Thread: What Should I Collect?

Hi there folks,

I’m looking for a bit of guidance. I want to start collecting straight razors (properly); however, I don’t want to just collect any old razor. I want to build a collection that has some theme to it, this could be maker, country, period, etc.

I’m looking for suggestions on what could make an interesting collection. I want something that will challenge me, but I have no idea what to go for! I hope you guys can help come up with some suggestions.

Just one guiding point:
I enjoy a challenge, I would like something a bit different. Perhaps a type of razor that you don’t see often or a maker that is scarce.

Lol, I think I should call this ‘The Straight Razor Challenge’. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Best Regards,
Paddington.

I found it to be the most fun searching for a Brand. Mine is dd but there are plenty

Tough call man! I think the best idea would be to collect something that YOU want to collect, not what someone else suggests. If you went with a country- it's too easy. If you went with a maker it'd have to be a rare/sought after one which means bigger $$$, but as long as that's alright with you... A certain type of razor (style) would work well. Suggestions- Any razor with GOOD file work on the spine (decorative patterns), Dubl Duck "reapers"- these are a specific RARE model of Dubl Duck razor that has a Grim Reaper in brass on the scales- very sought after and $$$, maybe any razor made before like 1810 or so- those razors with a very tapered blade and straight scales? I don't know man, all these suggestions may mean nothing to you or you may see one and hate it, so I still think it's best to look around and get a feel for what you like. I know what IIIII should (and do) collect! lol

Hi and welcome.

Are you planning on purely collecting vintage razors in their found condition or are you planning on shaving with and restoring the razors you collect?

Rarely will you find a mint condition vintage or NOS straight razor and if you do, get in line with a hundred other guys with money to spend (i.e. the prices can be high for these).

If you're planning on purely collecting razors and nothing more, then I would say you'd probably be most interested in looking for razors with unique scales (handles) that appeal to you. Since scales were made from bone, ivory, tortoise shell, horn, metal, celluloid, mother of pearl, they can have many more variations that knives.

I hope that helps.

Chris L

Wow folks, the replies are all giving me something to think about.

I should have mentioned that I do already collect razors -- it’s 2.45 am, I’m feeling forgetful; writing a very exciting paper on Monism, (Hah) -- however, I have a problem with discipline. I find that I am drawn to most razors, they all have character!

If I’m left to my own devices I will continue to just build a room full of razors -- it will not be a collection. I’m looking for ideas from you guys, as this will give me focus!

So keep the ideas coming, but for now my bed is calling me.

Paddington.

I would have to concur with the others, its just a matter of what appeals or intrigues you the most wether it is a variety of scales, style of blade, specific maker, artistic value, the list could go on. Check out the collector guides, ebay, as well as the pics you can find here @SRP and see what draws your interest.

As Chris L asked, do you shave with them or just collect them ? Since you have been at it awhile I would have assumed you would know what you like ? A pal of mine says that two of anything is the start of a collection. When I first started collecting razors in the 1980s I tried shaving with them for a brief period and gave up on it. I accumulated a couple of hundred and later sold most of them.

I found the razors that rang my bell were the old Sheffields circa late 1700s early 1800s. I kept a few of those. They are fairly scarce. At least they were before the world wide web.

Since I started shaving with straights exclusively I am back up to around a hundred again. Most are from the twentieth century and my focus is on quality shavers in as good a shape as I can get. A good friend of mine since passed on collected figural handles. The blades were incidental.

The brands that come to mind as being popular collectibles are the fore mentioned Dubl Duck, Puma, Filarmonica, C-Mon, Craftsman. There are quite a few. Check out the forum index for the "razor clubs" and you can see some good examples of what some of the members favor.

Then you have the customs by Robert Williams, Mastro Livi, Joe Chandler, Tim Zowada, Josh Earl, LR Harner and others. That is a field in itself for a guy with deep pockets. Good hunting and if you come up with anything cool post a photo in the Show and Tell forum. We would love to see it.

Thanks for taking the time to reply folks.

I have a few razors that I use to shave; however, I would not want to make ‘shave ready’ a stipulation of the collection. I would like to have a go at restoring some of my older razors; however, I’m not confident enough in my ability to try! (Though reading through ‘The Workshop’ is making me want to try).

Jimmy, I will probably sell the majority of my razors once I figure out my niche. I guess everyone starts buying a couple of straights that have no real connection!

I’m lucky enough to own a couple of the razors already mentioned -- though condition varies tremendously -- so they may be a good place to start. However, I intend to explore all the options that you guys have suggested.

Just to clarify, I’m not to fussed about price. If something only cost a couple of quid, but I loved it I would buy it. If something cost a couple of hundred, but I loved it I would buy it. Like I mentioned above, I find myself drawn to a huge cross section of razors. However, I will find a niche if it’s the last bloody thing I do.

Best Regards,
Paddington.

Paddington, sounds like my shotgun approach, instead of focusing on one genre I take aim at a bit of everything. It is fun and I enjoy it. I have collected stuff since I can remember. When I was a kid it was comic books and it has been one thing or another all of my life. Something in the genes ?

My criteria for razors or anything else has become to collect something I can use. That is why straight razors and hones are so atractive to me. I have a small collection of mint Case XX knives that I look at and acmire every once in awhile. The rub is that I can't use them or I cut the value by half.

I can interact with my razors. Hone and strop them and finally shave with them. They are all the same yet they are all unique. It is far more enjoyable to me then stamps or butterflys would be. I hope you find the niche you are looking for.

Years ago when i was showing a friend a newly acquirred Case XX with stag handles he said,"If you can't be satisfied with what you have you will never be satisfied with what you get". Story of my life. I accept that though and keep on. Eventually I may have enough. Just not there yet. When I finally shuffle off this mortal coil the estate sale will be interesting.

Since it's difficult for you to decide, you can just split it into different collections. You can group them in any way that appeals to you. "Swedish Framebacks", "Ivory scales", "Pre 1860 Sheffield, etc.