I'm likely to receive my first RazorEmporium revamp today or tomorrow. It's a 1961 Aristocrat that I'm getting replated in gold. I can't wait to see it!
I always take the blades out to dry and rinse both razor and blade first. Never put them back in the case wet. The velour will hold the moisture against the steel underneath and rust it. The rust also discolors the velour. I just made my first purchase from Razor Emporium. Super fast shipping with a breif notification of shipment. 👍
Good point ! I usually rinse and dry the razor, and if it's a two, or three-piece razor, I keep the parts disassembled overnight on my bookshelf in my bedroom. A little OCD, I know, but I knkw everything is really dry before I put the razor back in its case or storage box. 🙂
I just received my eBay special revamp fat boy last week with nickel plating. It’s like new! It was in good condition before with a little brass showing and now it gives the best shave. I am getting used to the adjuster again as I have to find my new setting after the gap correction but it’s fun! Thanks so much for offering this service and affordable and quick turnaround. Anyone would be very pleased to have this service done with complete confidence. Thanks Matt and team!
Great video. I have two razors you did a revamp on and they are absolutely beautiful. I recommend your service to anyone wanting to bring an old razor back to life. If possible, I would love to see you put a video together showing the revamping process. The short clips in this video are very interesting.
It's certainly on the list - we discussed this after the Feb 26 meetup video came out - I told our producer that people would love to see how the process works on a technical level. We show a lot of the polishing / finishing steps in the Impossible Revamp video but not much about the plating / overall process. Consider it a top priority! Thank you :)
I've always used sewing machine oil, or a/c oil - extremely light oil, but I've found it more effective than standard mineral oil. Even if I'm putting it into an ultrasonic machine later (Ebay and antique purchases), I often oil it to loosen things up a bit. I appreciate you doing the replating. I tried to get a jeweler customer interested in doing this about 5 years ago, and I think he decided it was beneath him.
Morning Matt. Great video of the processes you off. I’m a make it new again type guy. I remove the blade and clean the parts with a soft brush. I dry the parts with a soft cloth, even blow them off with an old bulb used for flushing ears. I keep it disassembled for a few hrs. Reassemble and wipe any spots away if necessary. Too much time on your hands when you’re retired. Back in the day though I always removed the blade and thoroughly rinsed the razor. Great work at the shop. Glad you are only a few miles away. Take care and be safe. See you soon.
After years, I still prefer my the revamped vintage Gillette you and your team breathed new life in over new models I own. I was undecided on the finish but I am VERY happy with my Rhodium Gillette and it still looks as good as new, better actually. The first delve into the DE world began after I moved to Europe from the US, I have another DE waiting in the wings for a trip to AZ when I head back to see my family (think I will try another plating next time (is two tone an option?). My only regret is how far you guys are from Ol' Blighty
Great stuff Matt! I bought a revamped Rhodium plated Fatboy from Razor Emporium several years ago. Gorgeous! Really superb work. Unfortunately I got overzealous with the polishing cloth and created a bit of brassing on the collar. 100% my fault. One of these days I’ll be sending it back to you guys to replate (I guess just the color?). Thanks!
Thanks Matt👍👍 Nice video. I've been watching you long enough to have learned most of this already from bits and pieces of older videos but everybody needs a refresher. I'm torn between plating my vintage razors as most are in really good shape IMO, although plating the newer razors might be something I'd look into, like a Konsul... Good stuff as always, enjoy!
Matt, another great video with useful information thank you. I have mineral oil i use on our wood cutting board and have used it on my Gillette Slim Adjustable. I was wondering how often so perfect timing on your video. Cheers
Great question! Years ago we offered rose gold, green gold, 14 and 24k gold. We overwhelmingly were doing 24k gold and the others fell by the wayside. People want the shiniest, purist gold I suppose. Plus we have a bi-metal bath with cobalt as a hardener so the function of a lower carat like 14 mixed with other metals doesn't make as much sense.
