Cleaning an old double edge safety razor?

[klassa]

My dad passed away earlier this year. One of his belongings, that I kept, was his old safety razor. I'd like to use it, and it's in working condition, but it's got a lot of residue on it... White gunk, that looks like shaving cream and soap residue that's accumulated over the years.

What would be a good way to clean this thing? Soak it in something, maybe? If so, what?

Thanks!

 

[redwrench60]

First off I'm sorry for the loss of your Father. I hate to hear that.

As for the razor, what kind is it? Care to post pics? I made the switch to safety razors and wet shaving several years ago and couldn't be happier. Aside from getting a much better shave and being mind bogglingly cheaper to use I kinda think they're neat too. I have several antique Gillette safety razors and a couple modern types too.

The antiques that are clogged with residue and scum I boil in hot water to sterilize and loosen the deposits so they can be brushed away. The real stubborn ones I soak in the parts washer at work but any degreaser soak will work.

 

[Da Bull]

Run it threw a full cycle in the dishwasher!!

 

[G_P]

Ultrasonic cleaner. Bring it to a jewelry store and they can probably drop it in their cleaner for you.

 

[jakemac]

Soak the parts in a cup of Simple Green, scrub them with an old toothbrush, then rinse with clean water. You'll be surprised at what SG will clean up.

Unless - The "White gunk" is calcium build-up from shaving with hard water. Then, soak in CLR and follow the rest of the steps.

 

[bigcaddy]

My dad passed away earlier this year. One of his belongings, that I kept, was his old safety razor. I'd like to use it, and it's in working condition, but it's got a lot of residue on it... White gunk, that looks like shaving cream and soap residue that's accumulated over the years.

What would be a good way to clean this thing? Soak it in something, maybe? If so, what?

Thanks!

An old dirty razor is one of the most enjoyable things to clean because you never know how they will look once done

I've cleaned about 60+ in the past few years and this is what works for me.

Put some water on to boil

Once it's getting hot, stick your razor into a bowl broken down as far as it will go. Some just twist to open while other come apart in 3 or 4 pieces

Lay they in the bown and add a few drops of Dawn soap.

Pour the water over and let it soak for 20-30 minutes, or until it is just warm.

Razors are brass and will hold that heat for a long time so be careful when grabbing them

Scrub them with a medium toothbrush and more dawn soap. It might take a few cycles of the hot water to get all the scum off but it should clean up nicely

I then polish them with Happich semi chrome polish and pointed q tips.

It's a bit of a chore but I enjoy every one I do. Here is a picture of some that have been cleaned for my personal use. One is dirty from use but the other has been cleaned/polished and just sits on the shelf

If you do plan on actually using it, add a drop or 2 of bleach on the first boil, just to be safe

 

[klassa]

Awesome, guys, thanks! I'll post up some pics when I get home. (As it happens, I'm in the ER with my mom right now. Hopefully, she'll be leaving in the next 24-48 hours.)

 

[bigcaddy]

Ultrasonic cleaner. Bring it to a jewelry store and they can probably drop it in their cleaner for you.

This works great too.

I still use both methods and sometimes I use the US when the hot water doesn't get everything off

 

[justme-]

UGH... the only suitable advice here is from BigCaddy! - sorry guys, but razors are not machinary. I've been collecting and using these and straight edges for several years.

Best advice is break it down as far as it can - if it's a really old Gillette that the handle unscrews and the top comes off to change the blade do that. if it's an adjustable (like the top one in BigCaddys picture don't try disassembling it. It takes a fair amount of experience to break down and reassemble correctly which I would not suggest on a sentimental piece. On most simply opening the bails/doors like you would to change a blade is fine.

Clean water to a boil then boil the razor for 5 minutes and turn off the heat. When the water's cool enough to put your hands in the razor can come out, be dried and oiled with mineral oil. From the pharmacy, just like you use to condition your wooden cutting boards.... you do condition your wooden cutting boards don't you? (that's another thread..)
Dawn is unnecessary but won't hurt. I do the above on all my safety razors when purchased, sometimes followed by a soak in Marvicide (the disinfectant barbers use for combs and such).
Straights are different because the scales (usually incorrectly referred to as a handle but us actually more of a blade cover) are usually too delicate.

Some side advice - if it's an old old Gillette 3 piece (first description) once you've cleaned it put it in a place of honor but don't try shaving with it. Those were the first style razor King Gillette introduced and were made for a much thicker blade... results from today's ultra thin (to save $$) blades will be poor shaves.

If it's an adjustable - numbered collar that twists right under the head - start at the lowest number until you're skin adjusts to the single edge, and until you learn what number works best for your face. Higher number is more aggressive shave.
I shave daily with a 1954 Gillette Rocket black cap (medium).
If you really want to explore wet shaving check out badgerandblade.com.

 

[bigcaddy]

Here is one for you, Justme

This was one of 5 razors I bought that started me on collecting straight razors. I've kinda stopped because it's hard to top razors in this condition. The rest were a Dubl Duck "grim reaper", Spike and Taylor Witness, all brand new with boxes and a Dubl Duck strop

 

[klassa]

Here are a couple of pictures of it. I'm not sure if this is the one he had when I was growing up (40+ years ago), or if it's one he got later. I imagine I'll see some labels/writing on it once I get the gunk off. From the pics, does anybody know what brand/model it might be? Thanks!

 

[mmack66]

Looks like a Gillette Slim Adjustable. You turn that knurled ring just below the head to change the blade gap, thus changing how "aggressive" the razor shaves.

A round or three with Scrubbing Bubbles should take the soap scum and gunk off. Then you can polish it if you want, with a mild metal polish. I use MAAS to polish my razors.

The areas where there are green spots are where the plating has worn through to the brass, of which the razor is made.

