Thread: Knightly Throw 1940's German razor (Ebay listing)

I've been looking for a razor to put away as a project, something to restore and get working nicely, but I don't want to buy something that's ruined or a nightmare job.

So I'm curious if any of you fellows might cast your knowing gazes over these two entries, let me know what you think.

Military Medical Straight Razors Germany 1940 | eBay

Military Medical Straight Razors Germany 1940 Manufacturer "Knightly Throw" | eBay

Also I should note I chose these as possibilities not based on my appraisal of their condition. I leave that in your hands.

Meh. Both are excessively high-priced. The seller is, obviously, a know-nothing with regard to straight razors -- he might as well be selling scrap metal by the pound. I say this, because posting photos of a straight razor, unfolded, next to a ruler, is meaningless (whereas, it would have been helpful if he had bothered to measure and post the blade width). Unless you've got a yen for WWII medical memorabilia, I'd pass on both of them. Heck, I can't even tell what the grind is! My advice? Steer clear. YMMV.

Unless you've got a yen for WWII medical memorabilia

I do, but I tend to be more interested in British/Commonwealth stuff. Even to me though the price seems high compared to what exists in the classified here.

Thanks for the warning.

I can tell you are enamoured with the shiny scales. Anyone could do worse than an old medical razor. Usually 1/4 grinds and good steel. The scales are heavy, if that makes a difference to some. Always seem to shave great. Local things are great to concentrate upon!

I can tell you are enamoured with the shiny scales. Anyone could do worse than an old medical razor. Usually 1/4 grinds and good steel. The scales are heavy, if that makes a difference to some. Always seem to shave great. Local things are great to concentrate upon!

Thanks for the advice, but my interest in the scales is less about the 'shiny' quality, and more that all my grinding, polishing and restoring kid is for various metals and glass. So as something to restore, and have it looking new I don't need to buy new tools.

Well I have two very disparate opinions. For now I think I'll er on the side of caution.

We all do as we wish! You did post about opinions on a few medical razors? If you have kit for metals, well.... Good luck! No sense in overpaying

You did post about opinions on a few medical razors?

Yes, I'd like to consider them patiently before diving in. So far I have one for and one against. If I wait I may get more advice. No sense in rushing.

My point is(was) that metal-scaled razors begin in price with the reasonably-priced medical ones in early stainless. Metals were used in order to sterilize them between uses. Comparable aluminum-scaled razors command higher prices, it would seem, and silver is off the charts. If you like the metal scales in a vintage razor, the medical ones are a good choice. JMO!

I think that at their current price they are not for me. What I have done in the past is watch them. Nobody is likely to pay it and they will relist, sometimes for a low opening bid. If it goes cheap enough for your tastes its good otherwise let it slide. I try to never get into a bidding war because even if you win you loose. As far as the metal scales go, I have a few Wapi razors, those metal scales throw the razor so far off balance it is like learning to strop all over again. So for me I see it as a maybe if it relists it could be a new scale project. Not sure where your restore skills are at or how deep you want to go. First restore project I wouldn't suggest starting with a razor worth too much

Go inexpensive for your first few restoration projects. Last night I was cleaning out some old files in my computer and came across the eBay listing for one of my very first projects. It was a very nice Paseo blade that had incredible etching and colors in the blade itself. It only needed work on the scales - no big deal right? So I won it and a week later had it in my eager hands. After I looked at it a few minutes (and I mean like 4 minutes) I decided I needed to clean up the blade with a Dremmel and some Maas. Within less than a minute the toe 3rd of the blade was flying through the air and I was holding just the back 2/3 of what had been a beautiful blade. All this time I thought no big deal - I assumed I'd paid maybe $25 for it total. Last night a got the rude realization I'd spent just under $100 for a nasty lesson in restoration! Glad it was years ago!

The lesson is that it's okay to buy up a ton of blades intending to restore them, but practice on "throw aways" until you've mastered most of the aspects of it all. It can be a very expensive learning experience! More importantly, you can (I did) trash a blade that you may not see again for years if at all.