Is this razor worth having refurbished???

Ok so I recently picked up a Gillette Red Tip at a local antique shop for 10.00. The condition is a little worse off than I thought, so my question is should I send it off to a Razor Emporium type of place and have it completely rebuilt or is it not worth the time and money it would take.

I have a few vintage razors and really like my Fat Boy so I really like the weight of the red tip because that's what it reminds me of, so that's what has me really considering sends no it off.

Just looking to the pro's here to offer some advice and opinions







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Well you need to factor in the cost. You paid $10. Add $6 to ship to them. Add $60 for the service and another $5-$10 shipping back..
For the cost of getting it replated... You can buy another on ebay for way cheaper and better condition.

 

I would say that it is, I have two Red Tips they are probably my second favorite vintage safety razor (behind the Fat Boys and possibly Slims). I will eventually have at least one of them replated in rhodium.

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If you enjoy the shave you get from it, then I say go for it. Or, conversely, keep your eye out for one in great condition and buy it. It depends on what you want...a vintage razor that will retain value, or a beautiful, revamped razor that is real eye candy and a great shave. I enjoy my red tip. They are terrific razors. For the price you will eventually pay, you can get one in really great shape.

 

It looks like it will clean up fairly nicely. Good buy for $10.
Clean it then take it for a spin and see how you like it first. Then decide how you like it & if it worth the expense to replate it or not.

 

Those pictures are after cleaning.. Dawn soap scrubbing bubbles tooth brushes.

What else would you recommend?

 

Hard to judge from the photos. If the plating is gone, there may also be pitting in the brass.
Take it for a shave. If you like it evaluate the cost difference between getting it prettied up, or buying a better condition unit.
This one might be better going the Delta Echo treatment considering the advanced state of "user grade"ness.

 

Ok, I thought that was a before picture & I was looking at soap scum. Is the plating flaking or just discolored?
If its just discolored I would try and polish it with Maas or Flitz + a cotton rag and elbow grease. Jewelers rouge and a flannel wheel if you have a buffer. You can repaint the tip.

 

If it's a razor you love and your going to keep it have it restored to original nickel condition or have a custom finish done by Delta Echo forget about the money. Chris at razor plate does Nickel finishes for $40 plus shipping which is a nice price he does all my razors save a few bucks there but I hear he's booked through September. Delta Echoes a little bit more expensive but it is a custom finish. Example of what I do I will buy a slim under $15 have it replated for $40 and I usually sell it for around $90-100. that is of course with the box and razor dispenser I don't make a lot but it's fun and it pays my water bill

 

I appreciate all the advice, the Delta Echo route looks interesting, guess I just need to figure out what direction I want to go. I have no sentimental attachment to this razor so that is what is making the decision a little tougher. I can get a red tip in good condition on ebay for a half of what the refinishing would cost me.

Life is full of tough choices lets just hope this is the toughest choice I have to make today...

 

A little bit of metal polish will make that look like a whole new razor.

 

I would recommend using Sinichrome or another metal polish, it should clean up well. The red tip still has the paint on it, so you may want to try polishing the metal before considering replating.

 

I have some flitz polish coming in today so that will be my attempt to try and salvage the razor before I make the call on refurbishment.

 

..........and it appears both end caps are missing too. I would go the Ebay Etsy route for another one.

 

Nope. With the caps missing plus $70.00 for the cost of replating and shipping there are too many Red Tips out there that are in better condition and at a cost that would be equal to or lower that the price of replating etc.

 

That's what I love about sites like this. Great catch I will continue to look for a useable red tip and keep this one for potential parts.

 

I didn't notice the missing end caps either. I probably wouldn't go though the trouble to have it replated.
It's still nice and with some polish and effort it can be a nice user grade razor.

 

Jay does great work. I have a Gillette short comb head with a custom handle that was done by him. The coating actually helps it glide better against the skin. Highly recommend his work.