Thread: Kijiji find

I will try to take a few more pictures before sending it off, but there is significant damage (to me, at any rate). Beyond what is visible in the pics shown, there are pieces missing in small bits along one side of the bottom of the scales. There are a couple reasons why I think replacement is needed . . .

I think the original scales might be tortoise shell, as well, but the damage is, to my untrained eye, too significant to warrant trying to keep patch them up. I understand that keeping the original scales would increase the value of the piece to a collector, but I am not a collector, I am a user.
My particular OCD would likely always be nagging at me with respect to the "damage" as opposed to the repair work. Would always feel like I was using "damaged goods". Not a feeling I like, and would eventually lead to that razor sitting on a shelf, which would be a shame.

I'd keep in mind that exporting/importing things made of ivory and tortoise shell have restrictions under the CITIES convention on international trade. Those things legally require export/import permits. I have no idea about how sticky it is to do without permits but I have a feeling I would not want to find out. Just saying.

Bob

BobH . . . that is also on my mind, but my restorer is in Toronto. The likelihood of Canada Post randomly inspecting a domestic package is not of huge concern. Were I sending it to the States . . . well, as I suspect they are actual tortoise shell, I just would not take that chance.

Originally Posted by Orville

BobH . . . that is also on my mind, but my restorer is in Toronto. The likelihood of Canada Post randomly inspecting a domestic package is not of huge concern. Were I sending it to the States . . . well, as I suspect they are actual tortoise shell, I just would not take that chance.

It does not matter so long as it is within the same province or the rest of the country. Only if you were to export it out of Canada and re import it back. Canada post is not the worry, CBS is. As far as I know the person in the US would also have to have the proper import and export permits from the US government if it went there or any country that is signed onto the CITES convention. You have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to try and sort it all out http://www.ec.gc.ca/Publications/783...eller_v5_e.pdf .

Bob

Originally Posted by Orville

I will try to take a few more pictures before sending it off, but there is significant damage (to me, at any rate). Beyond what is visible in the pics shown, there are pieces missing in small bits along one side of the bottom of the scales. There are a couple reasons why I think replacement is needed . . .

I think the original scales might be tortoise shell, as well, but the damage is, to my untrained eye, too significant to warrant trying to keep patch them up. I understand that keeping the original scales would increase the value of the piece to a collector, but I am not a collector, I am a user.
My particular OCD would likely always be nagging at me with respect to the "damage" as opposed to the repair work. Would always feel like I was using "damaged goods". Not a feeling I like, and would eventually lead to that razor sitting on a shelf, which would be a shame.

Well, that is a collectors razor. If you want a 'user', there are lots which I suspect will shave better, JMO.
You may want to consider leaving it alone for a while. Your mind will change as you mature in the game, if you are like most of us. They are only original once.
YMMV

And I understand that philosophy. Truly, I do. But, to me, the point of buying a blade like this is to put it into service, rather than just have it sit on a shelf.
Perhaps you are correct about "maturing in the game", but I am not so sure . . . I think I would be more apt to just turn around and sell it off in that case. But, for me, the excitement is in bringing an old blade back to shave ready standard (or in this case, having a pro do it for me), so that I can experience what the previous owners did more than a century (two?) ago.
I also understand that, to some, putting new scales on this razor will be the ruination of it as a Collector piece. but, as I said, I am not a Collector.

Oh, you're a collector, all right, Orville! No use denying it!

My point is that some cannot see how it could be possible to restore those scales and the razor remain original and completely serviceable. It is, however, possible. JMO

Okay, I will rephrase . . . the ambitions I have for my collection are not as ambitious as some. I want razors to use, razors that have some quality and history, like this one and my Wostie, but also a nice "modern" or two, like my PRC Hydra that I hope to receive this month. Beyond that . . . I certainly do not see myself with dozens and dozens.

And I have already acknowledged the capability of keeping the scales that are on it now . . . but at the same time, knowing they are "repaired" would be an issue for me. It's like what "they" say about cars after an accident . . . they're just "not the same". I have experienced that feeling first hand, and had to put up with for almost 5 years. No thanks . . . and not with something I plan on putting next to my throat. I realize it is somewhat irrational of me, but it is what it is.

Beyond that . . . I certainly do not see myself with dozens and dozens.


I said that once.. hehehe.

Now, I hear my lovely bride saying 'How many more do you need"?
"It's an investment in my retirement hobbies" is my new justification.
And the search continues for those few I have not been able to acquire as yet. Pantera, Filly bigger than a 1/2, Italian blade, and Japanese folder.
As always the thrill of the chase keeps me searching.

At the end of the day, you have your new 'flagship' blade. It deserves the cladding you desire. You will enjoy the shaves better if it's all YOU want it to be mate.

Cheers.

I saw the cabinets in your shaving room. If I ever get that many Straights my wife will start cashing some of that investment in without me.