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Razor Revamp Service

SKU: RevampService

Description

Have a razor that needs to be fixed, polished and plated in a new metal? Revamp it! 

 

WHAT WE DO

Finding a vintage razor online or at an antique store can be fun and an economical way to try out some of the classic performing models. However what do you do with the pitts, rust, worn plating and broken components that sometimes come with it? We designed our Revamp Service to address all of these issues and deliver to you a vintage razor that looks and functions like it just left the factory floor!

 

HOW IT WORKS

  1. We first clean your razor in our industrial ultrasonic machine to remove any soap scum, mineral deposits and grime. Disassembly is carried out for the best results. 
  2. Razor is stripped of original plating using a gentle chemical bath.
  3. All areas of the razor are then resurfaced; removing minor scratches and minor dents that could have formed over the years. 
  4. Next we carefully polish the inside and out of your razor, bringing the vintage metal up to a high luster. 
  5. Mechanical adjustments are made to ensure the best functionality of your razor.
  6. We then plate the razor in-house using the desired material of your choice (see below) at 8 micro-inches- thicker than Gillette and nearly 3 times that of any other plating facility today for Rhodium or 24K Gold.
  7. On all color features (numbers on adjusters, tips on super speeds, black handles, black lines on fatboys, etc.) we use color-matched Powder Coating that exactly replicates the original factory colors and process and is more durable than paint.
  8. Razors are again cleaned and sanitized before being lubricated and mailed back home. We include a free POLISHING CLOTH that will safely keep the shine on your vintage find!

 

WHY IT MATTERS

  • We fix 'em. As expert collectors, we're qualified to perform mechanical adjustments to make your razor function as it was intended to from the factory wherever possible
  • We resurface the metal. Plating alone would be like painting a hail-damaged car
  • Longer lasting. We plate 2-3 Times thicker than anyone else
  • Razors arrive Shave Ready. We clean, polish, lubricate, paint, test and sanitize all razors before they're sent back to you
  • We stand behind our work. If you ever have an issue with your revamped razor, send it to us and we'll make things right

 

QUALIFIED RAZORS

With thousands of razors successfully revamped, we have a fairly good idea of what is achievable from this process. The best results come from razors made of brass or stainless steel. This includes nearly every razor from Gillette and many other vintage brands. We prefer not to work on zinc alloy razors on a case by case basis. The following razors we can work on, will powdercoat handle, can plate doors, center rod / T-Bar, knob etc but not guard:

  • Black Handled Super Speeds
  • Blue Tip/ Light Super Speeds
  • 1960's Lady Gillette's

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING IN YOUR RAZOR

  • "Add to Cart" this service, check-out and make payment.
  • You will purchase Shipping during checkout, this is how we will return your razor after completion.
  • You will receive an Order Confirmation E-mail within an hour of purchase. Follow the e-mails instructions and print your Ticket with barcode. Include this form when shipping your razor.
  • Send in your razor however you choose - USPS Small Flat Rate box is our recommendation. The postage you have purchased already is for return shipping.
  • We'll let you know when we receive your razor and keep you updated during the process. 
  • Our turn-around time is 2-3 Weeks on average once we receive your razor.

 


Keep in mind...

Most surface scratches, dings and dents can be either minimized or removed all together through our surface restoration, however deep pitting or other serious metal imperfections can't be removed! These areas will leave texture underneath the plating, and still be visible.We take into consideration the integrity of the metal before aesthetics and sometimes corrosion, pitting or dents are just too deep to safely be removed on parts of the razor. Know that we will do our best to make your razor sparkle and shine, but are limited by what we receive from you

If your razor does not meet the Premium Finish Revamp standards due to serious corrosion or pitting, you will be contacted before work begins, order changed to Factory Finish, and refunded the difference. If you would prefer a full refund we can issue one minus the cost of return shipping.

Razor Emporium Revamp: Fatboy Razor Emporium Revamp: Fatboy

 

We are also offering the Revamp Service on Modern Double Edge Razors that meet the Revamp qualifications [stainless steel or brass].

Indulge in a luxurious shave with the Modern Razor Revamp, a stunning restoration that brings beauty to the modern age. These revamped safety razors gleam with rhodium, factory nickel, or 24k gold elevating your morning routine with indulgent luxury.

Bring the relaxing ritual of traditional wet shaving into the 21st century. The Modern Razor Revamp combines vintage style of shaving with modern innovations for the ultimate shave experience. Its refreshed nickel, rhodium, or gold make this restored safety razor a true gentleman's statement piece.

