Changing original razor plating

to best illustrate the issue with finishes such as used by Delta Echo consider the application process.

the piece to be cera koted or duracoated or what ever it is they use currently, the piece has to be sand blasted to a rough surface condition. and then the finish is applied in layers and hardened. then its sent off.
In order to remove the duracoate finish, only mechanical means can be used. that means heavy duty sanding my friend. and you have to go below the depth of the original sand blasting.
That means for example if someone had an ABC basket weave case duracoated, and decided to remove it. the basket weave would be completely removed in order to get the duracoat crap off.

But if someone gold plates that same basket weave case, and the next owner hates that...... the second owner can have it replated in any finish he or she wants.

 

So in other words, if you want a razor done that way, it will be a finish that will be very hard to wear off. And that would be a good thing to have as it would last a very long time. Now that's very desirable in my opinion as plating wears off and this will last. Sounds good to me. Doesn't really matter if it's made not to come off easy because if I pay for something, I'd want it to last and pass down. Seems like it's a very good process for the money as people want things to last and not wear off, besides having any color you want. Doesn't matter if someone else eventually buys it, they'll be buying it for what it looks like.

 

If you Ceracoat an ABC item because you like it, so be it. Although there were far fewer ABC items, Gillette made millions upon millions of razors during the 20th century. To substantiate your argument use a more realistic example, and then argue that it is a bad idea. We cannot stupid-proof the world, and there are no universal justifications for our taste.

When we don t like something we get to state our opinions - no right or wrong, just opinions. I don't think that repeating my opinion over and over again will change your mind, nor should it. I like the Delta Echo look and you don't.

But I do hope you enjoy your particular interests as much as I enjoy mine!

Tom

 

better example, there is a Gillette red dot toggle on ebay right now, no case, just razor. It has some plate loss on the silo doors and the toggle joint.
If a person replated it in nickel, chrome, gold or even rhodium, there would be no damage to the value of the razor or to the razor itself. AND such a standard replate would be easily removed.

But if someone took that razor and cerakoated it, the razor has no value.

And oddly enough I find the idea of thinking that its dependent upon the razor or its rarity... is rather stupid. Its like saying a british 3rd edition printing of "a tale of two cities" with dickens signature is less valuable then the 1st edition US printing.

 

Any plating, even original style plating (gold, nickle, etc.) will devalue an item because it is no longer original. If it's rare you just leave it alone, period. Ask any antiue dealer. A razor re-plated to original condition will never have the same value compared to original condition. So no matter how you want it finished, you can only get a refinished price for it. Either plated or cerakote. And why are first editions valuable, it's like getting a first year Dodge Charger compared to later years, rarity. Less of them around. And that Red Dot can only go as high in value as a restored razor because it lost it's original condition basically used in good condition, same as any other coating.

 

Also @TADIII

Basic economic theory of supply and demand coupled with the motivations of the buyer determine the "value" of a given item at auction, all else being equal.

If a candied apple red flame highlighted motorcycle finish on a rare toggle is the heart's desire, there's no greater purpose for that toggle than customization. However, it is an infinitely correct observation that collectors prefer original condition. When a decision is made by an owner to restore in a custom fashion, they should be aware that they are sacrificing that item's intrinsic value as a historical collectible.

 

I think your post clearly illustrates that some customizations change the razor more than just a replate. Cerakote is basically a commitment, better be sure!

 

the irony seems to escape you. I haven't given a crap about the resale value. Only about the actual value of the razor. The value of something is not always the retail value.

and I hate to say, a lot of razors will have one price for them, only because of the razor they are. I have seen broken aristocrat 66 go for the same price as a mint, unused one. Sheratons and Senators are the same way, if they have the case or if they don't. that's the only thing that seems to actually change the price.

the cerakot crap is a one way thing. you have no choice but to stick with it. Its not the greatest thing. To get rid of it, you basically have to destroy the razor to do so. You may see no issue with taking a Gillette bulldog, hitting the razor with heavy sand paper, and then putting that junk on it. But when you try to get the cerakote off,,,, you destroy the razor.

 

I am pretty sure I understand.

i·ro·ny1
ˈīrənē/
noun

2.

• a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.

Cerakote is advertised as nearly impossible to remove. Point out the irony, please.


val·ue
ˈvalyo͞o/
noun

1. 1.
   the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.
   
