(04-13-2022, 05:06 AM)Whisker_whacker Wrote: (04-13-2022, 12:15 AM)JimmyH Wrote: (04-12-2022, 11:20 PM)ANG69 Wrote: I had the same dilemma. Decided to go with the basic polished. I had some success with aging brass and hope that a bronze razor would not be too finicky either.
That's exactly where I'm at. I too have experimented with antiquing brass, Brian Twilly gave me the rundown on how he does it and I've had good luck with it.
My order in Nov was for a 0.80 WR1 SB with the Darwin handle. That hasn't changed.
My issue now is whether I want to pay for the WRA2 stand. Costing more than the razor head.
So I did a google for C954 Bronze to check out the properties. Turns out one of the characteristics is 'hard to machine.' So that may account for the added cost for the deluxe version.
The Copper is a mind blowing price. More than any of the others in basic polish. I guess the material costs must be reflected in that. I wouldn't think wearing out tool bits would be an issue.
JimmyH, care to share the Antiquing rundown?
Actually it's pretty simple. I had ordered a bright hammered handle, the antique finish was out of stock. So I emailed and asked if he would share how he does it. To my surprise he told me to buy some Birchwood Casey Brass Black and simply follow the instructions on the label.
So I got the stuff, and did so. Brian puts wax on the finished handle. All of that has to be removed. Alcohol does that trick. Applied with a paper towel/q-tip. I didn't do the steel wool rubdown as the handle had been finished by Brian. Applied the Brass Black with a q-tip liberally, and waited the minute, rinsed in cold water. I didn't do further applications to make it darker as noted in the instructions on the label, as it wasn't necessary.
I've also done it on a Maze CG handle and polished on a buffing wheel afterwards, to have the grooves be dark, and the raised portion more defined. I'm thinking if I do this with the Basic Polish Bronze WR1 & handle I can come close to the antiqued look I desire.
You can see the aforementioned Maze on the left, and the hammered which I left bright on either end for a two tone effect.