For discerning men looking to upgrade their shaving routine, this revamp option delivers bold, polished style backed by a precise, comfortable shave. Ditch the disposables and experience the nostalgic craftsmanship of wet shaving made modern.  

 
img-6904.jpg



OUR GUARANTEE

We promise to deliver to you a "Shave Ready" razor that has been polished, adjusted, plated, painted, sanitized and lubricated. We guarantee our work for 6 months from the date we ship it back to you, giving you the confidence to enjoy using a quality vintage razor! Please CONTACT US with any other questions!  

 

WHICH METAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

We know picking a metal can be a hard decision, hopefully this chart makes it easier than ever!

METAL

DURABILITY

TARNISH RESISTANCE

HARDNESS

SHINE

GILLETTE MODELS - HISTORICAL FINISHES 

OVERALL RATING

Rhodium 1940's Executive, 1950's President, British TTO Aristocrats
24K Gold Most models feature a thin 14K Gold with lacquer.
Rose Gold None
Factory Nickel Super Speed, Ranger Tech, Senator, Fatboy, Slim, 3 Pc.Techs
Silver Double, Single and Ball End Old Types, New Improved Razors
Chrome* 1930's NEW De Luxe Models

 

* While Chrome is a great metal choice for bumpers and car wheels, it reacts with water over time and without proper care, can easily start to blister and crack. On adjustable razors, it often interferes with moving parts and its brittleness doesn't do well with the flex and rubbing of metal-on-metal components that twist and tighten. For this reason we do not offer Chrome but have it here as a baseline comparison. 

 

FACTORY FINISH / NICKEL

Nickel is a hard, white, abrasion resistant metal. As an under-plate it provides corrosion protection and helps brighten the finish. This was the most commonly used plating choice for most of the Gillette and other safety razors because it was relatively inexpensive, robust, and looks good for a very long time despite heavy usage and wear. Clean nickel with dish detergent and a soft bristle tooth brush on a regular basis to maintain a soap-scum free shine. Polish only when heavy tarnish is present with a cotton cloth and products like Flitz or MAAS. We call our Nickel service "Factory Finish" because we start by chemical stripping and glass bead blasting the surface to get a very smooth, uniform texture in the base metal. Each resurfaced component is then lighting brushed and polished to replicate the tumbled texture that most Gillette, Gem, Ever-Ready and other vintage razors came with as "stock."  Corrosion, rusting, and pitting that cannot be polished out will cause new plating to appear textured; however, utilizing glass bead blasting to disguise this scarring, a beautiful and modern finish can be achieved. We highly recommend this finish option for most every vintage razor as it certainly "saves" razors that just have minor plating issues and is great for daily shaving razors. See some great BEFORE & AFTER photos here and learn more about the way Gillette plated in this "factory" style in this recent blog post.

 

RHODIUM

Rhodium is a hard white metal in the group of platinum metals. It is very resistant to corrosion and will not tarnish. It is also very reflective and has a brilliant white shine. It is a precious metal, more expensive than the more commonly known gold and platinum. To achieve this finish, we first strike bright copper plating directly onto the raw brass parts to establish good chemical adhesion of the subsequent layers. Next a nickel plate is applied - creating a hard and durable surface that will help make the final finish shine. Finally, a deposit of Rhodium plating is applied which will have a bright and shiny luster that should last for years to come. Cleaning rhodium is about as easy as it comes: a simple light scrub with a soft-bristle tooth brush and dish soap should remove any soap scum that may form on the surfaces over time with normal usage. Lightly buff the metal with a dry cotton cloth when you're done rinsing it

 

GOLD

Our gold plating is hard acid gold which allows for good wear and brightness. It is applied thicker than Gillette had ever plated and should last for decades to come with normal usage. We plate exclusively in 24 Karat, the purist form of the element Au (Gold) at 99.9%. It has the highest luster of that deep and rich yellow color. To achieve this finish, we first strike bright copper plating directly onto the raw brass parts to establish good chemical adhesion of the subsequent layers. Next a nickel plate is applied - creating a hard and durable surface that will help make the final finish shine. Finally, a heavy deposit of 24K Gold plating is applied which will have a bright and shiny luster that should last for years to come. Cleaning of the razor would be similar to any gold jewelry; best carried out by a professional or specialized Gold cleaning products.

 

PROSPECTOR

The Prospector finish celebrates our home state of Arizona's history as a great mining resource of precious metals and the men who called themselves Prospectors, sustained by boundless faith and never-quenched hope. We seletively plate the parts of your razor in 24k Gold and Rhodium - creating a stunning dual-tone appearance. Best of both worlds if you can't choose between the two metals. 