Just got my Fatboy back from your company and that rhodium finish is beautiful! EXCELLENT job on that service. I'm leaving it to my Son to start a tradition. Thanks Matt!🙂
Bravo Matt, great video which certainly drills down to the essence of a "revamp." The video inspired me to be serious about placing a bid on Ebay for a 1963 (I-1 date code) Gillette Slim Adjustable Razor. Happily my bid (very few dollars) was accepted and my razor arrived this afternoon via USPS. Of course, I know very well the quality of your team's service work (2 x revamps, soap purchase, brush purchase and two brush refurbishments), I will be making an order within the next few days for a revamp for this slim adjustable (re-plating with 24k Gold). As always, thanks in advance and please know that you have my compliments and kindest personal regards. Someday, my grandson (going into the 9th grade this fall) will have my razor collection and this slim adjustable will be included. Charles K.
I have had my rhodium plated adjustable for over a year and I am loving it oh so much. Thank you guys for all that you do and for helping to bring back this for of self care for the people and the planet. These razors are awesome and can last a life time and more especially with what you guys bring to the table. I always take my razor out after shaving but here is a few questions. I feel the need to leave my razor open and standing on the head to allow for what feels like maximum drying, is this a safe way to store my razor? Also I tend to use my old toothbrush pretty much every time after or before I shave just to get it clean. I am not using a lot of pressure or scrubbing too much but is this ok for the finish long term or should I only use the toothbrush every once in a while? And now I will add mineral oil to my once to twice a year routine. Thanks guys!
Your postshave routine with your razors sounds very similar to mine. However, when I use a three piece, I’ll flip the handle upside down in a small pill bottle to allow any water down in the handle to come out. Did not know about all three, Or four spots to hit with mineral oil when lubricating my Adjustables, but I will definitely be doing it now. When it comes to my non-adjustable TTO’s I will now be putting a drop down into the knob as well, provided the knob is open on the bottom.
Hi Matt, I used food grade mineral oil at the TTO end of my 195 but the quarter turn feels a bit gritty, interesting that the quarter turn felt smooth before I put the mineral oil in that area. UPDATE: added a lot of oil to the area and it helped:)
Great information! In process of figuring out what vintage Gillette I'm going to get revamped lol. BTW was that a reference to that commercial some long time ago where all the TV doctors were in it?
I LOVE Rhodium as a metal in jewelry. But I prefer that flat metal look in my razors. I love the look of my Ambassador and Konsul in the stock metal look. My friend has a Rhodium and a Gold Ambassador. They look amazing, just not for me. As for lube, would the mineral oil be good for the Ambassador and Konsul?
I hope you don't mind indulging my curiosity, but I think I've heard you mention before that you're not a fan of chrome as a finish -- something, IIRC, about how even though it's said to be harder than other finishes it actually is too hard and chips/corrodes, or something like that. In any case, could you go into more depth into your thoughts on chrome?
I like the one piece razors like that. though I am getting the hang of the shavette. Much better with it. still some practice needed. wonder how the nickel shortage has been effecting you guys
Can i cut off the end tabs of the Gillette Slim with a scissors or something? I am a bit concern for shaving under the nose or around the ears. Thanks!
Gillette did the nickel under starting in the late 30's. Before that it was right over the brass which is one reason why older gold razors usually are missing so much gold.
@@RazorEmporium Exactly! Quite a few of my older (original) Gillette gold plated razors show brassing in areas where the plating has worn. There’s no nickel visible at all.
Thank you Matt and crew. I recently sent in two razors. One revamp one tune up. After seeing this I decided to change the tune up to a rhodium revamp. Customer service helped me out very fast. Now I’m waiting to see both razors. One nickel one rhodium.
Not sure why anyone would spend good money on refinishing a razor that wasn’t that great to begin with, otherwise they’d still be making them, but to each their own I guess. Not sure if someone would just do it for the sentimental value, but then again I don’t think I’d pay money to preserve a razor that could only provide a mediocre shave at best.
Just got a mint condition Gillette slim today and it’s probably the best shave of my life. And I do mean as good or better than Gillette’s current stuff. This is subjective of course.
Hi Matt, I tried adding extra mineral oil on the 195 by the TTO knob because it felt a bit sticky on the 1/4 turn, while it helped it was temporary and felt the same the next day, should I soak it in dawn and water overnight?
@@RazorEmporium Still no luck Matt, 1/4 turn still a bit sticky, I’m using mineral oil (laxative) which I’m assuming is food grade, is that the right one to use? Should I get something else to try? It feels like the oil makes it worse.
I'm likely to receive my first RazorEmporium revamp today or tomorrow. It's a 1961 Aristocrat that I'm getting replated in gold. I can't wait to see it!