 

[bigcaddy]

Here are a couple of pictures of it. I'm not sure if this is the one he had when I was growing up (40+ years ago), or if it's one he got later. I imagine I'll see some labels/writing on it once I get the gunk off. From the pics, does anybody know what brand/model it might be? Thanks!

Mmack66 got it, that's a gillette adjustable. Once you get the soap scum off the razor, you should be able to find the month/year production code. It will be stamped on the underside of the razors head. I can make out patent pending so just look around there and you will see A-Z along with 1-4. The letter denotes the year and the number is the quarter of that year it was produced.

I would think yours is going to start with "F" or sometime past that.

 

[redwrench60]

Yup I agree, Gillette slim adjustable. Do you plan on using it or just preserving it for sentimental value?

 

[klassa]

I'm thinking about using it. Kind of a connection to my dad, I guess. If it's the same one he had when I was growing up (which I think it is), it's also the first razor I ever shaved with. Kind of completes the cycle.

 

[justme-]

Very nice - that is a slim adjustable. It's a great razor. I have one in the bathroom next to the rocket. Enjoy it.

Nice C-mon BigCaddy. Wish I had a Grim reaper - I have probably close to 40 straights in various conditions. I do have 2 Gold edges with the ivory (different widths), a satin edge with lucite, a satin wedge lucite, 2 dwarfs, and a Bresnick lifetime with very low grade scales - prior to the reaper logo.

 

[redwrench60]

I'm thinking about using it. Kind of a connection to my dad, I guess. If it's the same one he had when I was growing up (which I think it is), it's also the first razor I ever shaved with. Kind of completes the cycle.

There's no reason not to use it. As long as you keep it simple it's way more economical than cartridge razors, They do a much better job once you master the technique and it's a USA made piece of your family history.

 

[Tig Master]

I have done a few google is your friend.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/08/19/how-to-buy-and-restore-vintage-shaving-gear/

You will enjoy the results.Blades are the determining factor.Lots on ebay.Try and buy a sample pac as all blades shave different an all razors.Derby blades are a good starting point.But a sample pac will give you determining results.

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sample-Packs_c_1.html

T

 

[wild cowboy]

I have had good luck soaking them in Kroil - although it's a bit pricey unless you buy it direct by the gallon.

 

[bonneyman]

I usually snag old time razors when I come across them. they were just such nicely made pieces. I use one that I've had for years - still works great!

I took one of them apart to be able to get into all the tiny crevices. There's a "C" clip type of washer in the bottom of the handle that needed to come out. The whole thing popped right apart. Cleaning with Green or alcohol plus something for the mineral was easy. Getting it back together and that dang C clip in there was a bear!

For blades and supplies, I check here:

http://www.ebarbershop.com/double-edge-razors-blades-sets.html

 

[Tink]

Soak it in water for a while then rinse it under hot water while scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

 

[fivespdcat]

I have found that Barbicide does wonders for soap scum. Keeps my razors nice and clean, not to mention it protects against corrosion of the blades.

 

[klassa]

I did the boil and the simple green. She's looking much better! The rotary setting doesn't seem to reach 9, but other than that, everything seems to work.

 

[garthg]

I switched to a double edge about two years ago after Gillette kept raising the prices on my favorite Sensor blades, and I refuse to go to three or more blades. I use an old Gillette my wife bought in Mexico some years ago, and also a plastic Wilkinson.

Until recently, Walmart sold 10-packs of Wilkinson double edge blades made in Germany for $1.76, about 1/3 the price of the same thing in Germany. I bought up about a half-lifetime's supply, knowing the deal was too good to last. They're gone now, but I found an ebay seller selling the same exact thing, old stock (still said Warner-Lambert on the back--dating them to pre-2003) for 100 blades for $20, or 20 cents apiece.

The Wilkinson Sword made in Germany blades have a better feel in my opinion than the American Safety Razor blades which are available in Personna and generic brands in drug stores.

 

[redwrench60]

Do I see an "L" date code there? Can't make out the other number to determine which quarter but looks like that one was made in 1966.

 

[klassa]

I do think it's an L, yes. That would make it the year of my dad's 21st birthday, which is kind of cool. It may have been a birthday present, even. Thanks for all the help, guys!

 

[3 at 8]

I just started using that same one I inherited from my father in law. Its really cool by the look and feel of it.

 

[colin39]

Badger and blade is a good sorce of usa help. Scrubbing bubbles to clean and elbow grease. Or ya strip it completely jus google fat boy stipdown I know its a slim but they are much the same.

Colin

 

[redwrench60]

just google fat boy stipdown

You might want to re think that last part!

 

[hotsam]

I shave with a 1959 Gillette Fatboy with Feather blades (Amazon). Best shave ever.

 

[justme-]

regarding disassembling one of these adjustables... IRRC the earlier ones were clips but the later had crimped the nut also... I could never recommend trying to disassemble an heirloom or anything with sentimental value.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Depends on the metal. If it's nickel plated then it might not come off without brushing (thereby brushing some of the coating off). I'd use penetrating oil and start from there.

I'm not even sure what my razor is made of, I think it's polished steel with a resin handle. Easy to clean.

 

[mmack66]

You don't need Kroil, or any other penetrating oil to clean a razor, and Barbicide won't clean a razor that has soap scum or other gunk on it.

Spray on some Scrubbing Bubbles, let it sit for a bit, then use an old toothbrush on it.

If you are scared of cooties, Scrubbing Bubbles will kill most of the cooties that might be on the razor.

The plating on the chrome and nickel plated razors is pretty hardy. It's the gold plated razor you need to be careful with.

 

[blackwire]

The badger and blade forum is a great resource. More information than you will ever want to know.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Razor_cleaning_and_restoration
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance