Thread: Ebay buying

Originally Posted by jbcohen

What is your opinion of buying straights on ebay?

This could get out of hand but, another thing you could do would be to PM a member you trust and check with them on their opinion of a particular ebay razor. I have served in this capacity for a few people for razors and barber hones.

Originally Posted by Utopian

This could get out of hand but, another thing you could do would be to PM a member you trust and check with them on their opinion of a particular ebay razor. I have served in this capacity for a few people for razors and barber hones.

HUGE +1 on Ron's advice...I have done this with Max on many occasions (except a couple) and he has provided the guidance necessary and taken the guesswork out of it (not to mention the worry)

I have had good and bad results on the bay.
For example I asked for a close up of a blade and an email came back saying that that was the blade, some of the people selling straights have no idea what a user or collector is looking for. Also look at the pics well. I have purchased a Red Imp with bad warping on the bottom of the scales while the add said pics speak for themselves. It looked good from top and sides, thats my fault.

Be very cautious about the items you bid on. BE AWARE of deceptive pictures. ( Very high brightness to obscure defects in razor) Get as many clear pictures as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is power. Learn as much as possible about straight razors before purchasing your razor whether you do it on eBay or elsewhere. Overall There are some gems on the bay but there are some doozies too. LOL Have fun and happy hunting.

Some great tips on buying eBay razors are to be found in Lynn Abrams DVD "The World of Straight Razor Shaving". Lynn discusses what to look for, what to avoid. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information, better pictures, etc. I'd rather pass on purchasing a razor than get a bad one.

bill

This topic seems to come up regularly! I wonder what percentage of razors sold off the bay actually came........ on the bay? Ever tried to find a nice one at a yard sale or antique shop? The answer is an honest seller, in my opinion. Even some high volume sellers dispose of sketchy razors in the name of profit. It seems the best razors I have won were from non-razor guys who knew it seemed good and were willing to answer questions and send more pics. Honest is as honest does as in any dealings. If a sellers pics are suspect or lacking and he will not send more pics or answer more questions, then stay away as he might be hiding something. Start early and get these fine fellas to advise you. Of course, if it IS good, you will have to outbid THEM! Catch 22!

Caveat Emptor