Just ordered the 1968 Gillette Slim Adjustable Safety Razor N2 Rhodium,. I can't wait to see how it is in person!
I always take the blades out to dry and rinse both razor and blade first. Never put them back in the case wet. The velour will hold the moisture against the steel underneath and rust it. The rust also discolors the velour.
I just made my first purchase from Razor Emporium. Super fast shipping with a breif notification of shipment.
👍
Good point ! I usually rinse and dry the razor, and if it's a two, or three-piece razor, I keep the parts disassembled overnight on my bookshelf in my bedroom. A little OCD, I know, but I knkw everything is really dry before I put the razor back in its case or storage box. 🙂
I just received my eBay special revamp fat boy last week with nickel plating. It’s like new! It was in good condition before with a little brass showing and now it gives the best shave. I am getting used to the adjuster again as I have to find my new setting after the gap correction but it’s fun!
Thanks so much for offering this service and affordable and quick turnaround. Anyone would be very pleased to have this service done with complete confidence. Thanks Matt and team!
Happy to hear - thank you!
What is the eBay special and is it still available
Oh- I can’t wait for my Prospector!
Great video. I have two razors you did a revamp on and they are absolutely beautiful. I recommend your service to anyone wanting to bring an old razor back to life. If possible, I would love to see you put a video together showing the revamping process. The short clips in this video are very interesting.
It's certainly on the list - we discussed this after the Feb 26 meetup video came out - I told our producer that people would love to see how the process works on a technical level. We show a lot of the polishing / finishing steps in the Impossible Revamp video but not much about the plating / overall process. Consider it a top priority! Thank you :)
I've always used sewing machine oil, or a/c oil - extremely light oil, but I've found it more effective than standard mineral oil. Even if I'm putting it into an ultrasonic machine later (Ebay and antique purchases), I often oil it to loosen things up a bit. I appreciate you doing the replating. I tried to get a jeweler customer interested in doing this about 5 years ago, and I think he decided it was beneath him.
Morning Matt. Great video of the processes you off. I’m a make it new again type guy. I remove the blade and clean the parts with a soft brush. I dry the parts with a soft cloth, even blow them off with an old bulb used for flushing ears. I keep it disassembled for a few hrs. Reassemble and wipe any spots away if necessary. Too much time on your hands when you’re retired. Back in the day though I always removed the blade and thoroughly rinsed the razor.
Great work at the shop. Glad you are only a few miles away.
Take care and be safe. See you soon.
Thank you John! See you around :)
After years, I still prefer my the revamped vintage Gillette you and your team breathed new life in over new models I own. I was undecided on the finish but I am VERY happy with my Rhodium Gillette and it still looks as good as new, better actually. The first delve into the DE world began after I moved to Europe from the US, I have another DE waiting in the wings for a trip to AZ when I head back to see my family (think I will try another plating next time (is two tone an option?). My only regret is how far you guys are from Ol' Blighty
The best answer is, all of them. Your revamps are incredible.
Nice video. Enjoyed the explanation & education. Have a great day Matt.
That was unexpectedly absorbing and informative. It bears repeated watching. Well Done.
This is awesome. I actually have an Ever Ready razor my grandpa owned i would love to do this too. I will check out the website. Liked & Subscribed
A wonderfully insightful and informative look into the great work that you do on people's loved heirlooms, Matt.
Thank you!
Awesome video matt, im glad you went into detail describing all the coatings you offer this makes it easier in deciding what we would want . Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Still want to get a Fatboy revamped. Great video Matt!
Do it. Hehe
Aside from razors, I use your polishing cloths on my guitars for polishing hardware and fret wire! Great for so many things.
Great informative and well put together video Matt and team. Thanks for offering this service.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I definitely plan on buying from you Matt, Outstanding channel you have!!!!
Thanks 🙏
Platinum plating looks nice to, Richards Razors and back roads gold offer affordable mirror finish Nickel as well
Hey Matt I would love to see the Rose Gold finish offered in the Future if you can still do it. I just really like the Color.
Great video. Very informative
I have a FatBoy and a Slim and those polishing cloths keeps them looking new. Highly recommend them.
