Thread: Tough is it worth it question, please quick responses

Ok, quick response giving my personal opinion.

If I saw that razor at an antique shop or show and the seller would not come down, I would pass. But, that may very well be a perfectly fine deal for someone else.

Rule #1 when it comes to antiques and collectibles though: If you see it, it's for sale and you want it, buy it even if only based on price you think the price is too high. Why? Will you see one like it again?

Last year I passed on a $95 Jacques Le Coultre in mint condition in mint original box with the replaceable blades still wrapped individually. That was stupid for me to pass that up. I doubt I'll ever see such a set in that condition. Going back again, the Le Coultre was gone.

Chris L

Nice looking razor, I don't know if I would go $85.00 unless I wanted it for specific reasons.... style, maker, or whatever. What is the condition of the strop ? IIRC you are looking for a good vintage strop ? If you are patient something will come up on the bay. I routinely keep my ear to the ground on those even though I am no longer in the market for any. If you like I will shoot a PM out to you when I see one I think is a desirable piece ?

jimmy I'll take you up on that offer- holli lol yeah sorry this isn't a 14/8ths 600 year old wedge lol- here are some pics for anyone else who would like to see it. Seller says it is still smooth, not dry, no cracks, no nicks, no cuts. They sent pics of various areas on the strop to verify. Watcha think?

This makes it easier for me. If the seller will only sell as a set, alone, I'd never personally pay $40 for that strop (the value you placed on the strop IIRC). Where I'm at in MN, strops of that condition are a dime a dozen (and always IMO overpriced).

Here's the conundrum that I don't see a solution for when it comes to trying to rehab a vintage shell strop: If you've held one in great condition, the finish is a huge part of the strop and its performance. Smooth. Nice. Take one of those same shell strops that has some nicks in it, etc and sand the nicks out. Bye bye smooth shell finish which has now been permanently altered. With the tanning and oiling method I've seen an the vintage shells, they don't sand as finely as plain cowhide or horsehide strips. They pill for lack of a better word IME.

Chris L

I'd pass personally

They say its still in good condition with no nicks. However, no guarantees right? I honestly would never sand any kind of strop. To me it didn't make sense (because of the finish).
Quick question- I always assumed this was standard, but does that mean my Illinois horsehide is actually shell? Its got a weird waxy finish to it.

If I'm not mistaken shell is synonymous with horsehide ? I would wait and see what comes up on ebay. I agree with Chris's assessment.

Personally, if I was going to spend that much on a razor it would have to be something I really wanted. That particular one would not be such a razor, but that is just personal preference. Then again, since you've seen my keepers, you probably already knew that...