Thread: Not Sure if I Should Take a Chance on This Otto Deutsch Hans

Originally Posted by bouschie

The more Iook the more it appears to have an edge problem about 1/2 inch in from the tip. Can't tell if it a small chip or a hairline crack. I would question the seller and ask for good pictures of that area.

It's rusted steel, most likely there isn't anything good underneath there.

I'm with Jimmy in post # 6.

Thanks for the advice again, guys-I did message the seller, and to his credit, he replied that that questionable area contains extensive pitting, and is probably not worth trying to hone, and moreover that it is probably more of a collector piece as opposed to a user, thus the low price. He has 100% feedback on 600+ transactions-I thanked him for his honesty, and passed.

If it seems to good to be true...

It's a sittin Duck. Will need new scales unless you want to carry it around and keep an eye on it. I have saved a few from being framed just like that but it is a LOT of work.

Don't sit in the same blind and keep an eye out. Have a friend that just picked one up for chump change. Keep your finger on the trigger and you'll get one :<0)

Good call, but a good example of Cellus Rottus Magnums that has been sanded and buffed, possible Wiki material.

Under enlargement the rot is visible on the toe on the vertical edge, the line of demarcation visible at the scale edge a third of the way up from the edge and horizontal sanding marks visible on the upper third of the blade.

Would be some pricy bolsters.

As all before me have said, definite rot in progress. The green scales seem to suffer from it almost as much as the DD clear scales. Its a shame really. I have also seen MANY razors recently showing up with rusting at the entire toe area, due to celluloid WEDGES. But at least those the scales can be salvaged and if you don't mind losing an 1/8 inch off the end, still be a fine looking blade.

I've seen a few nice ones (like new) over the last three months or so. Be patient, your Prince(ss) Charming will be along soon.

But of course, we'll be bidding against each other

Count me in with the guys who look at the steel and feel like for $54, I'd like to have steel that has no evidence of corrosion or significant wear. The shape of the razor and the look of the scales is pleasing, but the little details like the uniform glom of corrosion, and evidence of past neglect or overhoning should tell you all you need to know to move on.

I had looked at that one for a long time because of the price but passed on it for the same reasons. I have three OD's and two of them are basket cases. I was able to salvage the scales from one because the razor didn't die from rot but a clumsy seller that dropped it when shipping it. He told me about it and still sent me the razor as well as refunding the price+shipping. The other one had a chip in the blade and a broken scale but no evidence of severe rusting or rot. When I received it I found a hair line crack in the blade at the heal. I only found it because the blade didn't sound right when I ran my thumb across it. The seller of that one also refunded my money. The third is in excellent shape with a small crack that runs from the tang end tip to the pin but it is stable and I use it frequently. There have been several of those on eBay gong for about $150, you might think about picking one of those up.

Funny thing about cell rot. There are certain scale colors that are more prone than others. There have been threads noting those but I've not saved any links, and don't recall which. I posted a thread some time back on a beautiful Wester Bros Manganese Steel with fancy scales. I happen to like that particular brand razor and jumped on one with fancy scales and a 6/8 blade in minty condition.

Came to me and honed up great. I was happy as a pig in mud. Left it sit for a few months, rotating on to other razors, and came back one day to find the dreaded rot had reared its ugly head. Here are the photos I took when I unpinned the tragedy. Thankfully I saved the blade before the rot progressed too far, but the beautiful scales are deadly now. Point being, it may look great as is, but it is potentially a minefield. The gassing may start any day. The first photo shows the wetness of the inside of the scales and the discoloration, the second details the beginnings of corrosion on the fancy bolster.