Thread: Will ebay prices continue to rise?

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

To sum this up, market prices are driven by demand (well, duh!), and it certainly is not eBay's (or any other auction site's) fault that demand is mostly driven by people who buy more than they need, or are willing to pay for an item whose quality they know only from hearsay.

Thats the thing that always struck me as crazy about some of these eBay prices.

I wouldnt sink $500+ on ANY item without knowing it was good quality. Those "Filly's" are expensive, but the scales dont look like much and the blades, whilst nice, are not up to the look of a DOVO Bismarck or TI Spartacus that costs less than half the price. I cant believe that the shave is really THAT much better.

I have a variety of razors, from £20 up to £250, and they all shave great. The only difference in the price is due to the make, the condition and the frills such as gold wash and engravings.

I really dont think that a Filarmonica shaves any better than my Bismarck. But it really is supply and demand, and a good dollop of hype..!

Originally Posted by Stubear

I really dont think that a Filarmonica shaves any better than my Bismarck. But it really is supply and demand, and a good dollop of hype..!

It shaves in a different way, though, albeit sans the mystique attributed to TRWMNBN. It is strong opinions voiced by people with very limited knowledge that are the real problem. Filarmonicas existed as an insider tip for many years, because they were considered nice razors for decent money. Which they are, if you like plastic scales recycled from Spanish detergent bottles.

What one has to keep in mind - and what we sometimes tend to forget, I think - is the information overload beginners have to deal with. Like, our Wiki is probably the best source of information on straight razors anywhere on the internet. But have you tried reading it through the eyes of a beginner? We have been putting as many warning labels in there as possible: While not rocket science, shaving is complicated. Honing is infinitely more complicated. Even something as simple as choosing a razor can be complicated. We've been through the learning process, and I feel quite confident that I can value a razor with 95% accuracy for my personal requirements. I was also extremely lucky because several senior members helped me avoid the most stupid pitfalls.

But from a beginner's perspective, 'this little sucker gives the best shaves bar none' is a great review, because it makes things simple. Which is what sets SRP apart. We're not binary. We appreciate shades of gray. Some even rejoice in them. Me, I would still like to be able to buy Superhone XYZ, no matter the price, and be able to hone eBay junkers back to life. It ain't gonna happen. But as long as amateurs write razor reviews, other amateurs will follow their recommendations. W&B first, DD later, now Filly's. Thurri's first, Jnat's today, Whoknow's tomorrow. In the end, it's all a matter of personal preference, experience, and the willingness to risk money based on other people's recommendations.