Thread: Why do lots of crappy razors go for so much?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

How do you define "crappy razors" ?

Corroded, worn out, chipped blades... warped, broken scales. Stuff that isn't even worth anything for parts. I just saw a lot with 4 pieces of garbage and two so-so razors go for $90. Nobody loves unstamped or obscure brand razors more than me.

I suppose a lot of it is newbies trying to start a collection all at once and not knowing what the hell they are doing.

I've gotten some great deals on ebay. Got a few barking dogs too. Still chuckle about this "razor"


It was part of a lot of 6 razors that I got for around 30 bucks shipped. One of the other razors had a cracked blade, another was what I think is a salesman's sample. Either way the "razor" shown above is a pretty nice MILLER BROTHERS, Meriden, Conn. sailor's rope knife. They usually bring between 100 and 200 on the bay. Been wanting one for several years but refused to pay the freight. Got lucky and ended up that one for around 6 bucks. Didn't buy it to resell, but if I do it will make up the losses on some other deals I've made. LOL

Just got to have an idea what you're looking at and not be afraid to roll the dice every now and then.

Originally Posted by Wullie

I've gotten some great deals on ebay. Got a few barking dogs too. Still chuckle about this "razor"


It was part of a lot of 6 razors that I got for around 30 bucks shipped. One of the other razors had a cracked blade, another was what I think is a salesman's sample. Either way the "razor" shown above is a pretty nice MILLER BROTHERS, Meriden, Conn. sailor's rope knife. They usually bring between 100 and 200 on the bay. Been wanting one for several years but refused to pay the freight. Got lucky and ended up that one for around 6 bucks. Didn't buy it to resell, but if I do it will make up the losses on some other deals I've made. LOL

Just got to have an idea what you're looking at and not be afraid to roll the dice every now and then.

Yeah, sometimes it's the stuff in the background that has the value.

Yes, this is an interesting topic, Gillette and other co's blame the, "hipsters" for the 20% decline in cartridge sales as seen in the resurgence of DE and STR8 razors.

Fashion will always be a driving force, as with the ducks, which now seem to be a Holy Grail, while other very fine razors go fairly cheap.

I got these off E-Bay, with case, for $60 plus postage:



They are 4/8th full hollow, but have turned out to give some of the best shaves I've had!?!

Guess I would echo what's been said, there's lots of bad quality stuff that will sell on brand recognition alone, almost regardless of condition, and some great razors, that aren't in "fashion", that go for a great price and are a great quality product - like these Wilkinson Pall Mall razors, which I'm incredibly happy with!

Cheers!

Buy mostly "take a chance" razors from eBay 10-20$ range. Been surprised by some. Others are for parts.
Real surprise was a 10$(shipped) Gold Dollar 66, 1st I've bought, just a little honing and pasted Stropping and its a nice shave!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Yes, this is an interesting topic, Gillette and other co's blame the, "hipsters" for the 20% decline in cartridge sales as seen in the resurgence of DE and STR8 razors.

Fashion will always be a driving force, as with the ducks, which now seem to be a Holy Grail, while other very fine razors go fairly cheap.

I got these off E-Bay, with case, for $60 plus postage:



They are 4/8th full hollow, but have turned out to give some of the best shaves I've had!?!

Guess I would echo what's been said, there's lots of bad quality stuff that will sell on brand recognition alone, almost regardless of condition, and some great razors, that aren't in "fashion", that go for a great price and are a great quality product - like these Wilkinson Pall Mall razors, which I'm incredibly happy with!

Cheers!

I'll give you $61.00 plus postage! They are gorgeous! Hollow and 4/8 is my all time favorite combination for a great shave. Seriously, note my name and if you ever want to sell them (reasonably of course) let me know via PM.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

I'll give you $61.00 plus postage! They are gorgeous! Hollow and 4/8 is my all time favorite combination for a great shave. Seriously, note my name and if you ever want to sell them (reasonably of course) let me know via PM.

Really? I thought no-one liked 4/8th...almost had the impression that the joke was on me here because they were 4/8th and not the big wedge's, I have a W&B Wedge and a DD Wonder Wedge and for me using a wedge is a different experience. Only time I've ever cut myself was with a wedge.

These Pall Malls, I have no idea how old they are, one was missing in the set of 3, look literally brand new, and I've gotten incredible shave's from them.

I'll post the other pics for you:







If I decide it's time for them to go to a new home, I'll let you know!

Some of the best makers, like Filarmonica and Biedemeyer, made 3/8 and 4/8 razors.
Had always been told that it is easier to control the narrower blades.

Phrank, I remember them now. I was breezing thru the eBay listings and for some reason decided I didn't want to pursue them. I guess they were meant for you to find the joy of a 4/8 shave. Now I have another reason to live to 105 - waiting for you to sell them to me.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Phrank, I remember them now. I was breezing thru the eBay listings and for some reason decided I didn't want to pursue them. I guess they were meant for you to find the joy of a 4/8 shave. Now I have another reason to live to 105 - waiting for you to sell them to me.

I've never really been able to find out any info about these razors in particular, especially in 4/8th...been keeping my eye out on E-Bay for a single Pall Mall to complete the set, but have never seen any? Have read the history of Wilkinson and their sword manufacturing and then shaving since the 1800's, but very little on str8's, some info mostly on 6/8th's, lots on DE's but haven't really found much else?



I just turned 50 on Sept 5, so don't think you'll have to wait that long?