Thread: Good deal?

Saw this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6565235101

Is this a good deal? Not many details, and the pictures not so great. Any advise appreciated.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Pappy

Saw this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6565235101

Is this a good deal? Not many details, and the pictures not so great. Any advise appreciated.Thanks

Greetings Pappy,

Welcome to the Forum. Are you new to straight razor shaving? What straights do you currently have? If this would be one of your first acquisitions and you are new to shaving with a straight, I would shy away from purchasing them on ebay, regardless of how good the deals you may find. Instead, I would be willing to spend 35-55 USD for a good shave ready sharp used razor. Lynn the honemeister extraordinaire always has a few for sale; Bill Ellis (our leading expert on razor restoration) has quite a few nice ones for sale; and I believe Randy Tuttle (accomplished honemeister) has a NOS shaver available for a decent price. Dave Uthe (another accomplished homemeister) may also have some good used shavers to offer. With razors purchased from these men, you will be set to enjoy a good shave; whereas, with an ebay razor you can never be sure what condition the blade is in, and if you haven't mastered your honing skills, then you will have only set yourself up for disappointment rather than satisfaction, failure rather than success. Once you've got to know about straights by using them, understanding how to sharpen them, and discussing them here on the forum, then you will have the working knowledge you need to make informed choices when bidding on ebay.

Hal

Good advise. I have looked at the sources you mention, however, I will need to wait a while before purchasing from them. I live on an extremely tight budget right now and even the modest prices they ask are a bit much for me at the moment. I would still like an opinion on the Boker brand, for future reference. I'll take your advise and pass on this for now.

Originally Posted by Pappy

Good advise. I have looked at the sources you mention, however, I will need to wait a while before purchasing from them. I live on an extremely tight budget right now and even the modest prices they ask are a bit much for me at the moment. I would still like an opinion on the Boker brand, for future reference. I'll take your advise and pass on this for now.

Hi again Pappy,

I know what you mean about tight budgets, I really do. There is some talk of a razor give away in the near future, so you might watch for that; but even so you'll still need to get a decent strop. Additionally, maybe some members here can pay a strop and/or razor forward to you?

Almost all the razors listed on ebay are decent brands EXCEPT those new made in Pakistan razors. Definitely DON'T buy these. On the other hand, Bokers are excellent shavers and a favorite among many members here. There are so many different brands it will amaze you, but when buying used on ebay, a good brand in no guarantee of a good razor. Some of the most prized brands can be so damaged and abused that they are not worth even the postage to send them.

Again, welcome to the forum. Feel free to ask any questions. This place is all about sharing information and helping new members get started. Enjoy.

Hal

Originally Posted by Pappy

I would still like an opinion on the Boker brand, for future reference. I'll take your advise and pass on this for now.

One of my half dozen or so shavers is a Böker and it's an excellent piece of steel. I find it very comfortable to shave with.

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