Thread: Antique shops

Been scouring them for straights and it seems others where I live are also onto them. Several shops said they had one or two and then it turned out they just sold them / weren't in the displays.

The funniest thing was when I talked to an 80+ salesperson. She was asking me if I collect them, and I responded that I am more of a user but with the number of razors I already have I guess you can say I also collect them. At this point I got the pancake eyes and she said "Wow, you use one? I remember MY grandfather used one" and then she proceeded to show how he shaved with it and wiped the blade, too funny. She was cringing while showing too

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

Been scouring them for straights and it seems others where I live are also onto them. Several shops said they had one or two and then it turned out they just sold them / weren't in the displays.

Wait until May and June. The shops I frequent rarely have more than one or two for sale(if at all), but in May they gear up for Father's Day gift hunters and straights start appearing like magic.

Very interesting - thanks for the tip.

At one place I was trying to understand if / when they are getting new razors and in the process asked if they get razors from estate sales or people bring them in the store or what and how often. At this point the grandpa gave me the evil eye, turned his nose up and said: "We don't discuss our business" with an air of unquestionable contempt

Give me a break, I know their business: pay pennies on whatever and make a killing on the resale. I felt pretty mad that a guy like this is trying to make me feel bad. By the way - is it normal for antique shops NOT to have price tags? Is this an invitation to haggle? I'm not too good at haggling but maybe I should start - might be fun

Cheers
Ivo

Ivo,

I don't see many str8s in the antique shops around here, either... and when I do you'd think they were made of gold, lol. I do find them at the gun and knife shows and flea markets though. Saw a couple nice big W&Bs in a knife vendors booth at a flea market a couple weeks ago... $40 each.

One of my sideline businesses is building PCs for people. I went to a local retirement center PC-club meeting a while back and have gotten some orders from elderly people. They always call me for help because most don't have a clue how to run their new PC... I get to talking to them and usually a friendship of sort forms. I've had a number of them drag out their father's razors when we get to talking about my hobbies... and several have just flat given them to me!!! I got my nicest W&B that way. (unfortunately, the razors are all waiting for me to find time to "restore" them, but that's another story.)

Yesterday I scored a bonanza... I visited a client who needed some help understanding how to use his scanner and the guy told me he was cleaning out his carport earlier that day and he said "I found some things I haven't seen for 40-years". He handed me an old Burns Cigar box tied shut with string and told me it was a gift and to open it when I got home.

I opened it last night after dinner .....

WOW... 4 razors and a barber hone

• An ERN 1720 Crown & Sword,
• a Wm Gilchrist frameback,
• a Challenge Cutlery "Celebrated Rifle Razor", and
• an American Wares.

All the razors are good to very good shape no cracks or chips in the blades. And very little rust (there's a lot to be said for living in the desert, lol... imagine 40 years in a cigar box in a carport and almost no rust... ).

The barber hone is in good shape but has no discernible name. It is bigger than the others I have... measures 1-7/8 x 6 inches. Single grit, though.

Joe,

this is great - helping these people with their PCs and all. My parents aren't that old but they also need help so I understand how they depend on you. They also can use the company, and I totally understand how they'd give you a razor as a gift.

When I grow old - I'd probably do the same. What with 2 daughters... So if I like someone, and he is using straights - I'd give him one. Sure, I'll still keep some - maybe for grandkids or just a keepsake

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

Very interesting - thanks for the tip.

At one place I was trying to understand if / when they are getting new razors and in the process asked if they get razors from estate sales or people bring them in the store or what and how often. At this point the grandpa gave me the evil eye, turned his nose up and said: "We don't discuss our business" with an air of unquestionable contempt

Give me a break, I know their business: pay pennies on whatever and make a killing on the resale. I felt pretty mad that a guy like this is trying to make me feel bad. By the way - is it normal for antique shops NOT to have price tags? Is this an invitation to haggle? I'm not too good at haggling but maybe I should start - might be fun

Cheers
Ivo

The reason he would not discuss how the aquisitions are made probably have to do with privacy. You see, a LOT of antique stores are really just places for a group of antique dealers to sell their wares. They share the costs of the building/storefront and they each take turns "manning" the store for a day or two(or they may hire a manager to run the place for them) They all watch each other's backs to protect their sources. Of course, that does not excuse rudeness.

And there should be price tags.

Sure, I understand they don't want me to go out and compete with them at the source. I wasn't really thinking of this - I don't have the time and inclination to go to estate sales anyway. Otherwise - I might. Just wanted to see how often / when to check back again at the shop.

THanks
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

Sure, I understand they don't want me to go out and compete with them at the source. I wasn't really thinking of this - I don't have the time and inclination to go to estate sales anyway. Otherwise - I might. Just wanted to see how often / when to check back again at the shop.

THanks
Ivo

Ah... well he probably has no more idea when new razors will be in than you do!

Originally Posted by azjoe

Ivo,

WOW... 4 razors and a barber hone

• An ERN 1720 Crown & Sword,
• a Wm Gilchrist frameback,
• a Challenge Cutlery "Celebrated Rifle Razor", and
• an American Wares.

All the razors are good to very good shape no cracks or chips in the blades. And very little rust (there's a lot to be said for living in the desert, lol... imagine 40 years in a cigar box in a carport and almost no rust... ).

The barber hone is in good shape but has no discernible name. It is bigger than the others I have... measures 1-7/8 x 6 inches. Single grit, though.

Nice jackpot! And having a story behind it makes it all the sweeter.

My last trip to the antique mall was very productive. Two Henckels and a Crown and Sword for 25 bucks. They were in good condition and clean up nicely and they are now honed and shaving. In my experience the folks working there are very helpful. Once they realized I was looking for razors I had people coming at me from every direction offering me all types of razors. The lady that sold me the straights even started talking about the factory in Solingen, she had a german accent. I was surprised that she knew about Solingen and the factories so I kept talking to her and she told me her father worked at the factory making blades. She was about 70+. I dont know if she was trying to sell me the razors which I was buying anyways since she gave me a 50% discount on the lot. But I thought it was interesting that she knew about Solingen and the factories.

and yes all items should have a price tag.

Raf