Thread: Thinking of selling some razors and could use advice....

So I have quite a few old razors and don't really know anything about any of them. I was thinking of selling some on eBay, and was hoping for some tips, advice, etc.

I have quite the assortment....
WM Elliot & Co
J. Wiss & Sons (with box)
Robeseon Cutlery Co.
Case Brothers
Maher & Grosh
H. & JW King
EPH Wostenholm & Son
Wade & Butcher
DePew's
Wolf (has a crown)
JR Torrey Razor Co
Jospeh Elliot's Celebrated Razor
B. Worth & Sons
John Greswick - Sheffield
John S. Holler & Co

And I have 2 that are very difficult to read.

Razors (blades and scales) are in various conditions.

So I guess I was wondering if there are any of the above that would be ideal to sell, and how much condition matters.

I also have about 12 old boxes.

Any advice, tips, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can send pics of individual razors as well...

Thanks in advance!

IMO with any item condition matters. The better the condition the more likely the item will sell and bring a larger return.

The main thing I see sellers of razors leave out of their descriptions is the measurement of the width of the blade from the top of the spine to the bottom of the cutting edge. Usually 5/8, 6/8 or whatever. It is customarily notated in eighths.

In general there is no need to post the overall length of the blade or the razor as they are pretty much standard.

It there are any visible chips or cracks in the blade or the scales (handles) this should be mentioned.

Adequate photos of both sides are positive selling points.

Welcome to SRP and good luck with your auctions.

If you want a good "guesstimate" try to take a group pic and post them mb some of the experienced members here could help yah out better.

No one hear is going to tell you how much you should set minimums at, etc. since discussions of razor values is prohibited if I understand the forum rules correctly. The advice Jimmy has given regarding describing the razors is advice that I would second. Pictures also will help with any additional information members would think prudent for you to mention.

Regarding Ebay, my own personal opinion for you being a seller would be to list SOME sort of minimum which should be the least amount you'd want to sell each razor. If you truly know nothing about razors and you paid nothing for them, then to you, listing with no reserve would be a way to go (If razors go less than they're "worth" how will you know any differently?). That said, "No Reserve" is an exciting term to see as a buyer. But, realistically, as a seller, unless you're an established razor power seller on Ebay and consistently have people pay a premium for your razors regardless, and since you're not running a charity, having a razor go for .99 cents when it would sell for much much more than that is really a sucky thing to happen for a seller in a listing. It's lame. Bigtime.

I would also say if you have the time and patience, since you can list the razor as a collectible on Ebay, take many pictures of each razor AND......list each razor separately rather than as a "lot".

I hope that helps.

Chris L

In terms of determining the final value potential of an item I am going to list on ebay I always do a search for the item and then go to the menu on the left and select 'completed items' to see if there are any and how much they brought.

+1 there can be no discussion of the values discussed in the open forums. THANKS

Thanks for all the tips, advice, etc....

I guess what I was wondering is that with your collective experience with these razors if there is a name or two in the list I provided that jumps out as possibly being a good one to sell.

I realize we cannot discuss values - I wasn't really asking anyone for any values as I know it depends on so many factors. But I would think someone could say that, overall, one brand may sell better than another, without any guesstimates at what it may sell for.

I've found it would be very time consuming to list them all as it's not easy to take good pictures of the razors. I've sold quite a bit on eBay (never straight razors) and I try to be somewhat knowledgeable about the item. Ebay has changed....you really have to describe your item very well.

Thanks again - I am open to all advice

I may try to post some pics too.....it may be groups as I think I have about 17 razors.

Does anyone know anything about the razor I mentioned that says WOLF on it? It appears to have a crown as well, but that's all....

There's a section of the Wiki that has a "razors to avoid" list.

If your razors aren't on that list, you should be okey-dokey.

Whatever you do, read this guide by Bill Ellis before selling: eBay Guides - Selling Straight Razors.

i was going to suggest bill ellis' guide but beberlin already did that.
you don't need to be an expert, just know the basics to create good description and bill's guide will give you that.

other than that just list all of them - it doesn't look like you really want to keep any, so post them all and the more desirable ones will sell for more.
if you wait a week or two you'll get different prices anyways.