Thread: What Should I Collect?

This is an interesting topic.

I agree with what has been said previously. - You need to collect what you want, not what anybody else collects or says. It's like art, do you buy it for what you like, or as an investment? Well, obviously, if you don't have the money to invest, you should just buy what you like with what your budget permits.

I don't consider myself a collector, but there are some razors that really fascinate me: "Framebacks" for one! The first time I saw a photo of one, and I am talking about the real ones, not the faux Framebacks. I am refering to the ones that actually have a removable blade. I thought, "What a funny looking razor". As it turns out, I bought one, and discovered that these razors are fabulous shavers. Very forgiving, and give really smooth shaves. - and they are very collectable. I have five of them. Probably of the five I have, the most collectable is a John Barber. It does have the Mason square logo, probably made around 1834 or thereabouts.

Then you can get in to certain collectable manufacturers. I stumbled upon a "T. Hessen Bruch & Co." not long ago. Wow! What a sleeper of a brand. Very good steel, great shavers, and has a very interesting history. Their logo is a standing bear with his paws grasping what is called a "ragged Staff". Upon further research, there is an actual coat of arms with this logo. It's called "The Bear and Ragged Staff. It's listed with "Warwickshire County Council" of England. These razors are available at average Ebay prices (for now). I think they're great, and I own five of them, two have the logo on the scales (rare). This is just a little history of one MFG. that might interest someone.- like me!

Some have fascinating logos, and the list is long. It's whatever interests YOU!

* I really believe that these razors we arenow buying thru Ebay and private resources, etc., will be very, very rare in the future. How far in the future will the old stock finially become rare and very, very valuable? I don't know..... 20 years?? 30 years??

** My daughter is trying to get me to create a journal that lists all the information that I can provide about all my razors. This would obviously be for my family for after I am gone(sob). An interesting project!

Good Luck,

Steve

There are too many interesting razors out there for me personally to limit myself to only looking for a certain type. I'm not that kind of person.

I agree, we're into the "sucking residual oil out of the sand" stage of vintage razors. Think of how many across the world are getting broken, thrown away, rusting into oblivion, etc. With the finite number of them continually shrinking, it will be interesting to see how many will be available decades from now and what prices they will bring.

Chris L

The information that you have all given has been truly superb. It has really helped me look at the razors I have in a whole new light. For example, perhaps categorizing the ivory handles razors together. I do like the idea of building a few collections -- hell what’s the point in being a collector if you don’t allow yourself to collect!

I do have a couple of duck’s that I love, I may move down that road. I know a local antique store that seems to get a surprisingly steady stream of them. (Though in a lot of cases their condition is much to be desired).

I’m also a big fan of ‘George Butler’ razors; I think I there might be something there. Anyway, I’m hoping to start posting some pictures of my current razors in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the advice.

Paddington.

I began collecting by buying every thing the antique shops had that didn't have a broken blade or big chip out of. Now I still look but only buy what I think is special and of good to great shape. I don't care what the scales look like because they can be replaced easily. I also plan to add to my custom razors. I love my SRP Mastro Livi that is one of my top two shavers. I don't think my RAD is under control but I am now more picky.

bj

Take a look through the forums at the brand names people like to shave with and the brands you see being restored. Try to get a copy of one of the old books like Ritchie's Guide to Razors or the Razor Anthology. There are great razors out there that were made in Sheffield, the US, Germany and France. Once you get an idea of the more popular or even scarce names, you can start trying to find them and try them out. I have always tried to hone and shave with every razor I have bought, but some folks simply catalog them and collect them. Age, rare handles (like old ivory or MOP or Nudes), original handles and brands are always factors.

Have fun,

Lynn

If money were no object I would collect unique or custom razors. I would on occaision venture out and go with rare razors too.

Where are you from?
You could "collect" razors made in or for where you are from!
If you are in London look for razors that where made buy or for London retailers.
They are all good - nearly!
Was there a maker with your Surname? Maybe!
Do you like Ivory, horn or rubber scales? Don't pick Ivory, I love Ivory
M