How much do you typically pay for a razor?

Hey,

I am currently using a Dovo, which I bought for about 65GBP, and then had it honed for another 5GBP (I was surprised at how cheap it was too, but it shaves well). I purchased both of these at a shop in Hong Kong.

Now that I'm in the UK, where straight razors are more popular, I imagined that things would be cheaper. However, looking online, most straight razors from any reputable seller (not ebay/ amazon) is typically 100gbp+, or at least 70-80. And then on top of that, it's an additional 20GBP just to get it honed. This just seems far too expensive.

So how much should I be expecting to pay for a razor and (if necessary) honing?
If what I saw was correct, then is there any trustworthy source where I would be able to purchase second-hand razors at a reasonable price?

Thanks.

I don't know if there is an exact or good answer for "how much you should pay for a razor".

but,,,

A trustworthy source, is our "Classified Section" above.

Wow, thanks. That's actually a pretty good place. The razors are reasonably priced and as they're sold by members here, I'm assuming they won't be gold-dollar type razors.

The razors move fast here, you need to check it daily.

You know, the conspiracy theorists will think this thread was started intentionally for advertising purposes. :deadhorse:

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Originally Posted by JimBC

You know, the conspiracy theorists will think this thread was started intentionally for advertising purposes. :deadhorse:

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I KNEW IT !

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Originally Posted by JimBC

You know, the conspiracy theorists will think this thread was started intentionally for advertising purposes. :deadhorse:

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Dang it,,,now I'm a Co-Conspirator. :ziplip:

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Originally Posted by 10Pups

I KNEW IT !

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Someone's got to plug it or crazy bob badger with his o so crazy deals are going to steal all the best sales.

Having had a very bad case of RAD for a long time all I can contribute is that prices seem to be all over the board. Look and watch and if you find a reasonable priced item and the seller has a good reputation then buy. I'm not saying that I haven't been stung, just that I've bought a lot. Good luck. There are several places in the UK to get honing done, there are guys in the member services potion of the classifieds.

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

The razors move fast here, you need to check it daily.

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Hi, my name is Phrank, and I'm a RADaholic...it all started one scruffy morning....

You may have hit the nail on the head by thinking popularity has an affect on the price. The retail price is what the market will bare and you have been in two different markets. The only thing to do is find a reputable retailer and research the average price for the market place you are in.

The classifieds here are a good place to find a decent used razor and have used it myself with good results. Keep in mind that when you import things you may be liable to customs duties and or VAT so a little research there might be useful too. I am sure some of our UK members can fill you in on that score.

Bob

The lowest I've spent was $15 (for a decent Boker, incidentally) and the most was $350. No fancy customs in my collection, yet I still have many highly-sought brands. It's all about patience and perseverance ;)

From what I've seen starts from $80- 100 new and second hand from $1- ? Depends on what you want and where your looking. Its generally recommended you don't buy something too flash for your first razor just a nice dependable blade well honed to shave ready.

Ok, thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'll just stick to getting second hand ones from the classifieds on this site. They seem to be pretty good and not too expensive.

Maybe in a few more years I'll get a nice, new TI one.

The Price i pay depends how much i want the Razor and what Razor it is,
as im typically not interested in modern high-end Razors and rare oldies but
in boneyard beauties to restore them, i often buy lots for about 5€ per Razor,
For Razors im really interested in a pay more but usually not more than 50€.
I have a strong limit now (two/three years ago i bought many Razors around 100€)
and often loose some nice auctions but in the end i love to wait and hunt,
getting a NOS Soviet Razor for 15 is more satisfiying for me than getting a Fili for 10.

Cheapest I bought was a Bengall with cracked scales at a local market a few weeks ago. It cost $3 and with a new set of scales and a hone, it'll be a good razor. Most expensive was a Buddel Damascus with mammoth ivory scales that I had custom made for me for around $1300.
You should be able to get a decent quality, shave ready razor for $50-$60.

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Originally Posted by johnmrson

Cheapest I bought was a Bengall with cracked scales at a local market a few weeks ago. It cost $3

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You made them honor the price on the box didn't you ?

Depends, What kind and how much I want it.

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Originally Posted by 10Pups

You made them honor the price on the box didn't you ?

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The stall owner wanted $5 but I bargained him down to $3.

:rofl2:

I have mostly acquired vintage razors in the 50 - 120 $ range. I only look at razors in very good original condition, some light polishing is OK as long as the edges are not rounded and decorative details damaged. Someday when I can afford one, I may try for a custom such as a Livi, if offered at an attractive price used. I do go for some carefully picked e-Bay razors, but shaving site classifieds have been the most reliable source for used shave ready razors. Getting a used razor shave ready saves added cost and shipping delay for honing. BTW, I do not sell anything and have no financial interests in classifieds, e-Bay, or razor services. I have enough razors to never worry about finding a shave ready razor when I need a shave, so I am now selective at what I look at.

HTH

If you do buy from a private individual remember there is another party involved. The Postal Service, or two PS's depending on who you buy from. Therefore ask, before you buy, what happens if it Gets Lost in the Mail(:-(.

+1 on that Johnus and even that may leave you holding the bag!

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

The lowest I've spent was $15 (for a decent Boker, incidentally) and the most was $350. No fancy customs in my collection, yet I still have many highly-sought brands. It's all about patience and perseverance ;)

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gotta agree with Ryan as I have paid as low as $20US including postage to Australia for a razor that is 1 of my favourites that all I did was clean & strop it, to a $200+US restored W&B which is my favourite.
But it is definately a matter of doing the research setting your limits for condition & cost and then playing the waiting game as the right blade will here your calling but sometime it is just pure Ars* with a capital A
I have scored & very near new looking original condition W&B 1" for $70US delivered to to Australia when every other one (nowhere near the condition) I have seen even with chips etc are going for well into the hundreds of $$
all comes down to your value you put on the item

I recommend you use the protocol I use when buying art.

Look at the piece and answer to yourself how much you would be willing to pay. Then compare that figure to the asking price and if the asking price is lower, pay it;)

As for a good razor that works well, as you have already found out, they can be relatively inexpensive. However, the price can really go up when you start seeking additional factors (beyond utilitarian).

Anywhere from $9-$300, at least to this point in my RAD,
A few customs are on the horizon so that dollar amount will go up.
It is all about what I want and what I am willing to pay to have it.
Yes I realize that may sound conceited but...
until someone else is paying for them, cleaning, restoring, and honing them as needed, or shaving me it is all on me.