Thread: Antique shop visit

So I found an antique store in town that I'd never seen before. When I asked the guy if he had any straight razors, he replied with a smile, "How many do you want?" He said that he had over 300+ that he had been collecting over the last 30 years, but that he only had about 20 in the store. So these are just pictures of the ones he had in store. His prices seemed pretty steep, but then again I don't know my vintage razors very well at all. I've haven't bought a vintage yet, so I thought I'd post these and see what you vintage junkies thought.

1) Sheffield Steel "The Admirals" This was a really nice quality razor that had three admirals from the spanish american war on the blade (Dewey Schley and Sampson)



2) Just for fun (probably wouldn't buy it) tiny travel brass safety razor! Everything fit into a tiny tube about half the size of a shotgun shell.



3) Pretty nice quality razor marked "Salim Elias & T. Abdoo -New York 1907." Had the words "Damascus Syria" with a camel on the blade.



4) Boker "Red Injun No. 101" This was probably one the nicest quality razors in the box. No rust or nicks at all. Tree brand logo embossed into the scales.

Love that Boker. Never seen a Boker I didn't like. Careful of the spikes, they bite.


The problem (if you choose to see it that way) that you'll run into is that this antique dealer is obviously an enthusiast like us, and his prices are going to reflect that. He knows what he has and what they're worth (to him, at least). I'm sure you can haggle with him, but be careful not to lowball him. That might offend him and get you blacklisted. If he's got a lot, chances are that he's had them for awhile and might be willing to part with some inventory that's taking up shelf space.

Yeah, an antique store owner who collects razors...is that good news or bad news.

You and he might be into straight razors but how many other people in town are? His prices might be higher than justified locally. Maybe he sells online as well.

Still, it's better than having no straight razors locally to look at.

Your a lucky fella!! This past weekend I went on an antique shopping trip through some small towns. I went to 7 stores and none had anything worth buying. The fact that you have a store so close with a guy that has that many razors makes me jealous. BTW, I'd go for that Boker for sure!!

I looked at razors in antique stores when I first started thinking about trying a straight razor. I didn't hit the jackpot on the amount you found but I did run across a few. I made mental notes and went home and Googled up the images and such. I saw razors at the same price in a lot better shape online. I love old stuff so I never bought or would buy a new one. ( well, some guys make very cool customs too) Are you thinking of collecting? Just want to try different sizes, shapes, makers ? Look around at what they sell for here in the classifieds. My path would have been a little different had I joined and saw that first. Sounds like your just looking around. Best to do some research and make up your mind which variable is most important. I like Double Ducks because I hear they hold an edge and shave real nice. I am sure you'll get more feed back but that's my 2 cents.

What a lucky resource indeed! I have driven for hours, visited every little store on the way to/from the Coast and come up with 'one' razor in fair condition!

If it were me in your situation I'd make sure the guy knew why I was into razors (use vs curiosity) and then make it a point visit and hang out every so often to learn as much as possible. Buying would be secondary. I'd find out what else he might be into and work trade angles if I had or could acquire those items (like if he collected razors years ago and still has them but now he is into cigars/smoking antiques) for good prices as one market may be cheaper/looser than the other. After doing that for a while you will likely end up with a great resource and a friend that will know you are into razors and serious and he'll set the pace for purchases. Tell him what you are shaving with as you go and then don't be surprised if he hooks you up with a much better razor with a casual, "Go home and try this.".

Your area is only about 10 hours from me... Might have to head that way in the Spring.