Thread: Tips on Ebay buying?

Originally Posted by roughkype

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Here's what I've spent on hones:
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Spyderco UF for finishing: ~$80 *
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* still haven't decided if this was a well-informed purchase
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Have fun!

The UF Spyderco is a mixed bag hone. Some
arrive from the factory with a saw cut surface that
needs to be lapped flat. Once lapped flat the surface
needs to be broken in... It may be coaxed to be better by
rubbing with a coti slurry stone or a spray of suspended
abrasive. They are hard and slow....

In hindsight my 12K Naniwa Super Stone was a better buy.
Especially when the price is equal.

The very hard Spydies are great when freehand sharpening
kitchen knives. You cannot dig a divot out of them like
you can on fine grain modern water hones. If you
sharpen both wood tools and razors the Spidie might be
a good choice.

EDIT:
Back to topic -- no worries if you get an eBay dog or two.
That is not the end of the world assuming the price is right. A lot
of very serviceable blades can be had for $15 and can
be brought to service with cautious hand sanding
and some time.

Hey Nifty,

Thanks for that info on the Spyderco. I did have to lap down the ridges on mine. It seems to be a good hone for my one Sheffield, a Greaves & Sons Sheafworks wedge.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

The UF Spyderco is a mixed bag hone. Some
arrive from the factory with a saw cut surface that
needs to be lapped flat. Once lapped flat the surface
needs to be broken in...

Originally Posted by roughkype

I did have to lap down the ridges on mine.

For the Spydercos, there is a difference between flat and smooth. The "saw cut surface" or "ridges" comprise the deliberately created honing surface. You should never lap the surface of the Spyderco as it destroys the honing surface. If you find that the hone is not flat, then you should return it for another one.

Woe, then, to my Spyderco. Wish there'd have been a package insert explaining that.

for ebay, never hesitate to ask the seller for any information.

A lot depends on what you are trying to achieve, most want the best quality, in the best condition, for the lowest price. Generally you only get one, on Ebay you often get none… but sometimes you get lucky.

Bottom line, EBay or any on line vendor is a crapshoot, because you have to rely on the vendor’s knowledge, photos and description. There is a huge difference holding the item in your hand and deciding, or buying from a quality vendor that has a reputation, eg. the classifieds.

Bought a battery for my laptop the other day, guess what… it does not fit…

I'm going to cast another vote for a new razor from SRD. The strop/razor combos are steeply discounted if you compare the individual prices buying them separately. Plus, you get a shave ready edge and a coupon for another honing. It's a great, safe way to get started without any risk of buying a razor that needs a lot of expensive work...which could end up costing you what you'd spend on a new razor.

Once you have that, you can add to the fun by collecting others to see how you like different grinds, widths, etc, but you'll know that you always have that first razor to use if one of your purchases turns out to be unusable.