 

A few quick answers to recent common questions updated last: 8/23/2021

1. Razors are completed based on first come first serve. Our current turnaround time is to 3-4 weeks on average. 

2. The Tune Up service is included in the price of your Revamp. Razors will be returned functioning as best as possible only being sent home when they complete several quality control checks. We have the knowledge and expertise to fix many razor issues. Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time,  so please remember your razor is vintage and we can only do the best with the limitations of your razor. If you have specific questions about what to expect when your razor comes home to you, please call and speak with us before sending it in.

3. If at anytime you have a question about your Revamp login to our repair shop customer portal here

4) Stahly Live Blades, British 1 piece TTO's, Red Dot, Toggle & Bottom Dial Fatboys are considered Specialty Razors from the drop down.

Razor Revamp Service

SKU: RevampService
$121.85
This Product Ships Free

Description

Have a razor that needs to be fixed, polished and plated in a new metal? Revamp it! 

 

WHAT WE DO

Finding a vintage razor online or at an antique store can be fun and an economical way to try out some of the classic performing models. However what do you do with the pitts, rust, worn plating and broken components that sometimes come with it? We designed our Revamp Service to address all of these issues and deliver to you a vintage razor that looks and functions like it just left the factory floor!

 

HOW IT WORKS

  1. We first clean your razor in our industrial ultrasonic machine to remove any soap scum, mineral deposits and grime. Disassembly is carried out for the best results. 
  2. Razor is stripped of original plating using a gentle chemical bath.
  3. All areas of the razor are then resurfaced; removing minor scratches and minor dents that could have formed over the years. 
  4. Next we carefully polish the inside and out of your razor, bringing the vintage metal up to a high luster. 
  5. Mechanical adjustments are made to ensure the best functionality of your razor.
  6. We then plate the razor in-house using the desired material of your choice (see below) at 8 micro-inches- thicker than Gillette and nearly 3 times that of any other plating facility today for Rhodium or 24K Gold.
  7. On all color features (numbers on adjusters, tips on super speeds, black handles, black lines on fatboys, etc.) we use color-matched Powder Coating that exactly replicates the original factory colors and process and is more durable than paint.
  8. Razors are again cleaned and sanitized before being lubricated and mailed back home. We include a free POLISHING CLOTH that will safely keep the shine on your vintage find!

 

WHY IT MATTERS

  • We fix 'em. As expert collectors, we're qualified to perform mechanical adjustments to make your razor function as it was intended to from the factory wherever possible
  • We resurface the metal. Plating alone would be like painting a hail-damaged car
  • Longer lasting. We plate 2-3 Times thicker than anyone else
  • Razors arrive Shave Ready. We clean, polish, lubricate, paint, test and sanitize all razors before they're sent back to you
  • We stand behind our work. If you ever have an issue with your revamped razor, send it to us and we'll make things right

 

QUALIFIED RAZORS

With thousands of razors successfully revamped, we have a fairly good idea of what is achievable from this process. The best results come from razors made of brass or stainless steel. This includes nearly every razor from Gillette and many other vintage brands. We prefer not to work on zinc alloy razors on a case by case basis. The following razors we can work on, will powdercoat handle, can plate doors, center rod / T-Bar, knob etc but not guard:

  • Black Handled Super Speeds
  • Blue Tip/ Light Super Speeds
  • 1960's Lady Gillette's

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING IN YOUR RAZOR

  • "Add to Cart" this service, check-out and make payment.
  • You will purchase Shipping during checkout, this is how we will return your razor after completion.
  • You will receive an Order Confirmation E-mail within an hour of purchase. Follow the e-mails instructions and print your Ticket with barcode. Include this form when shipping your razor.
  • Send in your razor however you choose - USPS Small Flat Rate box is our recommendation. The postage you have purchased already is for return shipping.
  • We'll let you know when we receive your razor and keep you updated during the process. 
  • Our turn-around time is 2-3 Weeks on average once we receive your razor.

 


Keep in mind...

Most surface scratches, dings and dents can be either minimized or removed all together through our surface restoration, however deep pitting or other serious metal imperfections can't be removed! These areas will leave texture underneath the plating, and still be visible.We take into consideration the integrity of the metal before aesthetics and sometimes corrosion, pitting or dents are just too deep to safely be removed on parts of the razor. Know that we will do our best to make your razor sparkle and shine, but are limited by what we receive from you

If your razor does not meet the Premium Finish Revamp standards due to serious corrosion or pitting, you will be contacted before work begins, order changed to Factory Finish, and refunded the difference. If you would prefer a full refund we can issue one minus the cost of return shipping.

