Thread: Resale

I was wondering if it is worth restoring SRs that are under 6/8 size if you are planning to resell them?

That is for you to decide.

Values are not discussed here.

There are people who have made a business out of restoration. But, as with any business, the devil is in the details.

What I should have asked is there a market for smaller sized blades?

There is honestly not a big 'market' for any of this old stuff, I feel.

Seems there is a fair amount of trade in new things. People want new!

Nothing wrong with restoring vintage razors on the smaller side. Just see what they are selling for and adjust to buying in great condition. See where your value lies.
Doing lots of work on a common razor should not be done with profit in mind, IMO. Should be a labor of love....A hobby.

Just me

Yes, a lot of 6/8- are worth restoring and selling.
Size isn't everything.

And word to the wise : as soon as you are thinking of making a profit out of a hobby, you are already on the verge of losing that hobby.

It depends on condition and acquisition price. How much time you are willing to invest in restoration. Level of restoration (return to like new or leave some patina). How little of a profit are you willing to accept? Are you selling shave ready?

I have been buying and selling shave ready for over two decades. I leave some patina. You really can not charge for your time and honing unless you are well established in restoration and honing. I start at $15-$20 over my cost and many don't sell for much more. Many of my buyers are repeat customers and very satisfied. Prices have gone crazy the past few years. Sellers are asking big bucks for chipped, rusty blades saying they are great for display.

Hope this helps as a guide. Good luck.

Definitely a labor of love. Restored plenty myself. I've bought a few off Bouschie, then restored them further, for myself.

I thought of turning this hobby into a side hustle but never really found the time. Or the desire to part with any once I put the time into their restorations.
Now, I’m quite selective about which ones I still seek out.
I do intend to try my hand at forging a few blades, but that worm hole needs to wait some as well.
I have found gifting, swapping and bartering of blades and services the most satisfying part of this hobby with like minded gentlemen.
The volume of interactions ebbs and flows with world events and natural aging I suppose.

I was fortunate (?) to have begun this madness 18 years ago when there were still high-quality razors about and restored ones were bringing a premium.
Old cut throats from England don't fly any more. You could send to AU, no sweat. Shipping is a big issue anywhere. Import taxes in most countries are a deal-breaker.

It did not take long to figure out that duplicates had to go and the profit went to more rare and unusual specimens for personal collecting and restoration.
Most of what I have now was acquired in this manner. As a result, not much outlay and tons of work resulted in a pretty nice collection.
I still have lots to restore. Fortunately, the majority of these are in pretty good original shape so getting them going will be fairly straightforward.
I also went for nice scales with toasted blades and made several sets of wind chimes with the blades!
A good amount of busy work lay in store and most will have to be sold.
However the time came when I had to stop and take care of other things. The good stuff has really dried up due to the internet.
I never see anything I would buy any more. I can go through page after page on ebay and all is broken, worn, rusty.
Disposable income is pretty hard to find for most, I think!

The heyday ended much as it began in my observations. I am happy to have what I do as I could never do it again.
Most razor guys are pretty frugal, so I always concentrate on the high end buyers as I restore and attempt to sell.
The only way to make money on anything is to buy low and sell high.
In that regard, time is on my side. I hope it may supplement my eventual retirement. IF I live long enough!