I just posted a similar question on "The Power of Baking Soda" thread but I thought it worth posting on its own. I just won a 1970 Gillette Black Beauty razor (birth year) on eBay. I can tell by the picts that it's in nice shape but needs some cleaning. I have looked all over the Internet and have not found a definitive answer as to how to give such a TTO razor a good sterilizing/cleaning/polish. The numbers and black handle are in great shape and I don't want to lose any of the color. So, once again, I turn to you gentlemen...the Wizards of wetshaving for advice! Thank you so much for any advice you can lend.
Start with a warm water and Dawn soak and clean using a soft bristle tooth brush. If it's in pretty good shape already, I'd do the least possible to it.
Thank you Cyanide...I will start with Dawn and maybe alcohol to sterilize. I want to avoid boiling and CLR, which I have read a lot of people do/use. That seems a bit too harsh IMO. Thanks again.
Dawn dish soap, hot water and an old toothbrush is all you need. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/help-cleaning-a-black-beauty.37633/
Scrubbing Bubbles - cover, let sit 5 minutes, scrub with soft toothbrush. 1 - Eats soap scum B - Disinfects Fourth - Leaves the razor nice and shiny! It's all I've ever used on all my razors.
Don't Use Flitz or MAAS on the black portion. My Method for Cleaning & Restoring Vintage Double Edge Razors: Soak in hot, not boiling water with Dawn dish detergent until water cools. Scrub with tooth brush and rinse. Spray with non-bleach Scrubbing Bubbles. Let sit until bubbles start to disappear. Scrub with toothbrush and rinse. Repeat if needed. Apply Flitz or MAAS if additional polishing is needed. Buff with micro-fiber cloth. Repeat Scrubbing Bubbles, rinse, dry with towel. Load blade and enjoy. Works for me.........
