Thread: Are we paying to much for razors today?..I mean in 2011

So, according to the formula below and some ads I saw that reflected the costs of razors in the early 1900's (approx $1.50) we should be paying around $40.48 per razor...Now I am not greedy and am willing to pay a little more for a custom..So, I think $60.00 is more than genrous....

To calculate the change in prices, use the formula from the example below:
What is $1 in 1850 worth in 2011?
2011 Price = 1850 Price x (2011 CPI / 1850 CPI)
2011 Price = $1 x (674.7 / 25)
2011 Price = $26.99
$1 in 1850 is worth $26.99 in 2011.

Ref: Consumer Price Index (Estimate) 1800-2008 | The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Talking about age, they say "60 is the new 40." Maybe so but AFAIC $100.00 is the new $10.00 .... in terms of what I get for my $$.

Well, considering the amount of razors produced back then, I'd say the offerings today are quite reasonably priced to be honest. What we are buying today, when it comes to vintage blades anyway, are antiques.
Now, that makes for a whole different formula to figure the prices compared to the yesteryears

That only takes into account inflation, not changes in supply or demand.

Today (in my best estimate) demand is lower than 1850 at all inflation adjusted price points, but supply is even lower in relation. Therefore prices are higher.

There's more to consider than just inflation. Back "in the day" these were the ONLY kind of razors around so if you shaved, you used one. As such they were produced in much higher numbers than they are today and by many more companies all competing for tiny margins. There are other factors, like varying cost of wages and raw materials to consider as well. It's not a simple comparison to make at all.
I'd suggest a better metric to use would be to compare the cost of the razor to the average working wage. I don't have the numbers at hand but I suspect it would be a more telling comparison.

After being into straights for only around 8 months I would say you are around spot on with 60-80. I have spent on probably 12 razors around 40-60 on average.

If you become narrow minded and go after a specific brand/custom then this will increase. Keep an open mind and and I think you will end up in your ballpark.


I think for razors that are prodominately vintage we are paying a fair price.

20 bucks is the most will pay, but I shop at flea markets and local antique stores.

No one else seems to buy them around here so not much demand...

Originally Posted by sidmind

20 bucks is the most will pay, but I shop at flea markets and local antique stores.

No one else seems to buy them around here so not much demand...

And where exactly are you???

Originally Posted by MickRussell

I'd suggest a better metric to use would be to compare the cost of the razor to the average working wage. I don't have the numbers at hand but I suspect it would be a more telling comparison.

This post was about pricing from 1908, but should be helpful here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...tml#post800156

And yet another way to look at it is the price per shave... I saw a thread somewhere about it here. The price of cartrige razors are just stupid... This is one of the main reason I switched to straight razors... much cheeper in the long run (unless someone buys more than one or two... then its more of a hobby as far as economics go).