Good shavers on eBay

Hi all,

This is my first post here on the SRP forum. I've been shaving with straight razors on and off for nearly 10 years and I've been on the Internet since '94. How I missed this place, I have no idea. I recently purchased Lynn Abrams' DVD and that's how I found out about the Straight Razor Place.

I have three razors, two Dovos and a DD Satinedge that belonged to my great-grandfather. However, I've been thinking of picking up a few more for daily shaving and was wondering which brands of straight razors that commonly make an appearance on eBay are really good shavers.

The two things I'm mostly interested in usability and something to practice minor restoration on (honing and polishing at this point). I'm not so much about collection value at this point. That comes later, I'm sure ;)

I've read through the posts for a few days now and I've seen lots of brands mentioned for this or that, but I'm hoping to find some blades on ebay that are affordable, and shave well. That way, if I mess up a razor trying to fix it up, no big loss, and if I succeed, I'll know because it shaves nicely.

That's the theory, anyhoo. I'd love to hear any suggestions on the topic (the buying of and approach to restoration of).

Thanks so much! I'm glad to have found such a great place for straight razor info.

Curtis

Curtis,

This question has come up before, and the answer I've seen is that it would be easier to list the few bad brands than to list the good ones.

As far as the steel goes, it seems like most of the razors with German, Swedish, or English steel are good, and there are some good American makers, too. Look for terms like Solingen (German) and Sheffield (English). Those denote types of steel.

Some of the brands I've heard praised are Wade & Butcher, a perennial fav, Keen Kutter, Henkels... There are lots more.

In my experience, the condition of the blade is often more important than a particular brand. Look for no chips or nicks, light hone wear, and little or no rust. Blurry pictures should make you worry.

If in doubt, PM one of the senior members here and ask about a particular auction. They won't bid against you (I think) and could help you avoid a costly mistake.

Josh

Good luck,
Josh

Dubl Ducks are all that, lately... Would be a bit hard to find a good one cheap (depending on you definition of cheap) You are really lucky to have one from your family. Take good care of it!

Pumas are another kind of expensive brand of really great shavers. Both brands are German.

If you are looking for great cheap shavers, I think Genco is the ticket. Should be able to pick stuff up for less than $20 shipped. Now, don't get me wrong, I have picked up great razors with ivory scales in good condition for $10 and under. I have also paid much more for basically the same stuff.

ERN Crown & Sword has also been praised by some honemeisters.

I have one of those lying around unused as a matter of fact. But yeah, there's tons of em around, Genco, Dorko, Crown and Sword, Worldmaster (I really like those) Wade and Butcher, F. Abraham & Sons and tons more.

Basically ,no 440 stainless Pakistani and rockwell razors , stay with the old carbon steels and you should be OK till you get your eye in
Kind regards peter

Thanks for the tips and advice, gentlemen. I might try to pick up a small lot of razors of mostly English or German carbon steel and start with the ugliest one. I suppose there is a learning curve on how to handle, clean, and polish them.