This is my favorite razor, but should I have it re plated or leave it alone, some of the finish is wore.
That is a beautiful razor. You could go either way with it. I like it as it is. Is that silver plate on it?
I would replate it. I have only 1 vintage razor I love, a Barbasol Floating Head. I replaced it and I'm very glad I did. Since its your favorite just imagine how good it will look replated.
If you're going to keep it have it replated absolutely you will love it even more. I'm going to replate my three favorite razors because I'm going to keep them .....usually only serious collectors want original condition. If a razor is in really bad condition then I think even a serious collector would have it replated
Remember we're not talking early American Massachusetts furniture where if you touch the Finish instead of being worth $250,000 it becomes worth only $15,000
If it's silver you could try this... http://www.razoremporium.com/blog/safe-silver-razor-patina-removal/ Like @gregkw1 stated it's not going to bring you a million bucks and if it's your favorite why not let it shine? I just received my Fat Boy yesterday from RE replate. It's absolutely gorgeous. I intend to have the razors that need it to be replated. Because I'll be passing these on to my kids and they'll still be vintage but shiny, beautiful, and more likely to get used. YMMV ... To be continued... Don
I had this NEW replated by Nick at SportShaving and am very satisfied with it. I had this razor done by Jay at Delta Echo Razoworks. I like it even better.
What plating did you have it done in? Also, I can attest to the patina removal procedure as denoted above.
I'd do whatever pleases you. Try that patina removal first, sounds like a fun project. You also might want to search for another razor in better condition and compare replacement vs. replate prices. Either way, as long as your decision makes you happy, you really can't go wrong.
It's really a personal preference. If you really like the razor and you want it looking like new, replating is the way to go. Either way, the shave is the same.
Go for it and replate! It will no longer be an old vintage razor, it will be brand new and all yours, probably better than factory original! I replated my Executive on 24kt gold and it's beautiful. My Fat Boy was plated in a two-tone rhodium. Now they are uniquely mine.
