Thread: Sky high prices for 17/16 Wade and Butchers

I for one, feel the prices no longer reflect any true value. Like a 1970 Hemi Cuda, I believe the price will peak, and when the sound and fury is spent, (along with everybodies college funds) they will settle back to a more reasonable range.
Seriously look at the picture of the FBU razor. it has been cleaned, and at least lightly buffed, but you can still see all the pitting. For that much money, I expect a well patina-ed blade, but not one with pitting.
I also think the shaves they provide are no better or worse than any other. I have gotten both superb and subpar from W&B, from Smiths, from Greaves. My personal suspicion is that the wide blades are easier to strop so people roll fewer edges, and this comes across as a "better shave" and the legend of a better shave is what makes many seek these big fat blades.

Thats the key magpie,they shave no better than any other quality Razor.

I have to be honest that I don't get it at all. I have had and recently sold 4 WB 8/8 plus choppers. They are certainly nice to have and collect but in my opinion do not warrant those prices. The market will support it so it is what it is. That said, for me, there are other blades that are more desirable to me for less money. It's all in preferences I guess.

Where is phrank when you need him?

@ChrisL -- You make an interesting point about the price of new production TIs and how excellent condition vintage razors ought to fetch more. I think however, that it is not an apples-to-apples comparison to compare a new production TI to vintage Nu-Baks and Hess razors.

The price that the modern TI commands is likely driven by a couple of factors. TI is an old brand with a lot of prestige and it is one of the last razor manufacturers still standing. TI, and Le Grelot (which TI acquired), made highly regarded vintage razors back in the day. The quality of these older blades allows TI to charge a sort of luxury premium for new production. In addition, people will pay premiums for brand new items with "that new car smell" to them. For instance, many people would buy a new Honda Accord over a restore vintage Corvette for the same price.

I think a more appropriate comparison would be: what prices are vintage TIs/Le Grelots in the condition like the two razors pics you posted fetching? From watching several months of Ebay auctions, it seems that minty vintage TIs/Le Grelots fetch prices that can quite surpass new TI prices.

Finally, I would agree that some vintage razors are undervalued (like to the two you posted), but I think that this is because bidders/shavers do not realize that such razors shave as well or better than a new production TI. In other words, this is a branding issue. The quality of vintage Hess razors is not widely known, so that probably keeps prices down.

Originally Posted by Bordee

Finally, I would agree that some vintage razors are undervalued (like to the two you posted), but I think that this is because bidders/shavers do not realize that such razors shave as well or better than a new production TI. In other words, this is a branding issue. The quality of vintage Hess razors is not widely known, so that probably keeps prices down.

All true, so it is good if you have some of these lesser known brands, or want to acquire them. Obscure vintage Solingens and Sheffield razors are more often than not as fine a shaver as the cult status ducks, Pumas, W&Bs, and what have you. Old USA, Swedish, even USSR razors are mostly great shavers. Great for buyers and not so great for sellers.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Where is phrank when you need him?

He is busy looking at pics of the 3 new Sheffield choppers I just sold him for probably 1/4 of what they would sell for on eBay

But then again, he is a good guy, and will enjoy and put them to use. For me, that is what this hobby is about. If I were in it to make money, I would be doing it a lot differently.

Originally Posted by rbaker2778

He is busy looking at pics of the 3 new Sheffield choppers I just sold him for probably 1/4 of what they would sell for on eBay

But then again, he is a good guy, and will enjoy and put them to use. For me, that is what this hobby is about. If I were in it to make money, I would be doing it a lot differently.

Thanks again, they will be treated with respect and each get their own razor sock!! LOL

That Magnum Bonum I purchased from you from the Classifieds is an incredibly beautiful razor. And the edge you put on it was perfect. I showed the blade to Valery, and the first comment out of his mouth wasn't about the razor itself, but about how perfect the edge was, and that it had been honed superbly - guess it takes a honemeister to make a remark like that. But I've shaved with it a few times, and the surprising feedback from the blade, and how nice it feels on the face is why I personally admire and love these blades - I know it's a personal preference thing, but they are clearly my niche in this hobby.

And the three you just sold me, wow, the Greaves and the two W&B's will be awesome additions...

But I have noticed, for the last 4 or 5 months it seems, eBay seems to be down to a single page of the W&B's, and you seldom see the big blades anymore, and when you do, they are getting the bigger and bigger prices.

Of course as far as I'm concerned, I completely understand why....

Originally Posted by rbaker2778

He is busy looking at pics of the 3 new Sheffield choppers I just sold him for probably 1/4 of what they would sell for on eBay

But then again, he is a good guy, and will enjoy and put them to use. For me, that is what this hobby is about. If I were in it to make money, I would be doing it a lot differently.

A buddy of mine used to have a money clip that was engraved ...... "If you've got it, Spend It " .........

I have one W&B FBU that I bought at a much more agreeable price. I'm glad I got it when I did as I don't see myself getting another at the current going rate. They ARE great razors but there are many great razors. And one thing I've learned is that you paya premium for certain names that don't necessarily shave any better than other quality razors in lesser demand. My vintage Friodurs are not outperformed by any other razor in my collection. And they can be had for a much more agreeable price. I love my FBU and I'm glad I have it. But I'm also glad that I'm not trying to fill a hole in my collection with one off of eBay right now.