Thread: Really old, really expensive pair of razors

Like my Dad used to tell me, " one man's meat is another man's poison". I'm sure there is some rational for the buyer. As for the seller, he's simply doing what he thinks he can. One things a certainty, I would never even consider biding on that. But hey to each his own. Dare I be judgmental!

" It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves" - F. Rochefoucauld

Originally Posted by JeffE

Does anyone actually use a blade this old for daily shaving?

I have four antique stubtails that I use regularly. All four are pre-1830. One could be pre-1800, depending on how accurate the age guide in the wiki is. I originally thought it was that old, but after looking at razors that are known to be of that vintage, I think mine is probably more likely very early 1800's. At any rate, those old blades can definitely still be used to shave with.

Just to be clear, I'm not sitting in judgment of the razors or the pricing either. I really, truly don't know anything about these really old razors or what makes them worth more or less than others. The fact that it comes down to the scales is a bit of surprise to me, as I always consider the scales to be a distant sideshow compared to the blade itself, but hey, that's why they have vanilla and chocolate, right? And having spent some ridiculous amounts of money for a particular piece of metal or a specific block of stone, I'm not in any position to criticize someone else's taste or judgment in shaving gear!!

There are actually not many razors that old that are really shavers, although a lot would shave ok. I sold one of my pressed horn razors on ebay and it was actually great both as a collectible and as a shaver. I thought it went for a fair price and several collectors bid on it, but it was still a small fraction of $600. I suspect the seller would end up keeping the pair for themselves, even if one of them weren't broken.

OTOH, looks like they've taken note from previous threads here and dramatically improved on those hideous pictures they used to put up.

I'm currently looking for a pre 1800 straight to shave with but those are a little out of my price comfort I'm afraid.

wow thats a lotta dosh