Thread: What to Look For in a Used Razor?

I have read the beginners guide regarding what to look for in used razor, such as nicks, cracks, micro-pitting, scale centring etc but what I am having trouble with is evaluating the blade type/style/shape and whether the razor should actually look like this, or whether it looks the way it does from age, poor care, inadequate/inconsistent honing and stropping etc



For instance, the razor in the attached pic. This is an old Kropp (image from ebay). I have no intention of purchasing and also apologise if this is a sale from any member here as I am in no way suggesting that there is anything wrong with this particular razor. I'm purely asking some questions as a beginner. Is the profile of the blade like this or is there actually significant wear at the toe of the blade. If this is wear, is something like this correctable to obtain a good shave?

Cheers Nodz

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. OTOH, even though someone either honed out a nick or chip, or more likely was a heavy handed honer it could be honed and used to shave with. I always suggest full blades with even hone wear, no cracks, or large chips. Scales can be replaced but I personally prefer original and look for no cracks at the pivot. Bug bites or a tight crack at the wedge for horn or other natural materials are acceptable if the overall razor is desirable to me.

Razors that are in some way compromised with damage to blade or scales can many times be restored to usable condition , if not to their former glory. OTOH, unless the buyer has the skills and the tools to do the restore it can cost more than the razor will be worth when it is all done. So you have to take that into consideration. Rescaling a razor can run $75 to $100 for acrylic and if it is exotic material even higher. So for an average shaver I prefer to get one as close to real good as possible. IMHO.

Thanks for your response. As I said I had no intention of buying this razor, to me it just looked wrong, like the blade is extremely worn at the toe. The spine at the toe also looks considerably worn. It looked to me, and believe me I am no expert, that excess pressure had been put on the toe while honing causing extreme wear in that area.

I look for razors with little spine wear, no visible frown or ridiculous smile, no rust or deep pitting. I always stay away from the ones with chipped edges too. I don't care much about the scales if I think I am getting a really good blade at a good price. I have scored a couple of beauties that have awesome blades but the scales are crap. I can always replace the scales.