Thread: Purchasing a vintage straight razor

Hi All

I always see the members with these amazing vintage razors. I have new models that do not have the appeal of a vintage. I would like to get one but ebay is a bit tricky when it comes to quality. Does anyone have advice on how to get a vintage razor at a reasonable price?. The new razors are nice and shave well, just looking for one to show off a bit.

Luis

I have purchased several off of the Bay with success. Make sure there are quality pics of all parts of the razor. Ensure there is a good rating on the seller. Look for a return policy, but realize you are buying something potentially 100 years old. Look for words like sheffield steel, or Solingen. Stay away from blades that have non-straight cutting edge (Smiles, frowns, wavy), and definitely not chipped. If you are not going to replace the scales, inspect the pics for warping, bug bites, splits (mostly at the pins).
Light patina isn't any issue, but rust is going to take restoration work.
Are you going to restore these yourself?
Price is all over the place. My first razor I bought was bargain at $15, and is one of my favorite shavers. Took no restoration, just a little honing.
I personally will not spend more than about $50, but I like to restore them myself, and can make my own scales.
Good luck.

Keep your eyes open at yard sales and flea markets too. Usually, there are many competitors on the Bay, but not at a Flea market.

Classifieds here or whipped dog. Ebay razors can be problematic as you cant see them before you buy. And some of them can take hours to get into shave ready. Ask me how I know! But I will say most of what I bought on ebay was good. Few junkers but comes with the territory. Great selection, where are earth can you find so many for sale? I would advise checking feedback and return policy and terms. I will not buy another unless I can send it back. Even if I have to pay the ship.

Thanks.

I am not able to restore. Thanks for info.

Luis

And Ive never found a straight razor for sale in NY in a flea market or antique shop. I grew up the other side of the bridge in whitestone. Small world. Bough a few in Pa last week. Clean as a whistle too.

Luis,
I think you would b able to restore.. I said the same thing when I started .. I did a lot of reading learned how to sand clean polish and rescale.. The only thing I stink at is making scales.. But I'll get the hang of that I'm gonna buy a scroll saw and give that a whirl.. Don't give up my friend

I've bought several from eBay and have had good luck. But when I'm looking at them I consider the fact that I may have to have them rescaled and/or honed. So you have to factor that into the total cost. But if you're willing to go through that or can do it yourself, there are some possibilities. Give the blade the most attention looking for rust, pitting, black crud, chips, and cracks. Pay special attention to the very edge. A little pitting on the shank or spine won't affect anything but any of that near the cutting edge is a real gamble. But if the blade is in good shape, don't be afraid to invest some in new scales, honing, or buffing. You can end up with something really nice and unique.

Luis
I purchase razors on ebay. Look closely at the photos and ask questions of the seller if you are not sure. If the blade has a lot of pitting or the scales are cracked or broken beware. I generally buy ones that can be polished and then resell them on ebay shave ready. I have three now that I am working on and will put on in a week or two. sometimes you have to place your bid the last 4 seconds of the auction and hope that you get it.

Originally Posted by Luis

Thanks.

I am not able to restore. Thanks for info.

Luis

Bear in mind that there is a very broad spectrum of 'restoration'. There is a huge difference between fixing up a razor with good scales, minimal rust/pitting, etc (which amounts to a really good clean/polish, but which some guys still refer to as a restoration), and a full-on restore that requires significant work on the blade, making new scales, re-pinning, etc.

If you find a vintage razor that just needs to be cleaned, odds are you will be able to do it yourself. (depending on personal skill, dexterity, comfort working with your hands, etc)

Originally Posted by bill3152

And Ive never found a straight razor for sale in NY in a flea market or antique shop. I grew up the other side of the bridge in whitestone. Small world. Bough a few in Pa last week. Clean as a whistle too.

I spent most of the last week in Vermont/upstate NY, and found quite a few in antique stores. My budget was mercifully limited so I only came home with two razors, but if you can escape the city, they are definitely out there. BTW, there's an antique store right on 28 somewhere around Indian Lake that had quite a few decent vintage blades.