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

[Wintchase]

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

[JimmyHAD]

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 $$.

[Birnando]

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

[MickRussell]

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.

[HNSB]

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

[JimmyHAD]

Referring to it in terms I can understand, in 1968 I was finally old enough to buy a handgun. A Colt Government Model 45ACP full retail cost $135.00 in my local gun shop. A S&W model 19 4" blue, NIB 357 magnum was $120.00. Did a quick google for those now. Cheapest NIB Colt gov model is $850.

[AFDavis11]

More importantly, which one did you buy?

[Wintchase]

Referring to it in terms I can understand, in 1968 I was finally old enough to buy a handgun. A Colt Government Model 45ACP full retail cost $135.00 in my local gun shop. A S&W model 19 4" blue, NIB 357 magnum was $120.00. Did a quick google for those now. Cheapest NIB Colt gov model is $850.

Well, one fellow made sense by saying I should look at the average income.... So, if you look at it that way..Keeping in mind that all the following numbers are just puled off the internet with no real research behind them, just a quick google for "average incomes. In 1968 the median income was $8632,00..So at $120.00 for a pistol that is 1.39 percent of an annual income; compared to 2010 when the median is listed as around $46,000 (lots of differnt numbers listed, i just picked one for the sake of discussion). At $46k a $120 pistol would .26% of a person's income. So, that would mean we are actually getting more for our money.
Now, lets figure out razors: 1905 average income was $400. average razor $1.50. That would be .375% of a person's income.
2010 average income $46,000. average razor, i don't know lets say a for a new one is around $120 (just for a median, I know they go for $65 - infinity).. So, the percent would be .26%...Still pretty good.....

Well, I guess I have no arguement when you look at it that way...I guess I have no excuses to not buy another razor!

[nun2sharp]

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 $$.

Ooooh Jimmy, I am with you on this one brother! I just ripped the knees out of another pair of Carhartt jeans not even 6 months old, remember when it took 6 months just to break them in?

[Bruno]

Not only that, but the price of 1.50$ is also for an average razor for an average person.
If you want exitc scale material and fancy spinework, it would be more costly.