Thread: Bad Collector Thoughts

From what I have read, I think that I would make a really bad straight razor collector.

I borrowed the book Standard Guide to Razors: Identification and Values, by Roy Ritchie & Ron Stewart (1995) to try to get an idea about the values of straight razors. In the book it seems that the major determiner of value, according to the authors, is the composition, adornment and condition of the razor's scales. In the book, the blade itself only adds to the value of the razor.

In my mind, which some question, the condition, composition, size and shape of the blade should be the major determiner of value. The scales should then be taken into consideration to add to the value of the razor.

Am I totally off base with this one?

I would agree, but then I am a user not a collector!

Maybe because nicely worked blades are a rarity. In most cases you just have a regular spike/round/b.n./french/spanish, with a maker's stamp and nothing else.

This sort of falls along the lines of collectible fishing lures maybe? They're worthless if they don't come in the original box. Don't ask me why.

Originally Posted by JMS

I would agree, but then I am a user not a collector!

My sentiments exactly....

I was thinking the same thing. I look at the scale, and would like to re-scale some, but mainly, I like blades. As stated, its likely because of our interest in actually shaving with them. - John

You know I have seen the naked lady scales and the tortoise shell is cool I guess, but, you know what -

Give me a clean, sparkly smooth unadorned or very lightly adorned blade, I like even better the blades without the supporting notched ribs for he full hollow, but with the grind that flows unobstructed to the tang, like an old Henckels Twin that I have - those are lines boys, those are lines. Like the fender of an old fine automobile, no pinstripes, no crap - just lines...No gold wash nonsense, no crest of this or that city or bridge or Mason symbols, nah...just a nice sharp blade.

The scales are just scales to me for the most part.

K

I was surprised to read that the scales determine more of the value. I'm not a collector either. I guess to me the type of steel and condition of the steel would mean more. The ability of the steel to retain an edge and not being rusted or pitted would mean more. For example; if the tang is stamped Solingen, I immediately associate that with quality steel. I would have guessed an older razor with a great blade, clean scales would carry the value. Guess my RAD is restricted to having a nice rotation.......lol.
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Del

You have to remember that most collectors have never used a SR8, all they know is the Art neuvo look. They are mostly into it for the "RETRO" look. Most could not tell one steel from another. Look at some of the listings on ebay. These people sell to these collectors. They up front tell you that the blade and scales need to be cleaned and they don't know how to do it. How many do you think come here and look around?

Phil

Originally Posted by Howard Newell

This sort of falls along the lines of collectible fishing lures maybe? They're worthless if they don't come in the original box. Don't ask me why.

yeah, makes no sense to me...can't catch fish if it's still in the box...or can you?