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

Is there some valid reason for this or are people just crazy? The prices of individual razors will vary, but lots almost always go for more than I think they are worth.

One man's crappy razor, is another man's Filarmonica.

We've come to a saturation point where now it's all about supply and demand. When I compare what I see offered on e-bay compared to several years ago, I'd say 80% is pure crap. Prices have gone up in general.Good deals are still to be found but it's all being patient and being at the right time at the right place.

and yet many truly nice razor do not sell at cheap prices.... perhaps you need to buy more

I don't buy razors off Ebay, not that I have anything against it. I buy from here in the classified section, member's sites & I find them in antique stores.

I do follow the listings closely in our classified section & find myself many times thinking, "Why is he selling that razor so cheap & sometimes I think , Really,,he wants that much for that razor." Then in a few days, I return to find the cheap one & the one that I though was over priced both sold.

So, I really have no good idea on the value of a razor, I only know how much I will spend, if I see one I want.

Off brand razors even in good shape dont sell for much. You buy one clean it up hone it and you cant get what you paid before you did all this. And they shave as well as any other.

You have to remember that eBay is a world wide auction. There may be beginner bidders who don't know any better, gung ho fanatics, people with more money than brains... These are all factors to consider when looking at eBay prices.

Originally Posted by eod7

Is there some valid reason for this or are people just crazy? The prices of individual razors will vary, but lots almost always go for more than I think they are worth.

How do you define "crappy razors" ? As far as going for so much, if it is a "hot" item, such as some of the Fillys or Ducks ........ well, that is a matter of what people are talking up on the forums. Some of them like the Wonderedge, Reaper, Barbra Duras, W&B FBU take on a mystique that creates high demand. I've gotten obscure Sheffields and Solingens that shave as good as any of the aforementioned hot items at very good prices.

I have to say I've done a few double takes and given a few head shakes at prices on Ebay. I do have to say that Hirlau said it right, I too am only certain of what I'm willing to pay. I have purchased quite a few razors and some I feel like they were the deal of the century and others left me with a little remorse. I also have to agree with JimmyHAD in that I have several no name razors that are brilliant shavers from various countries. I do also have to wonder who buys some of the stuff I see on Ebay. Broken, worn out, tattered and not just razors.

I hope by "crappy" he means "razor shaped objects" many of my favorite razors are by obscure makers. w&b, filly, dorko, wostenholm and revisors to me have alwys been mediocre shavers at best, regarless of who honed them and with what. they just lasted in the business long enough to have tens of thousands of there razors still existing. duks, ern, boker, elliot, rogers, marsh & shepherd and griffon are among my favorites with the exception of the duks these razors are generally well priced.
no matter how shiny you make them and how cool the scales are you will be lucky to get you price back if you choose to sell them. hold an usgly rusty WB FBU for a couple of years and you will double your price most likely when you sell it... maybe people are crazy. of course many equate bright and shiny as being high quality.

jim