Thread: FOUR RAZORS

　
Hi everbody.
　
I'm not a razor collector but I have these old razors that were my fathers and originally my grandfathers before him.
　
These four razors have been packed away in a box for over 36 years, and all but forgotten about until my mother passed away a few years ago, at which point I found them and thought I would try and sell them (I finally have some time) since they really have very little sentimental value to me. Perhaps someone would be more interested in them, than I.

I have no idea of what the age or value of these razors might be, and thought perhaps someone might be able to give me some information.

They aren't in perfect condition, one of them is all but falling apart, but someone still might appreciate them.

As far as the age goes, my grandfather died in 1960 and he used these before the safety razor became mainstream. I estimate the age of ther razors to be the early 1900s. Perhaps someone here with more knowledge would know.
　
　
　
　
　
　
The first razor is a Baum Brummel, it's possibly ivory(?), with some kind of metal inlay. The information on the razor reads Brummel-Werk Soungen, Germany. No. 44. It seems in the best shape of all 4.
　
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7040/021sd6.jpg
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/8913/024gr3.jpg
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/7967/026dr1.jpg
　
　
　
　
　
　
The second razor is also a Brummel, it is black with some kind of off-white striping on the handle. Info on the razor again reads Brummel-Werk Soungen, Germany. No 35. Also in pretty good shape.
　
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7080/018ds8.jpg
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/8935/pb150004gh5.jpg
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/4775/pb150009mv9.jpg
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
The third razor is black and reads J.A.Henckels, Soungen. Zwillingswerk. No. 75. It has a small knick and crack on the blade.
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/4315/pb150003ey9.jpg
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/3374/pb150005eu6.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9708/pb150007jo7.jpg
　
　
　
　
The fourth is in pretty bad shape, not sure if it has any value whatsoever. It reads Wheatley Brothers, Wheat Sheaf, Sheffield.
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/8683/006gs4.jpg
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/3136/010hq5.jpg
　
　
　
Just looking for some info on the age and value of these razors.

Also if anyone is interested in purchasing these let me know, otherwise I'll probably be selling them on ebay.

I suspect you have only joined this forum because you want to sell your razors. Nevertheless, I will indulge you.

First, your dark photos make it hard to judge the blades. Also, you might want to check the classifieds to get some idea of some of the other camera angles you might want to show. One of the important ones is to show the scales (handles) from above in order to indicate whether the scales are straight or warped. You want to also measure the width of the blade to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. The width is the distance from the razor edge to the opposite edge, aka, the spine.

I will tell you what I think they are worth to me if I were bidding on them on ebay. This is just my non-expert opinion and I've no doubt others will chime in.

The Wheatley will take a LOT of work to restore the blade and obviously the scales are shot and need to be replaced. I don't have a Wheatley and know nothing about it but the oblique point in a Sheffield razor is not something I have seen very often so I would bid $5.00, but only if the shipping was dirt cheap.

The Henckel blade is toast. The scales have the twins logo so if I needed them for a really nice Henckel blade I might bid $20, but would be annoyed if I paid more then $10 because of the principal of the fact that I hate it when people sell busted razors on ebay and expect top dollar.

The Brummels are nice razors and have unique tang surfaces. The second one needs a lot of honing to restore the edge and a lot of sanding to remove the pitting. It would probably take 5-6 hours to make it into a $75 razor. I might bid $50 for it.

I don't think I would touch the first Brummel unless I got better photos of the blade or unless I just wanted the scales, which I don't, because I don't have a Brummel, which is why I was willing to bid $50 for the second one. It looks like there is a lot of rust about a third of the way up the blade. I would have to see it better in order to judge the degree of rust. If it's very light surface rust, I might bid $50 on that one as well. If the rust is severe, then it's back to just the value of the scales. These are more rare than the Henckels but then there is less of a likelihood that someone needs them. I'd probably again bid up to $20.

I'm going to tell you something you really need to hear;

The second Beau Brummel is the only one worth restoring. You can get some stones, do some reading here and try it out yourself at a cost of about $100 in equipment (stones) if you don't already have some. The benefit there is that you'll be able to restore other blades in the future but probably not any of the other three. Or you can send it out to one of the restoration gurus here who, for a nominal fee, will provide you with a family heirloom which, with proper maintenance, will continue to serve your family long after you have shuffled off this mortal coil. In that case, you'll only need to spend time reading the Wiki, Help Files and the newby and shaving forums to find out how to get THE BEST SHAVES OF YOUR LIFE. I kid you not! Most post modern men have no idea that shaving can actually be so enjoyable.

You're welcome.

X

I completely agree with xman, both about the second razor and everything about their use. I admit I got a twinge when you said they had no sentimental value but you did not give any indication of interest in keeping them. That's the only reason I didn't try to convert you. I suggest you read around in this forum a little, particularly the stickies in the Newbies section. Maybe something there will inspire you to give it a try.

Hey utopia and xman, I REALLY appreciate you all taking the time to give me information and advice in regards to the razors.

Utopia, in regards to the sentimental value, there really isn't any. I just don't think it's appropriate or necessary to go into detail about my personal feelings on this forum, but you're right, there is no sentimental value. I've been planning on selling them for a few years just haven't had time til now. And if someone else could appreciate these, then I think it's better then the razors just sitting around in a box.

Again I reallly appreciate it, I learned a few things I never knew thanks to you guys. I'll go ahead and look around the forums here.

Why not give them a go for yourself before you sell them ...

Never know ..you might like it.