Razor Emporium Revamp: Fatboy Razor Emporium Revamp: Fatboy

 

We are also offering the Revamp Service on Modern Double Edge Razors that meet the Revamp qualifications [stainless steel or brass].

Indulge in a luxurious shave with the Modern Razor Revamp, a stunning restoration that brings beauty to the modern age. These revamped safety razors gleam with rhodium, factory nickel, or 24k gold elevating your morning routine with indulgent luxury.

Bring the relaxing ritual of traditional wet shaving into the 21st century. The Modern Razor Revamp combines vintage style of shaving with modern innovations for the ultimate shave experience. Its refreshed nickel, rhodium, or gold make this restored safety razor a true gentleman's statement piece.

For discerning men looking to upgrade their shaving routine, this revamp option delivers bold, polished style backed by a precise, comfortable shave. Ditch the disposables and experience the nostalgic craftsmanship of wet shaving made modern.  

 
img-6904.jpg



OUR GUARANTEE

We promise to deliver to you a "Shave Ready" razor that has been polished, adjusted, plated, painted, sanitized and lubricated. We guarantee our work for 6 months from the date we ship it back to you, giving you the confidence to enjoy using a quality vintage razor! Please CONTACT US with any other questions!  

 

WHICH METAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

We know picking a metal can be a hard decision, hopefully this chart makes it easier than ever!

METAL

DURABILITY

TARNISH RESISTANCE

HARDNESS

SHINE

GILLETTE MODELS - HISTORICAL FINISHES 

OVERALL RATING

Rhodium 1940's Executive, 1950's President, British TTO Aristocrats
24K Gold Most models feature a thin 14K Gold with lacquer.
Rose Gold None
Factory Nickel Super Speed, Ranger Tech, Senator, Fatboy, Slim, 3 Pc.Techs
Silver Double, Single and Ball End Old Types, New Improved Razors
Chrome* 1930's NEW De Luxe Models

 

* While Chrome is a great metal choice for bumpers and car wheels, it reacts with water over time and without proper care, can easily start to blister and crack. On adjustable razors, it often interferes with moving parts and its brittleness doesn't do well with the flex and rubbing of metal-on-metal components that twist and tighten. For this reason we do not offer Chrome but have it here as a baseline comparison. 

 

FACTORY FINISH / NICKEL

Nickel is a hard, white, abrasion resistant metal. As an under-plate it provides corrosion protection and helps brighten the finish. This was the most commonly used plating choice for most of the Gillette and other safety razors because it was relatively inexpensive, robust, and looks good for a very long time despite heavy usage and wear. Clean nickel with dish detergent and a soft bristle tooth brush on a regular basis to maintain a soap-scum free shine. Polish only when heavy tarnish is present with a cotton cloth and products like Flitz or MAAS. We call our Nickel service "Factory Finish" because we start by chemical stripping and glass bead blasting the surface to get a very smooth, uniform texture in the base metal. Each resurfaced component is then lighting brushed and polished to replicate the tumbled texture that most Gillette, Gem, Ever-Ready and other vintage razors came with as "stock."  Corrosion, rusting, and pitting that cannot be polished out will cause new plating to appear textured; however, utilizing glass bead blasting to disguise this scarring, a beautiful and modern finish can be achieved. We highly recommend this finish option for most every vintage razor as it certainly "saves" razors that just have minor plating issues and is great for daily shaving razors. See some great BEFORE & AFTER photos here and learn more about the way Gillette plated in this "factory" style in this recent blog post.

 

RHODIUM

Rhodium is a hard white metal in the group of platinum metals. It is very resistant to corrosion and will not tarnish. It is also very reflective and has a brilliant white shine. It is a precious metal, more expensive than the more commonly known gold and platinum. To achieve this finish, we first strike bright copper plating directly onto the raw brass parts to establish good chemical adhesion of the subsequent layers. Next a nickel plate is applied - creating a hard and durable surface that will help make the final finish shine. Finally, a deposit of Rhodium plating is applied which will have a bright and shiny luster that should last for years to come. Cleaning rhodium is about as easy as it comes: a simple light scrub with a soft-bristle tooth brush and dish soap should remove any soap scum that may form on the surfaces over time with normal usage. Lightly buff the metal with a dry cotton cloth when you're done rinsing it

 

GOLD

Our gold plating is hard acid gold which allows for good wear and brightness. It is applied thicker than Gillette had ever plated and should last for decades to come with normal usage. We plate exclusively in 24 Karat, the purist form of the element Au (Gold) at 99.9%. It has the highest luster of that deep and rich yellow color. To achieve this finish, we first strike bright copper plating directly onto the raw brass parts to establish good chemical adhesion of the subsequent layers. Next a nickel plate is applied - creating a hard and durable surface that will help make the final finish shine. Finally, a heavy deposit of 24K Gold plating is applied which will have a bright and shiny luster that should last for years to come. Cleaning of the razor would be similar to any gold jewelry; best carried out by a professional or specialized Gold cleaning products.

