Thread: Where do folks find old razors?

For the aficionados out there: aside from eBay, where do you find most of your old razors?

In my case, I'm not looking for the uber collectable ones, but just good servicable models.

(I know about the ones offerred by members here. They look good, and there's a good chance that I'll end up with one. For now, I've a couple of fairly-nice Japanese water stones that are just itching for me to screw up a razor or two prior to "caving in". ink: )

-Ivan

Ivan,

I am sorry to say but for me the only place I have been looking is on ebay. You have to look regularly though I have missed a few by not looking soon enough.

Flea Markets...
Be sure to ask each vendor if they have any. Many times they are never unpacked. Be aware of the values, however. Know what you are looking for. Many sellers think they have a gem in a rusted torrey with cracks at the pivot pin.
Most of the time, if there is only surface rust and no appreciable hone wear, you can't go wrong for $15 to $20.
Antique faires are where I am able to pick up the really collectible ones. I have gotten many $200 razors for $50 and under. A lot of dealers don't want to spend the time to learn the values of these things. They mostly just stick what they think is a high price on it and hope to snag some one with the word rare on the tag.
There is a sleeper on eBay right now that I am going after. ink: Starting bid is really low. It doesn't look fancy and it needs a little work, but it is truly a rare model of a specific brand name. It's a $250 razor. You are well ahead of the game if you study a little on it.

Check out the Gun and Knife shows as well. Usually the knife dealers have a display of straight razors if you ask them. Lynn

Originally Posted by adjustme69

Check out the Gun and Knife shows as well. Usually the knife dealers have a display of straight razors if you ask them. Lynn

I just did this down in west palm beach this weekend. mixed luck. one guy selling an excellent condition, slightly used dovo for twice the cost of new! :roll: he got mad when I told him he was nuts. :lol:
got luckier at the antique show being held next door and picked up one good condition double duck for $15 and a really nice boker for $20. the double duck will need some polishing and honing to be useable, but the boker was terrific!

On the same line, I have seen a couple of books on straights and pricing. What are some good ones to add to the collection?

Dr. Phong.

You should also check large yard sales along with the Flea Markets. Also, many times Estate Sales will offer-up a gem, especially if it was an older couples home being sold off. Antique stores are a good source, although they worry (and price!) more by age than by functionality, but you can still find some treasures in them.

A fun part of Straight Shaving is hunting for the tools!

Best -

Originally Posted by Dr_Phong

On the same line, I have seen a couple of books on straights and pricing. What are some good ones to add to the collection?

Dr. Phong.

The books are only good for photos and history. For pricing look at Ebay.

I have found some at antique malls, but they are more often priced way way too high. However it is nice to be able to see & handle the razors to check them out with a magnifyer. Then it is Ebay for me.

John in Covina

Gotta watch both the Antique and Gun Shows as there are many dealers out there who have no clue about the cost or worth of straight razors and try to gouge you bad. On the other hand, you won't be unhappy if you get a great deal. Lynn