eBay Bidding

ok, I know if I want something half way decent, I should buy from sellers here, have done so for my first shave. However, I am trying to accomplish several things at once on the newbie front. I am also an eBay newbie as well as a straight razor newbie. I am currently bidding on this item to practice using eBay. Since I know very little about razors in general, and cannot see the pictures, I am of course curious about the item itself. Also, I haven't bid much, but if by chance I should win, I'd kind of like to know. At the very least, I figure I'll have something which to practice honing. Of course if it needs restoration, I'll probably have to give it up, even though we own a dremmel. :) Here is the razor I'm bidding on: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=260014232725 Hopefully that is the proper link. Thanks from newbievill.

Hmm, I'm not sure about this item. The hone wear looks weird, nothing impossible to hone, but not necessarily for a beginner honer.

I would suggest you check out the less popular razors sold be either altima55 or marvo4 (if this one still sells razors).
Their less interesting ones are usually not more than 15$ and I have yet to see a less than an ok item from them.

Redwoood

Don't do it with that one... you won't be happy.

Or wait for Tony Holmes (portal5 @ SRP and ebay) to come back from vacation, he has a few lying around just waiting to be posted on e-bay. 60% of my shaving rotation comes from him.

todd,

if i could make a couple suggestions for you.

1 - on the right side of the ebay page it says "ask seller a question" click it and ASK away. don't be afraid, if people are legitimate they will respond. you're number 1 question needs to be "are there any cracks or chips in the blade". you don't want to start out learning to hone and clean up a blade if it has chips/cracks. it totally changes the dynamic of restoration.

2 - don't be afraid of the black gunk/rust on the blade. it will take some elbow grease, hours of hand sanding it. but it will all or almost all come off

3- i'd personally suggest that you start with a tad larger blade for honing. its all ebay so its not like you are paying different. i've found my 4/8 (which is what this one is in the link you posted) to be harder to hold and learn on the hones.

4 - usually those fancy or etched handles make the bidding go up so look for something plain. heres what looks to be a 6/8 plain black celluloid handle razor from a "no name" brand but still is a solingen.http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-HOFFRITZ...QQcmdZViewItem . this example doesn't take paypal but the razor is a better example of something that would be more "workable" to restore and practice on, i think.


~J

I recently purchased a Russian Strop from the seller jscott mentions in
bullet #4 (thehaneyplace) and he was a pleaseure to deal with...
Answers questions and the item was as described. As mentioned, he
doesn't accept PayPal, so I used a Money Order for payment.

If you need a Money Order, check around at the "Checks Cashed" type
stores....often, they will sell you Money Orders for no cost, at least here
in the Atlanta area. I guess they want to entice you into further business
later...Save a few bucks, and buy some "Williams" soap....:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus83

I recently purchased a Russian Strop from the seller jscott mentions in
bullet #4 (thehaneyplace) and he was a pleaseure to deal with...
Answers questions and the item was as described. As mentioned, he
doesn't accept PayPal, so I used a Money Order for payment.

If you need a Money Order, check around at the "Checks Cashed" type
stores....often, they will sell you Money Orders for no cost, at least here
in the Atlanta area. I guess they want to entice you into further business
later...Save a few bucks, and buy some "Williams" soap....:)

---

One thing I might suggest is that instead of using these independent stores for money orders, you take the time to go to the US Post Office (if you live in the US, of course) and purchase a Postal Money Order. They really don't cost any more than most others, but they have one real advantage.

If you pay with a Postal Money Order and the seller tries to stiff you, they can be charged with Mail Fraud, which is a FEDERAL crime, not worth triffling with for a few bucks. Then, keepall of the records, including copies of the ebay listing (or wherever), and any correspondence that you have with the seller (preferably using the ebay system, as it is independent of both buyer and seller). If they cash the Money Order and don't send your goods, you then have proof to back you up should you need it.

As sellers, it's worth sending items insured, and return receipt requested. Make this a standard part of your shipping costs, and let the buyer pay it, but do it every time, and there won't be any of the "I didn't receive it.", or "It was damaged in shipping." stuff.