning razors but I am still a little confused about cleaning my newly acquired Aristocrat. I know that you have to be extra careful when cleaning gold razors so I just want to know what some of you all do to get them clean, sanitary, and shiny. I bought a product called Metalwax that another forum user at the badger and blade uses to clean his razors but I was not clear on whether I could use it on my razor. I will probably use it on my other razors cause it supposedly works so good that he does not even use scrubbing bubbles anymore to get gunk and stuff off. To be clear it is called Metalwax metal cleaner standard strength that he uses to clean it and another product called Metalwax metal polish to finish the job. Has anyone used this to specifically clean and shine up a gold razor before before I mess up my Aristocrat?
First, welcome to the Den. I only use Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner on all my razors, vintage and modern. DO NOT BOIL GOLD OR PLASTIC RAZORS. I put myy razors in a small plastic bowl, spray 'em down with the Scrubbing Bubbles, wait for the foam to "melt" away, spray 'em down once more, again wait for the foam to "melt" away, then rinse, dry and oil (mineral oil only!). For stubborn scum, a soft toothbrush will do the trick. Three reasons I like the Scrubbing Bubbles: 1 - It eats soap scum 2 - It disinfects 3 - It leaves a nice shine with no damage to the finish.
I've not seen or used the Metalwax product you mention - we may or may not have it here in Australia. There are two issues with gold-plated razors: the thin layer of plating (more pronounced in the later years, less so in the very early years of production the lacquer layer put on over the gold-plating from the 1930s (?) onwards Often it can be the lacquer that leads to the greatest aesthetic challenge. Lose part of the lacquer but not all and you have a horrible patchwork ( I know, unfortunately). Part of the challenge is hearing reports from others on products they have used without knowing the original condition of the razors. So I used a recommended product on a gold plated razor and stripped the lacquer clean off! On another (un-lacquered) gold - plated razor that I'd used as a test first (before using on the much more collectible one) it worked brilliantly! So less is more with gold-plated especially the lacquered ones. Once again we don't have scrubbing bubble in Australia but it does seem to get pretty much universal praise for these razors.
I agree, Scrubbing Bubbles all the way. I've damaged gold razors with polish. You can also let them sit in Dawn dish detergent and warm water with about 20 % white vinegar for a while. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the razor.
That where I get confused I had hear to absolutely stay away form vinegar. Check out the metalwax website under polish is says it can be used on coated metals, and gold. Im just saying thats another guys method that is why im so confused. I usually use scrubing bubbles to clean them up as well but wanted to up the game a bit
Why not contact them (Metalwax) directly? Indicate that you are looking to clean and polish a gold-plated item that has been coated with a protective lacquer. I've asked similar questions about a range of subject to Aussie manufacturers over the years and have almost invariably received a really helpful and knowledgeable response. Most manufacturers have tested their products well beyond what is documented in the marketing material and in small firms the person who responds is often intimately involved in the development so knows things backwards. In one case (not shaving related) they actually did a test of what I was asking about to find out if their product would work and in another case I got a sample to try and test it out before I brought their retail product. You never know unless you ask!
Very good I will cal land ask, also I won what is turning out to be a nickel plated 1930`s new style Bostonian from the bay last night! I really want to be careful cleaning that up being that they are supposedly not very common.
Gold plating is really tricky. It's not very thick and if you overly soak it , it will discolor. The finish over the gold, if it's still there is also problematic. I use Barbacide , but don't soak gold in it too long, and a medium tooth brush. Some Gillettes you can soak 'forever' but not the gold. It's real touchy!!! Don't think I'd try any metal polish because of the over finish and how thin the gold is.
I think that the finish on it is still good and might need a light buffing but I will need to soak it in barbacide to kill any germs. i may take it down to the base metal and have it re plated one day soon but it looks like it may hole up for a bit.
I've always used scrubbing bubbles for gold tone Gillettes. Actually, scrubbing bubbles works for all DE's
Toothbrush w/ hand soap and toothpicks in the grooves are all you need!! Sanitize w/ Scrubbing Bubbles and Barbicide (or like product).
Great input.. What's the name of the product that you use to remote the coating and do you replace it once it's off and if yes... How? Thanks
I used NVER-DULL on a lacquered razor and took the lacquer off. Never replaced it, just had to work hard to get it consistently off!
