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

Sooo... I found a razor/strop combo and the seller is only willing to sell as a set for $125. I am going to try and bargain that down. The strop, if it were seperate, I would buy for a max of $40, so we'll say its a $40 strop. For the record its a Certifyd Shell. That means I'd be paying $85 for the razor. Do you think its worth it? Has anyone heard of the brand? Do you think it's legit Solingen? It looks to be in pretty good shape, though what do you think of the hone wear? To sweeten the deal it comes with a free Durham Duplex (LOL).

Please stay away from giving me values, as I know that is bad form. To be quite honest, I don't need another shaver, so I'd probably end up selling this one here or on the bay, or selling one out of my rotation. If you are a potential buyer please PM but otherwise please refrain from discussing that part. I'm just wondering if it's worth my effort to buy the whole thing for the strop.

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 ?

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...

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.

I had one of the ACAHOWA razors awile back it was a very fine ground singing blade with quite a bit of flex in it . I passed it on to a meber here as it was not to my own taste, but it was a good blade that took a very keen edge.
I personally would pass on this as the razor is good but I think the strop has seen better days. I would go for a basic DOVO from Lynn or the invisibleedge & look on the forums for a strop .
I hope this helps .Paul

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.