Thread: Question of "worth"

I'm curious as to how you all determine whether an item on ebay, etc. is worth purchasing or not.

Obviously there are certain factors going in to this such as if you can personally restore it, etc. but what are the things you look for?

I've seen plenty with nice "handles" or from antique razor producers but regardless of the name there are nearly always imperfections such as rust, stains, etc. How easily can these problems be fixed?

I haven't really begun shaving with straights yet so I'm not all to familiar but I've always been somewhat of a collector and these really interest me so I was hoping to get some input from anyone who does search for these.

Thanks so much

Rather than addressing the main thrust of your post, I'd like to suggest that you try shaving with a straight as a first step. This will give you a better sense of what you are considering collecting.

Razors are collectible for two reasons primarily. Some collectors are after the scales, and some are after the shaving experience themselves.

So, what makes the value is the same as with any other collectible (i.e., condition, rarity, materials used, etc.), but the difference is that those things mean different things to the different groups.

Fixing problems with razors is like anything else. It's easy for guys who know what they are doing and have the skill, but it can be disastrous for those who don't (to the razor and potentially the fingers)...

If you are just getting started then I would recommend getting a new razor from a vendor or if you really want a vintage one grab it from the classifieds here.

As to your question of value it really depends on what your plans are for that particular razor. If you really like the scales ( handles ) then that may change the value. If you are looking for a first restore project I would actually say try and go to a local antique store so you can look at it and handle it. Surface rust is easy to clean up with sand paper but pitting can make a razor pure junk and some vendors on ebay take very poor pictures which hide issues with it.

I would suggest you go to the razor clubs sub forum here and browse around. You can see examples of razors that some guys find collectible and get an indication of what condition they look for when buying their little gems.

Razors I bought starting out I wouldn't give a second look to now, based on condition. So if you're going to take the plunge look for full blades with no visible chips, minimum hone wear and good solid scales with no cracks.

A razor with rust can be restored while a razor with cell rot is 98% of the time a lost cause. Learn to spot cell rot. Finally, what might be acceptable condition looking at an early 1800s Sheffield with patina on the blade and bug bites or a crack in the wedge end of the scales would be a deal breaker on a modern blade.

Some makers are 'hot' collectibles and bring premium prices but shave no better than obscure brands that can be had at a reasonable price. Nothing wrong with going for the hot items if that is your thing but nothing wrong with the reasonable unknowns either. Condition becomes the main thing IMO. Study up on it because learning while you buy can become an expensive education.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Razors I bought starting out I wouldn't give a second look to now, based on condition. Study up on it because learning while you buy can become an expensive education.

Excellent response, JimmyHAD! Happy New Year!

As another said, shaving will give you a finer appreciation and eye for the good aspects of a razor because there are many factors to take into acct. It helps if you get to know people who are familiar w/ restoration &/or sharpening too, like more than a few users here, because some parts can be refurbished replaced.

Thank you all for the help! As I said I tend to collect many different things without necessarily knowing what I'm doing.

I've ordered a straight razor set actually so I can view a new one and get the feel for it. Aside from that I'll keep my eye open, there are a few I'm currently keeping track of on e-bay however it's sometimes hard to determine the true condition through the pictures.

Hopefully I can get my hands on a cheap one as a practice restoration while I do my research! I'll post some pictures if it ends up a success.

There isn't inherent 'worth', I think the correct answer to your question is
- if you plan to resell it, how much you can get for it
- if you plan to keep it, how much are you willing to spend on it

On the first point you can learn a bit by looking at books and all possible venues for sales.

Since you have no experience whatsoever, you should buy one razor on ebay for as much as you are comfortable loosing. Don't buy cracked/chipped/broken/worn blades. Then have a go at it trying to make it nice and shiny, and then shaving sharp. That'll give you an idea how much work does the process involve. Once that's all done you'll have better idea what to do about the second one.

just to re-iterate and ad some words of caution to what others have said. I think the most important thing here is learning to discriminate junk from the rest. The problem with razors is that there are 1001 and 1 ways that a nice looking razor can be made useless or at least value-less. Like others said. Temper issues, cracks, warps, pitting, "mods", can all be deceptive and hard to spot, yet detrimental. so just take head and ask questions.

Example i recently bought a razor off the bay that the angle the shots were taken at belied the fact that infact it was much shorter than its original length. Fine for me to shave with, but certainly makes it less valueable.

my 2c