Thread: Same old thing

So as I do my daily browsing through ebay, it is almost a given that I stumble across countless auctions of razors which are just absolutely trash. I understand there are scale collectors out there and the blade doesn't always make or break the deal. But I just don't understand how someone can be digging through their attic, etc., and think something completely shattered and obviously unusable would be worth money, at least in terms of razors.

Again, some are worth their weight in metal and some scales can be valuable or used as replacements but many could very well be worth less than the box in which they'll be shipped. And they always use a phrase similar to "good condition for its age."

Any thoughts on this? I think this is slightly more broad than things discussed recently, I have no specific examples in mind.

Hi!
I think many sellers are broken razors just do not understand them. That is why they write about "the state, good for age. "
For them, the razor just a piece of steel.
Sincerely,
Alexander

Think about it this way; pick some random antique 100+ years old.....how many collectors are actually looking to USE it as opposed to display it? Probably not many. We are the enlightened few, and I hope it stays that way.

I think even for a collection (not use), people will search razor in good condition.
Sincerely,
Alexander

Junk is junk, no matter how old it is. Just my thoughts.


Mick

People cannot believe it when they learn we shave with straights, mainly because they know so little about them. For the same reason, then, there are precious few out there, mostly sellers and shavers, who have any idea what differentiates a razor in good shape from one that is trash. Seven months ago I thought a tang was a drink.

I understand the logic that they aren't familiar with what they have but I think any reasonable person would deduct that something which is broken and rotted is worthless. I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule but the main problem I have is that they are listing the item on ebay. To get even the simplest idea of which razors sell and which do not (condition wise)... all you have to do is type "straight razor" into the search box of the website you are already actively using.

they are the type of sellers that you need to keep looking for because one day they'll come across an old filly in good shape and put it up on the bay for $15 just as they have put the rest of their razors up for.

As I've posted in other threads:

1) Some people have watched Antiques Roadshow too much and think anything that looks like it might be old must be worth megabucks.

2) The people where I live believe that no one actually uses straight razors anymore and most of them must have been destroyed or thrown away. They think razors are only good as curios and do not need to be functional. They also think they must be very valuable. See number 1 above.

3) I actually look for razors that make good shortening projects. I can't stand the thought of shortening a perfectly good blade though. I believe in the philosophy that "If it ain't broke don't fix it." Damage to a tip doesn't bother me as long as there is at least 1 1/2 inches of good blade between the heel and the damaged part. I still don't like to pay much for them though. If a seller seems to believe in 1 or 2 above I just wish them well and walk away. It's not like there aren't more razors out there.

Lori

Well said Lori. It doesn't get to me as much as it may seem from this thread, I always just take a glance, have a small laugh, then continue my search. I think your second point is probably what most people think. My family still doesn't even understand that there is a pretty large community of both users and collectors.