Spotting Good Deals and Recognising Bad Razors

I don't know if there's a thread for this already but being relatively inexperienced in buying vintage/used razors I thought it may be good to have somewhere to get advice on specific actions that people were thinking of bidding on.

For example, I've been having a bit of a nose around and came across this:

vintage straight cut throat razor BY JOSEPH RODGERS& SONS


I know that the manufacturer is on the list of good razor brands but as far as the razor itself goes...well, it looks good to me but I don't know whether I'm missing something and it's currently that cheap for a reason...?

It looks like, what, 5/8"? And I can't see any obvious damage, and the description claims that it's in good condition.

What do you think? What haven't I seen? Worth a bid on or better to leave behind?

Anyone else, feel free to post links to auctions that you'd like to discuss.

Looks like a nice razor to me. You could do a lot worse for sure. I'd go for it if it was me.

Here's a thread that might help you out...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/aucti...bay-101-a.html
Also, in your own best interest, if you're looking at bidding on something then to post the live auction just peaks the interest of the razor hounds here ;)

Good point, I hadn't thought about that...

Nothing to see here, people!

well you got two really good answers from the other members here. The ebay 101 is a great thread. As far as learning what to look for and what to stay away from, you will get lots of tips by reading and following threads here at SRP :)

i just noticed it also says on the ad "blade is not set for use". I am not sure what that means but it would concern me

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

i just noticed it also says on the ad "blade is not set for use". I am not sure what that means but it would concern me

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Thats the "old term" for meaning it's not shave ready :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

Thats the "old term" for meaning it's not shave ready :)

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That's what I'd assumed.

The seller has actually given quite a lot more information than some others although it would be nice to have some more photos. The fact that he says that the blade is in good condition also gives some form of protection in the event of problems. From what I can see there is not significant honewear on the spine and the bevel looks to be even - both good signs.

Given that it will need honing - say £20 if you can't do this yourself, you can now fix a price that you think is reasonable and bid up to that.

Hope this helps.

Straight Razors and eBay. It's getting, or may be it always has been a crap shot. I've decided to take a holiday from eBay razor buying for awhile.
One good but and one bad buy equals what you'd end up pay for a shave ready razor from a known member or vendor on a site like this.
Sure I've "scored" a few time but too few to matter.