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

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!

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?

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

Phrank, no pressure, I'm coming up on 81 in a few months. At my current age all the incentives I can find, have or create keeps my mind working on maintaining my body and soul. Stay healthy and come to my 105th birthday party. Then, maybe I'll get those beauties.

I have to say that in the last twelve months I've gone from looking into eBay for vintage razors to looking at brand new. There just doesn't seem to be any value left in the vintage/used. About twelve months ago I picked up a few really nice W&B blades for cheap. They needed some work in that they needed to be rescaled. But considering the cost of the rescale and the original cost of the blade, it was still a good deal since I ended up wit a nice razor at a reasonable price. I got another Joseph Elliot for a few dollars the Chris Maggard restored to showpiece form. If i didnt get the blade for so few dollars, it wouldnt have been worth it to pay for the work. Now I'm seeing blades full of rust with chips and cracks for more money. IF they can be restored, there is no value in trying unless I were to take on the task myself rather than pay out of pocket to have someone else do it. The classified here is a better option. I had no need for it so I passed on what looked like a NOS Hoffritz 6/8 selling for about $100 here. When $40 gets you a worn out rusty blade with crappy scales, it makes no sense to shop elsewhere. And with Revisor, Ralf Aust, and TI offering so many different and unique choices, new is worth looking into. A basic 6/8 Revisor is a far better option than most of what I'm seeing on eBay. I'm glad to already own all the razors ill ever need. I can afford to be choosey at this point. I'm happy that I was able to grab a few decent ones at reasonable prices when I did.