Fantastic video Matt I got 2 nickel platings done at your store still perfect 👍
Great stuff Matt! I bought a revamped Rhodium plated Fatboy from Razor Emporium several years ago. Gorgeous! Really superb work. Unfortunately I got overzealous with the polishing cloth and created a bit of brassing on the collar. 100% my fault. One of these days I’ll be sending it back to you guys to replate (I guess just the color?). Thanks!
We can help thx
Thanks Matt👍👍 Nice video. I've been watching you long enough to have learned most of this already from bits and pieces of older videos but everybody needs a refresher. I'm torn between plating my vintage razors as most are in really good shape IMO, although plating the newer razors might be something I'd look into, like a Konsul... Good stuff as always, enjoy!
Love my gold toggle you guys did for me.
Matt, another great video with useful information thank you. I have mineral oil i use on our wood cutting board and have used it on my Gillette Slim Adjustable. I was wondering how often so perfect timing on your video. Cheers
A few times a year
This is an amazing video. Thank you for posting it.
Great video, Matt. One question I've had is why you (and others) use 24K gold instead of 14K, which seems more like what Gillette used.
Great question! Years ago we offered rose gold, green gold, 14 and 24k gold. We overwhelmingly were doing 24k gold and the others fell by the wayside. People want the shiniest, purist gold I suppose. Plus we have a bi-metal bath with cobalt as a hardener so the function of a lower carat like 14 mixed with other metals doesn't make as much sense.
@@RazorEmporium That's surprising to learn, but that's why I asked. Plus who ever heard of green gold before? Thanks for cluing me in.
Great video, thanks
Just got my Fatboy back from your company and that rhodium finish is beautiful! EXCELLENT job on that service. I'm leaving it to my Son to start a tradition. Thanks Matt!🙂
Our pleasure!
Another good video and explanation as usual, thanks, Matt!
Bravo Matt, great video which certainly drills down to the essence of a "revamp." The video inspired me to be serious about placing a bid on Ebay for a 1963 (I-1 date code) Gillette Slim Adjustable Razor. Happily my bid (very few dollars) was accepted and my razor arrived this afternoon via USPS. Of course, I know very well the quality of your team's service work (2 x revamps, soap purchase, brush purchase and two brush refurbishments), I will be making an order within the next few days for a revamp for this slim adjustable (re-plating with 24k Gold). As always, thanks in advance and please know that you have my compliments and kindest personal regards. Someday, my grandson (going into the 9th grade this fall) will have my razor collection and this slim adjustable will be included. Charles K.
Thank you :)
I have had my rhodium plated adjustable for over a year and I am loving it oh so much. Thank you guys for all that you do and for helping to bring back this for of self care for the people and the planet. These razors are awesome and can last a life time and more especially with what you guys bring to the table.
I always take my razor out after shaving but here is a few questions. I feel the need to leave my razor open and standing on the head to allow for what feels like maximum drying, is this a safe way to store my razor? Also I tend to use my old toothbrush pretty much every time after or before I shave just to get it clean. I am not using a lot of pressure or scrubbing too much but is this ok for the finish long term or should I only use the toothbrush every once in a while? And now I will add mineral oil to my once to twice a year routine.
Thanks guys!
thanks - your routine sounds fine :)
Your postshave routine with your razors sounds very similar to mine. However, when I use a three piece, I’ll flip the handle upside down in a small pill bottle to allow any water down in the handle to come out. Did not know about all three, Or four spots to hit with mineral oil when lubricating my Adjustables, but I will definitely be doing it now. When it comes to my non-adjustable TTO’s I will now be putting a drop down into the knob as well, provided the knob is open on the bottom.
Outstanding video Matt! Very helpful and informative as always.
Thank you sir ☺️
Hi Matt, I used food grade mineral oil at the TTO end of my 195 but the quarter turn feels a bit gritty, interesting that the quarter turn felt smooth before I put the mineral oil in that area. UPDATE: added a lot of oil to the area and it helped:)
Great information! In process of figuring out what vintage Gillette I'm going to get revamped lol. BTW was that a reference to that commercial some long time ago where all the TV doctors were in it?
Revamp service is great.. well worth the money
Very interesting video bet your job is so satisfying!! Stunning work you do over the pond #legends
I LOVE Rhodium as a metal in jewelry. But I prefer that flat metal look in my razors. I love the look of my Ambassador and Konsul in the stock metal look. My friend has a Rhodium and a Gold Ambassador. They look amazing, just not for me.