 

PROSPECTOR

The Prospector finish celebrates our home state of Arizona's history as a great mining resource of precious metals and the men who called themselves Prospectors, sustained by boundless faith and never-quenched hope. We seletively plate the parts of your razor in 24k Gold and Rhodium - creating a stunning dual-tone appearance. Best of both worlds if you can't choose between the two metals. 

 

A few quick answers to recent common questions updated last: 8/23/2021

1. Razors are completed based on first come first serve. Our current turnaround time is to 3-4 weeks on average. 

2. The Tune Up service is included in the price of your Revamp. Razors will be returned functioning as best as possible only being sent home when they complete several quality control checks. We have the knowledge and expertise to fix many razor issues. Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time,  so please remember your razor is vintage and we can only do the best with the limitations of your razor. If you have specific questions about what to expect when your razor comes home to you, please call and speak with us before sending it in.

3. If at anytime you have a question about your Revamp login to our repair shop customer portal here

4) Stahly Live Blades, British 1 piece TTO's, Red Dot, Toggle & Bottom Dial Fatboys are considered Specialty Razors from the drop down.

Videos

  • How to: Is My Vintage DE Gillette Safety Razor Broken?
  • The Impossible Revamp: Shocking Before & After Vintage Gillette Fatboy
  • What is the BEST Razor Revamp Finish? Why Revamp Finish is Better Than Gillette Original
  • Safety Razor Plating Room Tour: Could our Revamp Service be BETTER than Original Vintage Gillette?

Reviews

Write a Review

522 Reviews

Reviews (522)
  • Posted by Christopher Ely on 20th Nov 2024

    2
    Toggle revamp

    Sent off a Slim and Toggle at the same time to get revamped. When I compare them side by side it looks like either the toggle didn't get replated or polished. It is not even close to being as shiny as the Slim

  • Posted by John Thomas on 16th Nov 2024

    5
    New life to an old blade

    I wasn’t sure what to expect with this service to be honest. Very surprised how well the finish turned out. Worth every penny.

  • Posted by Evan Smith on 15th Nov 2024

    5
    Gillette Slim Adjustable Revamp

    Waited way to long to write this review. I had my grandfather's slim adjustable (1962) revamped with the rhodium finish. The results were nothing short of amazing. It's honestly mind blowing to me that there's a company that even offers a service like this, much less for the extremely reasonable price they charge. They took what was an aging tool into a priceless family heirloom...one that is fully-functional, mind you (I use it regularly and it's my favorite DE by far) that I'll cherish for years to come and pass down to my son. If you watch the videos of what the service entails, from disassembly, to polishing, to finishing, etc. etc. you will see why it is worth every penny (and then some). They track and update you on each step of the process and when I got the razor back I was absolutely stunned. I could not have imagined a better result (and I debated between original nickel and rhodium, and rhodium was absolutely the right choice...it's gorgeous). Thank you very much guys, and please keep up the excellent work!

  • Posted by Frank G on 20th Oct 2024

    5
    Second to None!

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of sending my beloved Gillette Fatboy to Razor Emporium for a refurbishment, and I cannot express how thrilled I am with the results! As a vintage razor enthusiast, I was hesitant to part with my precious Fatboy, but the promise of a professional restoration made it worth the leap. From the moment I contacted Razor Emporium, their customer service was outstanding. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their craft. They guided me through the process, explaining what to expect and how they would breathe new life into my razor. It was clear that they valued both the history of the piece and the satisfaction of their customers. When I received my Fatboy back, I was absolutely blown away. The craftsmanship was phenomenal! The razor looked as if it had just come off the assembly line in the 1960s. Every detail was meticulously attended to—there were no scratches, the plating was flawless, and the mechanism functioned smoothly, just like it did when it was new. It felt like I was holding a piece of history that had been lovingly restored to its former glory. Not only did they do a fantastic job on the aesthetics, but I was also impressed with the performance. After using the Fatboy again, I was reminded of why it’s such a classic. The shave was smooth and comfortable, and the adjustable settings worked perfectly, allowing me to customize my experience. Overall, I highly recommend Razor Emporium to anyone looking to restore their vintage razors. Their attention to detail, passion for their work, and customer service are truly top-notch. I’m already planning to send in a few more razors from my collection, and I can’t wait to see what they do next. Thank you, Razor Emporium for bringing my Gillette Fatboy back to life!