Thread: What is Depreciation on a razor?

Well gents, in the world of razors there is no real "Kelly Blue Book" to assess the value of a newer razor in "used" condition. So if you are going to buy a new razor, or the exact same razor used, what is the breaking point in cost?

So I put it to you, the community at large... what is appropriate amount of depreciation (%) on a new production razor that has been used a few times?

This is all personal opinion. It really comes down to how much a person values breaking in a new product.

For me with a brush, for example, its all about the deflowering. I can't understand seeing folks buying lightly used $150 brushes for $20 off the original price. I'm not even sure I'd buy one at half price.

Razors, though, can actually have value added, for example if its been sharpened. In fact, many prehoned razors have been shave tested. They could also have value lost, like if someone put a big chip in the edge, or someone butchered it with a 325 grit benchstone.

I would say it's pretty steep.

There are a ton of classic razors out there that have held their value really well, even apprecited significantly.

Then there are a ton of used razors out there that are in good shape but are just workmanlike but have value because in their condition from that brand they are more rare.

Then there are the used razors still in production, these to me aren't worth as much because of no collectable value and ready availibility of ones in mint condition.

Thats just me though, I know some guys opinions will differ.

That's a tough one. There are TI's, like their top of the lines that go for about 200 new and then there are DDs that are old and go for twice that price. I think it has more to do with collectability than just depreciation. There are old razors from the 1800s which sold for maybe a buck or two back then when people earned $25.00 a week that in 2008 terms would now sell for maybe 200. There's many ways of looking at it.

Thanks guys for all the great insight but I feel like I should clarify my question a little.

I am asking about a currently available razor. For example:

If I was considering purchasing 5/8 Dovo currently available on ClassicShaving or Vintage Blades for, lets say, $100.

I then find one second hand in "near mint" condition. How high should I be willing to pay for the second hand before I should just buy the new one?

I realize honing is worth money but all else being equal...?

Originally Posted by oSPANNERo

Thanks guys for all the great insight but I feel like I should clarify my question a little.

I am asking about a currently available razor. For example... A 5/8 dovo available on ClassicShaving or Vintage Blades for lets say $100. How much would it be worth second hand? I realize honing is worth money but all else being equal...?

If it is still in excellent shape I would say the new models tend to lose 30-35%. That makes it a value to buy te used if excellent. As stated above that if there is not a collectable value because that is a whole different world.

It really depends. I have been chasing a 6/8 Dorko with black scales and pearl-like inlay and they keep going around $200 which is way past my budget. I am sure that is a step up from the price when it was produced, in fact I have seen them a year ago for $100+/-. So who knows. I guess it comes down to what people are willing to pay for it.

Originally Posted by RichZ

It really depends. I have been chasing a 6/8 Dorko with black scales and pearl-like inlay and they keep going around $200 which is way past my budget. I am sure that is a step up from the price when it was produced, in fact I have seen them a year ago for $100+/-. So who knows. I guess it comes down to what people are willing to pay for it.

You know I bought one of those from Mr barance about 3 years ago. I paid about $60.00 for it.

Originally Posted by oSPANNERo

Thanks guys for all the great insight but I feel like I should clarify my question a little.

I am asking about a currently available razor. For example:

If I was considering purchasing 5/8 Dovo currently available on ClassicShaving or Vintage Blades for, lets say, $100.

I then find one second hand in "near mint" condition. How high should I be willing to pay for the second hand before I should just buy the new one?

I realize honing is worth money but all else being equal...?

But you see it will still depend on the razor. maybe a standard dovo might depreciate 50% however a TI Silverwing might depreciate only 20% or less or a TI Pierre Thiers might not go down at all so it will depend from razor to razor.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

But you see it will still depend on the razor. maybe a standard dovo might depreciate 50% however a TI Silverwing might depreciate only 20% or less or a TI Pierre Thiers might not go down at all so it will depend from razor to razor.

It is that magic word "Collect-ability" once that happens all rules go away