I mentioned this in another post but... here it is again (slightly reworded)

Buying straight razors can be frustrating for collectors/shavers/restorers.

Bill Ellis wrote an excellent guide for buying razors on eBay, I believe everyone interested should give it a read.
eBay Guides - Buying Straight Razors On Ebay

Though some things have changed since it was first published (2006) most of it is still relevant, but wouldn’t it be nice if experienced members in the SRP community, publish an “updated” {or i should say} an "extended" Razor Buying Guide.