Thread: eBay 101

Pretty bad indeed

Here's one - the description pretty much says it all. Restored w H Morely Sons Straight Razor "Clover Brand" Germany | eBay



"The cutting edge has been ground level"
"Sold as is, No refunds"

Someone who is experienced in restoring razors will not blatantly sell his products as is with no refunds, so there's a warning flag. Also it says the edge has been ground flat. There's no need to do that unless it is really frowning, and if so it's worrisome that it was "ground" flat - this seems to suggest a grinder and heat at the very thin edge.

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

"The cutting edge has been ground level"
"Sold as is, No refunds"

"It is NOT shave ready and will need a complete hone."

A complete hone will not make that more than half a razor.

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

Here's one: look near the toe and you can see how the pitting has been buffed up. That combined with the shadowy lighting makes it difficult to tell there could be problems near the edge, but the razor looks shiny and attractive to those not in the know...

Attachment 125253

I guess people weren't paying attention - it went for $270

I'm not sure if this is the place for this but this Friodur looks like it may have a few issues. Pictures look great, but to me it looks like a bit of a frown near the heal (second picture) and in the picture looks like some sort "chip" (5 picture) near the heel as well. Or am I not seeing it correctly?

Vintage Straight Razor J.A. Henckels Friodur 50 1/2 Solingen Germany w/Box | eBay

I would say it looks that you are correct on the mild frown,

the "chip" area looks like it was dinged against something not completely broke out bad none the less especially on a narrow blade.

Pics Attached

Originally Posted by pfries

I would say it looks that you are correct on the mild frown,

the "chip" area looks like it was dinged against something not completely broke out bad none the less especially on a narrow blade.

Pics Attached

Yeah, when I see blades like that I immediately pass. I try to make sure the edge is completely straight with no frown whatsoever, with no variations that reveal dings or chips. This is often easy for sellers to hide by making the lighting poor so that the entire edge or blade is not reflected properly...

Before bidding please do your research, here is a good example: Vintage Wade Butcher Sheffield Super RARE Straight Razor Wide Blade | eBay
And the same:2 Vtg Wade Butcher You Lather Well I'll Shave Well Straight Razors | eBay

Just a little message for the newbies, I don't consider myself as someone who can spot all the faults on ebay, but I've had a pretty good run considering the ammount of straights I've bought and the prices I've paid. One thing I think is important is, ebay is always going to be a gamble to some extent so while you're still learning I think it's best to stick to cheap purchases, or very reputable sellers with good return policies. I never spend more than 40 dollars on a razor and all have been little to no hone wear, in great condition with no rust on the blade (on the tang or spine sometimes but not on the blade) and all of them will hone up to shave quite well I'm sure. I advise against getting Wade and Butchers and the like at this stage because of the highly inflated prices and because many people seem to be taking these kind of old sheffield blades and buffing out the flaws and leaving buyers to discover them later.

I have quite a few old sheffield razors but their not well known razors but this doesn't change the fact that they shave very well. I would rather get unknown razors and do my own research to find out more about them anyway.

Here are some examples of my recent purchases,
I didn't pay more than 40 dollars for any of these, and some of them I paid less than 20 dollars shipping included. My Main point is, while you're still learning, don't spend too much on ebay razors and that way if you DO get burnt, it won't sting so much. I have purchased maybe 30-40 razors by now and I definitely still consider myself a beginner, I won't spend a lot on a razor unless it genuinely appears to be in MINT condition etc. Anyway thats just my 2 cents anyone with more experience feel free to contradict me if you think otherwise I am still learning =]

Here is an example of a nice blade with a crack in the edge, always be careful of anything that looks like a line they are often cracks running the whole way thru. I messaged the seller to confirm if it was a crack or just a marking on the blade and he confirmed it is cracked.

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