Gambling on Ebay

I've really grown fond of Puma razors, currently have four. I've never bid or purchased a razor on Ebay but I see two advertised as NOS and still sealed.

How big of a chance is it to bid without seeing the blade? Both razors look pristine. A question was posed to the seller about the blade but he doesn't want to break the seal on either razor. Hope I didn't jump the gun.

I noticed there are quite a few NOS razors that are for sale out of Japan, would these be leftovers from stores or private collectors? Thanks in advance for any input.

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Originally Posted by Nails

I noticed there are quite a few NOS razors that are for sale out of Japan, would these be leftovers from stores or private collectors? Thanks in advance for any input.

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That same question has occurred to me, along with the question as to whether there are counterfeits out there.

If it is the one that I think it is I note that the seller doesn't take returns. That doesn't mean that you wouldn't be able to return it if there was something wrong, but you'd have to fight with the seller and how ebay or paypal would rule is unknown.

If it is the one with the faux tortoise scales it may be fine, but they are more prone to cell rot. If you are a collector who is just going to leave it sealed NOS shave ready won't matter, but if you want to use it that is a different kettle of fish. Unless you're a honer you'll have to send it out for pro honing, so add the cost of the honing + shipping each way. You pays your money and you takes your chances. :shrug:

I actually bought two pumas from a Japanese seller on eBay. As to whether or not they're fakes I couldn't say the don't look like cheap copies or anything like that. These weren't sealed and they had pictures, one of them is in really good shape, the other I wish I had looked closer at the pictures as it has very uneven hone wear on it and is well beyond my skill level to fix if it's even possible.

Thanks jimmyHAD, that is my fear of seeing cell rot if I win it. Maybe I'll get lucky and somebody will trump me by a couple of bucks. Couple of drams of The MacAllan 15 year before eBay lowered my smnse of reason.

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Originally Posted by valueforvalue

I actually bought two pumas from a Japanese seller on eBay. As to whether or not they're fakes I couldn't say the don't look like cheap copies or anything like that. These weren't sealed and they had pictures, one of them is in really good shape, the other I wish I had looked closer at the pictures as it has very uneven hone wear on it and is well beyond my skill level to fix if it's even possible.

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Welcome to SRP. I doubt very much there are counterfeit Pumas out there. At least not that couldn't be easily recognized by knowledgeable buyers. Compare yours to photos in the razor clubs forum here.

Send it out to a pro honer to evaluate. Maybe post photos of both sides of the blade for advice on whether it is worth the cost of corrective honing.

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Originally Posted by Nails

Thanks jimmyHAD, that is my fear of seeing cell rot if I win it. Maybe I'll get lucky and somebody will trump me by a couple of bucks. Couple of drams of The MacAllan 15 year before eBay lowered my smnse of reason.

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Yeah before I put the plug in the jug I woke up some mornings the 'winner' of auctions I didn't even remember bidding on ...... :p

There's a seller selling three NOS Puma's on there now a Japanese seller called Tom If he states they are NOS they are, three different models including a Puma Gold buy with confidence.

There will ALWAYS be a risk of cell rot. Are there photos of the razor in cellophane? or is it inside the box and not visible at all?

Often with the fux tortoise shell, you can spot areas of the scales themselves that have changed color, which will surely mean corrosion beneath it.

Many of the razors in Japan are of the Stainless variety. Japan being a very humid place they were common. While severe cell rot can still ruin stainless, it has a much higher chance of survival.

Good luck with it either way if you win it!

I just looked for the razors your talking about.

What bothers me is the fact that the High Class does not list the blade width. You are REALLY taking a gamble if your hoping for a 6/8 when you cant see any indicators on size. Until recently, the Stainless pumas sold for rather less than the other versions. Its mostly been the unknowledgeable that have been paying the same price for a stainless as for a "Gold" (assuming anybody has actually paid the crazy asking prices I see out there)

Thanks Magpie, I'm looking at the 6/8 inox. I'd think the starting bid is about right and the packaging looks like a sealed Puma factory deal. It is a gamble!

I think that Inox looks great, and have little worry about its condition. I just don't agree with the price tag. But that's me. If its good for you I have no doubts you will be pleased with it. I had one a while back and was rather pleased with the shave.

If I am looking on the right page, how does anyone acquire so many unused NOS razors in one place and be able to buy them cheap enough to resell at a profit ?
some very nice razors I agree, but (How?):hmmm:

Just to follow up; that Puma Inox went for a final of $227.