As for lube, would the mineral oil be good for the Ambassador and Konsul?
Yup
I plated my 1938 Gillette Senator in Rhodium. Very nice End it will last probably 200 more years without signs of decay
My rhodium revamp toggle is tarnishing after minimal use, bit disappointed with that finish
Send us an email with pics
How much does this service aprox cost these things never get old
$69-$154 on average
Worth every penny
Hmm alright once i have more money i think i Will restore my family heritage for now i Will let it age a bit more
I hope you don't mind indulging my curiosity, but I think I've heard you mention before that you're not a fan of chrome as a finish -- something, IIRC, about how even though it's said to be harder than other finishes it actually is too hard and chips/corrodes, or something like that. In any case, could you go into more depth into your thoughts on chrome?
I like the one piece razors like that. though I am getting the hang of the shavette. Much better with it. still some practice needed. wonder how the nickel shortage has been effecting you guys
Nice! I need to get my Fatboy revamped. 😁👍🏼
But did you stay in a holiday Inn last night?
Just like master house painters say. Its all in the prep.
Black chrome or a gunmetal finish.
Can i cut off the end tabs of the Gillette Slim with a scissors or something? I am a bit concern for shaving under the nose or around the ears. Thanks!
Thanks.
So for longevity, are you recommending that one takes out the safety razor and dry it between shaves?
Yes
I always thought Gillette avoided adding a layer of nickel plating on the brass surfaces when they were doing a gold plated razor- is that correct?
Always nickel under gold. Makes it adhere better.
Gillette did the nickel under starting in the late 30's. Before that it was right over the brass which is one reason why older gold razors usually are missing so much gold.
@@RazorEmporium Exactly! Quite a few of my older (original) Gillette gold plated razors show brassing in areas where the plating has worn. There’s no nickel visible at all.
That was a wonderful video! Tell me , can I use Singer 3-in-1 oil to lubricate these razors? Even the GOLD plated ones? Regards.
Yes
@@RazorEmporium Thanks dear! ❤️🙌
What’s the price on a revamp alone vs with the nickel finish? I’ve got two slims that are great but would be awesome revamped
Pricing is here www.razorrevamp.com.
@@RazorEmporium ah thank you sm
I sent a few in last week. Now I’m thinking I want the rhodium instead of just nickel.
Thank you Matt and crew. I recently sent in two razors. One revamp one tune up. After seeing this I decided to change the tune up to a rhodium revamp. Customer service helped me out very fast. Now I’m waiting to see both razors. One nickel one rhodium.
What do you do to revamp the black knurled handle and black plastic part on a Super Adjustable Black Beauty ?
Powder coat
If I don't have mineral oil, is it okay to use Singer all-purpose machine oil? I think it's the same oil they use for sewing machines.
Yes
@@RazorEmporium sweet, thanks boss
Any thoughts of offering a shiny black finish?
Black finishes are achieved through an oxide process. It fades rather quickly especially around water.
Buddy il buy a XL Ambassador to Vienna Austria weeks ago ... how long it takes to come to me ?
As fast as the shipping method you pick delivers it :) typically 7-10 days for international
What is the best type of oil to use on a strap?
www.otterwax.com/collections/leather-care/products/leather-oil
Not sure why anyone would spend good money on refinishing a razor that wasn’t that great to begin with, otherwise they’d still be making them, but to each their own I guess. Not sure if someone would just do it for the sentimental value, but then again I don’t think I’d pay money to preserve a razor that could only provide a mediocre shave at best.
we've done tens of thousands. They can provide fantastic shaves.
Just got a mint condition Gillette slim today and it’s probably the best shave of my life. And I do mean as good or better than Gillette’s current stuff. This is subjective of course.
Hi Matt, I tried adding extra mineral oil on the 195 by the TTO knob because it felt a bit sticky on the 1/4 turn, while it helped it was temporary and felt the same the next day, should I soak it in dawn and water overnight?
Yes oil is only effective on a clean joint.
@@RazorEmporium thank you Matt.
@@RazorEmporium Still no luck Matt, 1/4 turn still a bit sticky, I’m using mineral oil (laxative) which I’m assuming is food grade, is that the right one to use? Should I get something else to try? It feels like the oil makes it worse.
Can you wipe them off with a cloth
Yes
Had to get You off 666 likes !
Great work and outstanding craftsmen ship 🪒💈