Thread: eBay 101

Originally Posted by ursus

You're welcome.

Along with the possible pitting, there's interesting corresponding patterning on the tang and blade, that might or might not be cell rot setting in. Very hard to say with pictures, but faux tortoise is susceptible. Only future tests will confirm/dismiss this.

If cell rot is the case, a brandname item has gone from "highly desireable collectable" to "complete overhaul needed"

It is beginning of cell rot, one of the other pics shows better. This one however was the first in line and the other berried among the 12 total, pretty easy to miss

What do you guys think of this?
Light scratches, a few pits on the bevel, and some pitting and rust next to the word steel. Those marks on the bevel are pits and not chips, I think.

I'm curious what you all think of this pitting. Is this something that is easily taken care of or is it too close to the edge/bevel

Not so obvious. Yes, I bought this.

The Roberts Warranted on the right has the concern.

Originally Posted by ats200

I'm curious what you all think of this pitting. Is this something that is easily taken care of or is it too close to the edge/bevel

That can easily be eliminated.
In looking through this thread, I'm a little disconcerted by some of these examples of what are supposed to be razors to avoid. I guess it depends on whether you want to end up with a pristine display item, or a functional tool, but a lot of these razors that may not look perfect will still shave just fine.

I found a new eBay gimmick. In the description of a just-sold razor, the seller put this warning:

NOTE ON THE PHOTOS: In order to clearly show small lettering, etchings, blemishes and other details, I have enhanced some of the photographs. Be sure to read the descriptions for accurate details and don’t judge the items only by the photographs.

I wonder how far the "enhancement" goes . . .

Charles

PS -- I just visited our local flea market, and picked up three razors (Boker "King Cutter", Wade & Butcher with elegant worked spine, and Geneva Cutlery) and a barber hone for $60. The Boker and W&B have some rust on the blades, the Geneva has a small nick in the edge. None of them will be tough to bring to "shave-ready" condition.

eBay isn't the _only_ game in town.

Here's a razor I just saw. Can anyone tell me what is wrong with this one? I believe the current bid is ~$40 with some time to go. I wonder if they really know what they are getting.

Is that buffed pitting at the edge?

Originally Posted by Joed

Here's a razor I just saw. Can anyone tell me what is wrong with this one? I believe the current bid is ~$40 with some time to go. I wonder if they really know what they are getting.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Is that buffed pitting at the edge?

I believe I saw the same thing, quite possibly an indicator of cell rot! If so, too bad, what nice inlays.

Thanks Guys! I perceive it as buffed pitting also and believe it to be early cell rot due to the areas that show the pitting. inside the scales and not above the scales when closed.

There are lots of helpful posts in this thread for new and experienced alike. While you're surfing EBay, if you find any pictures of 'things to avoid' please post them here. I'm using screen captures create jpg files and cropping out the surrounding picture noise like my desktop or other EBay items. Remember, we are not here to bash EBay vendors but to learn what to avoid or purchase with full knowledge.