Thread: Tips on Ebay buying?

Hi all,

I really want to get into straight razor shaving but I am also beginning to realize how expensive it is to start up. After some research it looks like a Dovo would be a good place to start (perhaps a "special"?), but with a strop and honing equipment it quickly goes out of my price range...


I know that it is ill advised for beginners to shop for vintage straight razors on ebay, but it seems like if I were careful I could get a decent razor for a good price. Is this a good idea? Are there some basic things that I should watch out for to avoid a blade that can never be brought back to life? I am looking for brands made in Germany mostly (to try and stay away from anything that was junk to begin with). Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Tough question, I'm sort of in the same spot. What I've realized is you're better off just going a little out of your price range although it kind of sucks.

Buying from ebay, many time you'll have to restore the item (more money), get it professionally honed (more money), or buy one that is fully restored already.

The fully restored ones can sometimes be obtained for a good deal but end up being price similar to that of a new razor. (also, many here do not trust the "shave ready" tag that comes with most ebay razors so it may need honed regardless of what they seller may say)

Have you looked at the classified section on this site?

This is just what I've gathered as a new member. I'm positive someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Classified section can get you a shave ready straight razor.

You can also go to Whipped Dog straights. Larry, the owner, is a good guy and will go to great lengths to help a new straight user.

Ha!

Gugi, that was exactly the kind of sensible advice that I was hoping not to hear! Good points though...

Still, I was hoping for a response more like: "sure its easy to do, give it a try!"

I am a wishful thinker I suppose. I guess you always get what you pay for. Thanks for putting my feet back on the ground.

"Whipped Dog" seems like it has some good buys and the inventory appears to be in decent shape too - thanks for the tip pz93c! Does their inventory usually come "shave ready" for real or "shave ready" like I will still need to do some sharpening? As for the classified section - it appears to have a lot too - if you're fast enough! But I'll keep my eye on there too.

Just another thing that came to mind. You mentioned you were including the price of honing equipment in your budget. From what I understand it's not completely necessary. Starting off with just a razor and strop is fine until you get the hang of it. Whipped Dog seems to have some good deals.

Budget Straight Razors
is also an option (this link takes you to the budget razor section). As you can see, plenty of options with less hassle than eBay.

Well, the problem is that it's tempting indeed, because it seems like it would be easy. But when all it's done the results end up quite different, and since you've already invested something you just keep going because cutting back your losses gets more and more expensive.

Actually when it comes down to it a lot of the expenses in razors has nothing to do with the actual shave. Pitting/tarnish on the blade, nicks on the scales (as long as they are solid and functional) do not matter at all. What your whiskers see is the very edge and on a properly honed razor all of the steel on it is freshly exposed and super polished. So if you are willing to accept some blemishes to a razor you can have it rather cheaply. But under no circumstance you should compromise on the important part i.e. the edge, so you want it honed by a competent person and in my opinion is well worth buying a razor that's already proven that can shave well.

Have fun with it, it's a nice hobby.

I know from experience that Larry's razors from Whipped Dog are truly shave ready.

Brando at Restored Razor, I haven't dealt with. Maybe someone who does will chime in.

Originally Posted by mrbison

Still, I was hoping for a response more like: "sure its easy to do, give it a try!"

Okay here you go : Sure give it a try . It may not be easy but it will be a learning experience . Find a decent razor that has a decent edge with no rust . Get some good hones starting at 1k and progressing to at least 8k grit , and go to town on it . When you've finally made it into a real shaver , you will have a basic understanding of how to hone a razor . But before you do all that , like everyone else has already said , get a shave ready razor to start with .

Originally Posted by ats200

(also, many here do not trust the "shave ready" tag that comes with most ebay razors so it may need honed regardless of what they seller may say)

I just bought a razor on ebay that was described as shave-ready and an 'excellent shaver', well sought after brand and all. It barely shaved.
Of all razors I've gotten on ebay over the years, the ones that shaved well were the ones that came with their factory edge. I haven't bought on ebay from some of the high-end sellers though, I suspect they will be perfectly fine. But these are about a handful of sellers altogether.

Welcome to SRP

Originally Posted by mrbison

I know that it is ill advised for beginners to shop for vintage straight razors on ebay, but it seems like if I were careful I could get a decent razor for a good price. Is this a good idea?

No, it's a very bad idea. The razors that end up cheap on ebay look bad and you have no experience whatsoever to know if the bad looks are because the razors are bad, or the photographs are bad. Then you will have to budget the cost of having the razor honed. And then it may shave well, ok, or really bad.
A lot of risks for no good reason and you'll end up paying about the same, or likely more than just buying something from a person you trust.

I just looked at the recently completed listings on ebay and here's the $20 razor I'll take a chance on - 190484563757. Note that it has rust so it'll need at least light cleaning, so you need a bit of sandpaper or at least metal polish. When it's all done you'll have ended up paying $55-$65.