Has anyone used, or know of, a recommendable replating service. I contacted one place in Melbourne that I got from the phone book but they didn't know what a DE razor was or looked like.
I've sent some emails this week to various jewellers and metal platers. Some have expressed interest and some said yes they could do it, but I got the distinct impression that I would be better off sending it to the states to the guys who know about razors and their working parts, not someone who dips bumpers and doorknobs.
I'm waiting to hear from a local jeweller who made our wedding rings. I would definitely trust him to do it, but not sure if he will.
Your options are the same as here in Sydney.
1) Pay approximately $100 for postage and replating in the States ($20 to post and US$80 to replate depending what the razor is). About 2-3 months turnaround.
OR
2) Take some risk with a local replater here. If they are experienced they may do a decent job. About 1-2 weeks turnaround.
Both have risk. The U.S. option is still risky as they still may not do a job to your satisfaction. There have been complaints about services by some of the U.S. Based replaters. There is also the possible loss in transit. And the USD is higher now unfortunately.
Locally may be hit and miss. It all depends on your razor, it's condition and their experience (not necessarily with razors). Prices and time frame is definitely better locally.
You already seem to be confident a local jeweller would do a decent job. I agree.
Make sure that they clean and polish the razor BEFORE replating. Ask them. You could also ask them for example of what they have replated before. If they can replate intricate jewellery pieces then there's a good chance they can do a good replate job.
You must make sure it's not a Zamak razor - they can't be replated. Only vintage razors. And a simple 3 piece like a NEW or Tech would be easier to replate.
The Sydney replater I used (Silver Gleam) was given a Zamak razor a few years back and so they were cautious about replating another razor. They too hadn't handled many razors. But they are very experienced so I took a punt and it worked out ok. I don't know how they would go with an adjustable (Slim, FB) but they did a good job with a TTO.