Officially 'in' to this now..

Won my first ever ebay auction today. I managed to bag a Dbl Duck str8, since they get a pretty good 'talk up' on this site. The scales aren't looking like they are in the best shape, but I figure I can (hopefully) deal with that, or perhaps replace them later down the road. (ebay link )

Was also at a flea market today, and was looking around for str8s. Found one vendor that actually had some, and only one of the 4 he had was salvagable. It was a Boker, and it pretty good shape as well except for broken scales up near the tang (similar to the scales on the ebay I won). He wanted $20 for it, but I wasn't sure if that was too much or not. He wouldn't go for $10 even though I pointed out the broken scales and a bit of rust that was on the blade. He had the gall to say he saw one like it going for $65 on ebay. I laughed and walked away.

So how good (or bad) did I do guys? I foresee myself picking up a couple more str8s in the future, but wouldn't mind a little help as to where to look for whats good and whats not in the world of str8s. Looks like I for sure have a new hobby/habit.

Well I am partial to Bokers and might have gone for it if the blade was in good shape. That being said I think you did just fine. To many people think in terms of overpriced antique sales or percieved or made-up ebay prices. It is important that we set the prices to keep things reasonable. Dont get me wrong, I am willing to pay for value and have done so many times, but I am not the prey. I prefer to be an in control of my wallet purchaser. Watch ebay for razors and learn the going price and also check out www.billysblades.com

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Originally Posted by auximage

Won my first ever ebay auction today. I managed to bag a Dbl Duck str8, since they get a pretty good 'talk up' on this site. The scales aren't looking like they are in the best shape, but I figure I can (hopefully) deal with that, or perhaps replace them later down the road. (ebay link )

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This is exactly why the newbies are adviced to stay away from ebay untill they have some experience with razors and their geometry... sorry to tell you this but you got piece of @#$% for your 15$. This razor has done his share of shavings and it is not usable any more. the spine is severely ground and the edge seams to have curve upwards in the blade, going into belly section. There is no way you can put shaving bevel on it. To make things worse, since those arn't the original scales, this is not even a show piece.

So from now on, if you want used razor for less money, first check http://www.billysblades.com/ then ask around here if someone has something for sale, ask for advice for some item on ebay, untill you learn how straight razor looks and works. Than you can have your share of ebay razors safely...

have fun,
Nenad

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Originally Posted by superfly

This is exactly why the newbies are adviced to stay away from ebay untill they have some experience with razors and their geometry... sorry to tell you this but you got piece of @#$% for your 15$. This razor has done his share of shavings and it is not usable any more. the spine is severely ground and the edge seams to have curve upwards in the blade, going into belly section. There is no way you can put shaving bevel on it. To make things worse, since those arn't the original scales, this is not even a show piece.

So from now on, if you want used razor for less money, first check http://www.billysblades.com/ then ask around here if someone has something for sale, ask for advice for some item on ebay, untill you learn how straight razor looks and works. Than you can have your share of ebay razors safely...

have fun,
Nenad

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Ok so it wasn't just my eyes. I thought the blade didn't look right. I too (though not experienced by any means) would have passed on this one. If you really want an inexpensive blade just ask around on here. Come to the chat tonight (is it here or on the yahoo group? I can never remember). I'm sure somebody has one they will part with to help out a new guy. That's what we do here. Also check out www.billysblades.com. He has some excellent starter blades for pocket change. I have bought 2 from him (waiting on the 2nd one any day now) and have not been disappointed. Also check out Tony Miller's site www.thewellshavedgentleman.com. He has the absolute best deals for the new guys. He's a great guy and truely enjoys getting the new guys started right. Don't give up. Something will come through for you.

Louis

Well, I wasn't exactly looking for a shave ready blade or anything. I was looking for something that I might practice honing on. I already have a shave ready blade that I've been using. I'm really looking for blades for cheap that I can practice on once I get my hone and that might one day clean/sharpen up.

Auximage,
Ebay would not be bad for a practice blade but you need one that has not already been honed to death. Once over ground there is nothing left to learn on as proper geometry is destroyed. Maybe a blade that does not show the over grinding but has a little rust od nicks. At least these can be salavaged and teach you something in the process. They may never be shavers but will teach you the basics.

Tony

No big deal you just lost $15 + S&H. Just write it off as learning experience and move on.

I had two e-bay specials that were ready for the garbage, the rest were better.

You can learn from others but making your own mistakes speeds up the learning curve just don't go nuts on e-bay or the learning may get very expensive.

I recommend going through the forum posting and searching out threads on e-bay razors. You may save yourself a few bucks.