As some of you know from a previous post I have inherited a Fat Boy "Executive"...it was my father's. I will be picking it up in a few weeks. Now I am struggling with whether I should have it restored (and re-plated). Yes, I know I need to wait and assess the situation when I get the razor in my hot little hands... I like the idea of leaving it "as is"...and I also like the idea of a crisp new polished finish... I have mixed feelings...any thoughts? What would you do?
Leave it and ponder how long it took to get that "broken in" look, all because of all the love shown it by your father.
When asked this question I always like to compare it to receiving your father's classic car that needs some TLC. You wouldn't leave it dull and rusty would you?
I'm not sure. first I don't know how bad it looks. second,I don't know how much you like using it. third,I don't know how you feel about the way it looks. fourth, how much disposable income you have. and fifth and lastly, how much it will bother you to see it, well used. my advice would be to get it, shave with it a while, if it becomes one if your favorites, treat it to a new shine.
Might want to consider sending it off to Shave Emporium for one of their tune ups, disassembly and cleaning. That way you keep the look your Father gave it through day in and day out use.
as stated above It is up to you. you could leave it like it is because it keeps it original, or you could get it redone. I happen to think a little imperfections give a razor character.
I'd use it for awhile and then decide. You can always have it replated, but you can never bring it back to its original condition. I'm sure the decision will become easier after a few months of use. If not, wait awhile longer. Just my humble opinion. Either way, you have a real treasure.
As most of you have advised...when I get the Fat Boy I will probably hold it in my hands for a while and think about the many shaves my Dad had with the razor. And then I will use it for a while and see which way the winds catch my sails. At very least I will probably send it off to Razor Emporium for a tune up and cleaning... Thanks guys...I appreciate your input and thoughts.
After my grandmother's house burned down, I found my grandfather's '47-'49 superspeed in the ashes. The plating is blackness and dull and it looks really bad, however it shaves just as great as the ones I've found since that are better looking ( and were never roasted ). I thought about having it replayed, but then it would look like just another super speed. The way it looks now gives it character and besides I show it to somebody and ask " So how well would your multiblade cart razor hold up against a lighter, much less a house fire".
I think once you have the razor in hand you will have a better idea of what to do. A simple cleaning with scrubbing bubbles and a toothbrush may be plenty. A professional tune up by Razor Emporium will take it to the next level, but once you take that step why not go all the way and get it re-plated. In the mean time, you can toss and turn in your sleep or worry about it needlessly. Whatever you do, I look forward to following your exploits.
I had a '58 Executive replated in 24kt gold be RazorPlate. Chris did an amazing job and I've got a "brand new" razor. Mine wasn't an heirloom though and the original plating was pretty worn, so the decision was easy. I like the "new" look.
I agree with the folks who are saying to give it a basic cleaning and see if it works. You can also use some metal polish (I like Flitz) to shine it up a bit. If it looks reasonably good and works, I see no need to do more. But please show us some pics, when you get it.