   Collectors feel that "completeness" adds value.
   
   
   More wag, less bark....

 

And that is the idea of cerakote, to have a long and lasting customized finish. You can call it crap, but others like me like it. Each individual has their own tastes, so why not let people decide what they want instead of calling it crap. After all, if you call a certain finish great, others could also call it crap. To each his own and I doubt you'll influence people's likes on here by hating it yourself. To repeat, people have items cerakoted so the finish won't wear off, as done in some of my firearms. I don't want it to wear off and want it to last and it doesn't ruin a razor if it's want you want.

 

Customization is a commitment, and should be an informed choice. Cerakote is a real commitment. I don't like the look personally on razors, but cerakote on the razors of others doesn't devalue my inventory of gear.

 

so I take it you guys would not care if someone cerakotes a Gillette senator, or any of the fine british aristocrats...... but would cry if one of the new "limited edition" wolfman razors got the kote done to it?

 

Nope, not at all. Have seen a Senator, which had plating completely worn off and looked great after ceracote And if I had a limited edition wolfman, and finish was worn, why not. I really don't know why you are saying crap about cerakote as it is a preference to an individual, not yours. People have the right to do what they want, not get judged or condemned by others for their choice. Just leave it alone, we can do what we like to "our" razors. If you don't like it, fine. We who have had it done like it and it's our business to do what we like. As previously stated, and not just by me, we know ceracote is a lasting finish, which is why we have it done. We want it to be that way to last and personalize our razors our way.

 

Nope. I believe people are free to do whatever they choose with their own property.

The OP on this thread wanted to know people's thoughts on replate finishes. I offered an opinion that considered the reasons for replating a razor in any particular way, and some possible ideas on what it would do in regard to real world valuation or worth.

 

I know, I ramble on some. Should've kept it short.

 

Delta Echo Razor Works recoated a "well-loved" New LC that was given to me. It had a cracked handle, and that was repaired as well. I like it much better with the new coating, plain and simple. I like how it looks. I like that the handle has been repaired. I like that the coating will likely outlast me. I was expecting a bullet-proof coating. As an engineer, it makes me happy to know that you'd have to blow the razor to smithereens to remove the coating. And I haven't seen another New LC yet that looks like mine. I wouldn't classify that as "crap" by any means.

I had a great experience working the folks at Delta Echo. They delivered everything as promised, and I'd send them another razor to be recoated in a heartbeat. I feel compelled to share my positive experience. It's a shame that negative comments being made here could potentially could hurt an honest person's attempt at running a small business and making a living. It's unfair to say the least, and none of us would want to be treated that way.

To put things in perspective, the starting value of my razor was considerably less than a tank of gas...no matter how value is defined. I don't think I risked anything by having it recoated. I've never sold a razor, and I seriously doubt if I'll sell this one. The commitment to recoat it ranks right up there with the commitment I made this morning to have oatmeal for breakfast.

Can we all simply agree that everyone has different preferences, respect one another's viewpoints, and move on? Seriously, it is not a big deal.

 

@ Bezoar, I would like to give you my sincere thanks for the assistance you have given me in this thread with my decision on how to improve two of my razors. I have a Gillette Fatboy and Super Adjustable that can kindly be referred to as "in working condition" -- everything works mechanically but the plating is worn and the Black beauty shows corrosion. As a result, I have no hesitation in using them as daily drivers, unlike my other NOS cased Fatboys, which I wouldn't want to put wear on.

In fact, I enjoy using both razors so much that I want to "spiff them up" a bit.

I was leaning towards a matching rhodium plating job from Hibco on both of them. However your impassioned testimonial to the durable nature of Delta Echo Razorworks cerakote finishes has caused me to look at them instead. I now think a matching pair of Cubano Gillette Adjustables will be just the ticket.

Thank you.

 

I saw those colors on some razors, great choice. I think someone on here has one.

 

I don't buy razors to collect but to use and having one refreshed so it is like new makes it much more pleasurable to use. I doubt if it will increase the value or make you get your money back but it will no doubt make the razor much more attractive to buyers and mean that you will be able to shift it quicker should you want to sell. Having said that Executive Shaving Company is charging £180 for re-plated Fatboys at the moment.

 

U-slot screwdrivers can also be purchased ready made, in case it helps anyone.

http://bit.ly/2fzRmqV