Thread: Ebay seller from Japan

Has anyone purchased from Kibi blade Japan on ebay? This seller has some nice looking razors. The only experience I have with international purchases is razors from Canada.

Yes, very good seller with great communication.
A lot of the razors are used, so please inspect them closely for condition and wear as you should with all objects from ebay.

But his personal dealings were great, he's great to communicate with, ships the items safely and securely and quickly. I can say my experiences were very good.

If you are into Kamisori, he has a good selection. Those and the Westerns are worn for the most part to varying degrees.
A few near pristine lookers are priced up there. Typical of most Japanese offerings. 15 to ship is good.

IIRC, Japan's barbers used straights for much longer than most other countries. As prohibition of their commercial use came down, a lot of used razors and a surprising amount of NOS became dormant. My thoughts are that enterprising individuals have snatched them up to sell over here.
They are making some money (as they should) I think as they likely have little in them. Most will not accept offers I have found.

I did make a good deal or three on some NOS years ago in bulk. The seller related his father had a Barber's supply and had taken some in trade.
It seemed unsurmountable to him at the time.
I think I bought about 10 NOS razors from him in a bundle for what was a good deal back then when razors were high.
Always ask if they have any strops, old or new. That paid-off well at times.

Japanese sellers always have good comms and shipping seems to go well. Just get the nice ones and you will always be glad you did.
Don't get the worn ones. They were hard on them, it seems..

Originally Posted by sharptonn

If you are into Kamisori, he has a good selection. Those and the Westerns are worn for the most part to varying degrees.
A few near pristine lookers are priced up there. Typical of most Japanese offerings. 15 to ship is good.

IIRC, Japan's barbers used straights for much longer than most other countries. As prohibition of their commercial use came down, a lot of used razors and a surprising amount of NOS became dormant. My thoughts are that enterprising individuals have snatched them up to sell over here.
They are making some money (as they should) I think as they likely have little in them. Most will not accept offers I have found.

I did make a good deal or three on some NOS years ago in bulk. The seller related his father had a Barber's supply and had taken some in trade.
It seemed unsurmountable to him at the time.
I think I bought about 10 NOS razors from him in a bundle for what was a good deal back then when razors were high.
Always ask if they have any strops, old or new. That paid-off well at times.

Japanese sellers always have good comms and shipping seems to go well. Just get the nice ones and you will always be glad you did.
Don't get the worn ones. They were hard on them, it seems..

Thats a little different from what I gathered. I had been in communication with a seller in Japan, that mostly deals in goods cleared from abandoned houses, which is a huge thing in Japan. They had 2 razors they found doing a clean out, and I scored them for 70 each (Friodur 17s) I asked them about getting more razors and selling them to me directly, and they told me there is little money to be made. They sent me a Japanese auction site and there were lots of razors being sold, and apparently they are selling to just a handful of guys (we can all guess who ) and when I compared the prices there to the prices same models were listed for on Ebay they only make about 10% markup on the razors because they are paying so much for them to begin with. That might be why they wont accept lower offers. At the time, there were strict rules about selling used goods outside of Japan, and even basic goods you were not able to sell without permits in some locations (not allowed to do business at home in some locations) and only registered vendors were allowed at the auctions. Otherwise I would have bankrolled a buying spree and kept the best for myself

Originally Posted by Magpie

Thats a little different from what I gathered. I had been in communication with a seller in Japan, that mostly deals in goods cleared from abandoned houses, which is a huge thing in Japan. They had 2 razors they found doing a clean out, and I scored them for 70 each (Friodur 17s) I asked them about getting more razors and selling them to me directly, and they told me there is little money to be made. They sent me a Japanese auction site and there were lots of razors being sold, and apparently they are selling to just a handful of guys (we can all guess who ) and when I compared the prices there to the prices same models were listed for on Ebay they only make about 10% markup on the razors because they are paying so much for them to begin with. That might be why they wont accept lower offers. At the time, there were strict rules about selling used goods outside of Japan, and even basic goods you were not able to sell without permits in some locations (not allowed to do business at home in some locations) and only registered vendors were allowed at the auctions. Otherwise I would have bankrolled a buying spree and kept the best for myself

Hey Steve! Good to see you here. Hope you are well.
Yeah, Like I said, was a long time ago. Razors are down and so seems the quality these days. I used to know sellers in UK as well as Nippon and bought some nice ones direct. Cannot do that any more.
Have not bought a razor in several years and truly see nothing to interest me any more.
Happy with what I have. Could never find most again I feel.