Thread: eBay 101

Originally Posted by Joed

Here's one where the vendor has 1366 feedbacks with 100% positive. Starting price is $37.50. I would guess that with this count of replies the seller has sold a lot of stuff and should know how to take pics by now. What can you tell me about the razor?

I'm sure you all know that there are tons of items that can fit this thread. I am not trying to pick on any specific seller and really don't have the time to post more than I have. Thanks to all of ya that are adding to the thread and those replying.

Let's see -- there's some noticeable pitting on the backside of the blade, moderate to heavy hone wear along the spine on the front side of the blade, what looks like rust or staining around the pivot hole, and I don't think those are the original scales that go with a C-Mon Black Diamond razor, but I could be wrong about that last part.

Originally Posted by Joed

What can you tell me about the razor?

I can tell you that the seller is hiding the razor in direct sunlight
And I don't care for the picnic table of a honewear, esp. when the planks are not straight.

Originally Posted by mainaman

A nice looking razor , a Bocker with bone or Ivory scales but look at the edge.

A nice looking Boker with Ivory scales...very light pitting on a old razor? What am I missing Maniaman? Are you saying that this can't be made shave ready...

Originally Posted by kfralin

A nice looking Boker with Ivory scales...very light pitting on a old razor? What am I missing Maniaman? Are you saying that this can't be made shave ready...

the pitting is too close to the edge it could be corroded all the way through, and then you have no razor. You for sure will have to work on that blade to get rid of the corrosion, and with the hollow grind you will not be able to remove much to make it really look like it should.

I agree with Mainaman. If you would like this razor to be shave ready it would be a risk. While the pictures show off the best part of the razor they really just play a supporting role. The rubber meets the road at the edge and while the pictures do not give much detail on the edge condition it does strongly suggest that there is pitting on the bevel. Pitting and Devil's spit (black stains) are hard to predict how deep they go. You would risk honing the heck out of this blade to get a pit free bevel and edge. This is one where ya really have to pay attention to the details and avoid the overall appearance. It may be worth a risk but not at a price that would be justified by the condition of the supporting characteristics of this razor. This is a good example of where 'the devil is in the details' and a great razor for this thread to teach this.

Looking at these pics & descriptions has been an eye opener.

I've bought worse razors on EBay thinking they could be saved & restored

Joed, I am familiar with the razor in question and the bevel was not affected. The photos actually looked worse than under normal light in a attempt to honestly show the condition....more light or outdoor shots would have made light pitting harder to see. The buyer of the razor of was very pleased....only pointing out that while informing people of the pitfalls of Ebay, remember that one can only tell so much from photos and there are honest sellers!!

Yfra8821 at Ebay

Originally Posted by kfralin

Joed, I am familiar with the razor in question and the bevel was not affected. The photos actually looked worse than under normal light in a attempt to honestly show the condition....more light or outdoor shots would have made light pitting harder to see. The buyer of the razor of was very pleased....only pointing out that while informing people of the pitfalls of Ebay, remember that one can only tell so much from photos and there are honest sellers!!

Yfra8821 at Ebay

That may be so and I am not questioning the honesty of the sellers with this thread. My goal here is to point out to members what to look for that may not be apparent at a glance. I am not trying to address the sellers at all and have intentionally not posted links to the items on eBay. From what I can tell from the eBay listing I would be hesitant to purchase this razor. I don't know the seller or most of them as many of us don't. Please keep this thread off the seller and focused on the razors, how they are presented for auction and what can be determined from their presentation.

Here is one that's out there right now. Most of the steel has a nice mirror shine, but (and I'm no expert) that edge looks like it's in trouble. Any other thoughts on this one? The bidding is currently at $36.00 with 10 bids.

Droach, I would say your observations are correct. The chance that the bevel is disintegrating is high. Lots of honing to get by that stuff if it is possible. The front scale is nice but it is cracked.

Keep the coming guys.