Thread: Two questions! Vintage razors off eBay and best way to tighten loose scales

I have recently learned how to hone and I'm a big fan of vintage razors. I was wondering if buying vintage razors off eBay and honing them would be worth it. Anyone know? Is there a more trustworthy site to buy vintage razors that aren't super expensive?

Also, I have loose scales on a razor and I have not been able to tighten it. I tried slightly tapping the pin as suggested on here but it didn't work. Any other suggestions?

Originally Posted by Refused1979

I have recently learned how to hone and I'm a big fan of vintage razors. I was wondering if buying vintage razors off eBay and honing them would be worth it. Anyone know? Is there a more trustworthy site to buy vintage razors that aren't super expensive?

Also, I have loose scales on a razor and I have not been able to tighten it. I tried slightly tapping the pin as suggested on here but it didn't work. Any other suggestions?

You can visit antique malls/garage sales/ gun shows and look for vintage blades at good prices.
Ebay can be tricky because of bad images, or if you have no experience with what to look for.
You can get vintage blades from the classifieds as well.

Thanks! Do you have any idea how best to tighten scales?

4 oz ball peen hammer, or you can try a spoon but with that it will take a lot of taps.
You need a flat smooth surface on which to peen, usually a small anvil or a block of steel is used.

We're can I pick one of those up?

Never mind. I have one of those.

Originally Posted by Refused1979

Never mind. I have one of those.

you should polish the head of the hammer to mirror, it will make the pinning job look nice.

Make sure you have read our library section in regard to purchasing razors.
A vintage razor could include a NOS(New Old Stck) razor of 120 years, a 50 year old razor used a couple of times, a 30 year old razor abused, broken, chipped & pretty much worthless,,,so answering your question is a bit tricky. What might be a good dollar value to you on a vintage razor, might not be for someone else. Some can spot a $20.00 "diamond in the rough" , where you might pass it up.

If you like vintage razors, study them some more & you will be able to spot on Ebay or anywhere else a razor that will give you the satisfaction that you want.

What is "Super Expensive" to you?

Our classified section has in it now, vintage razors at various prices. I have yet to hear of a horror story buy coming from there. The turnover in ads is often,,,so the prices must be right.

Don't take my reply as a lecture, it's not,,,I'm not that way,,,I'm no different than you,,,I like vintage razors too & I try to learn as much about them so I can spot a good deal also.

Originally Posted by Refused1979

Also, I have loose scales on a razor and I have not been able to tighten it. I tried slightly tapping the pin as suggested on here but it didn't work. Any other suggestions?

If it still won't tighten after trying the small hammer etc. the pin may be bent

And when tapping the pin don't tap it dead center, you will want to tap around the edger with the ball peen so it mushrooms the pin a bit more. Some newer razors are a pain for me with the lock washer style pins such as those found on new dovo's.