Thread: Ebay disappointment; please advise

Hi all

Just got the razor from Mr. Barence and am wondering what feedback to give him. He probably wouldn't care too much but anyway:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

• The blade opens / closes VERY easily (I prefer some resistance)
• 2 pins are silver color, 1 is yellow (brass?); Pins aren't flush with scales (esp. bottom protrudes quite a bit) - seem just sloppy
• Scales are mounted at an angle (not aligned one on top of other) - possibly shape differences in scales
• middle pin has plastic cover filed away (sloppy) so that the tang doesn't catch
• slight run-off color (from scales?) on plastic cover of middle pin
• blade PLAYS a bit laterally b/n scales on pivot (top pin not that well done)
• one of the scales not well attached to wedge on bottom (but the other is)

One more thing: there is a tiny grind-off (I assume, like a little chip) on the back portion of the double stabilizing piece

Otherwise the blade looks fab, and the scales are nice color, etc.

Am I demanding too much and are these things *normal* or what? I know Mr. Barenze has good reputation here...

What should I do???

Thanks
Ivo

All of these things are reasonably normal, though not especially impressive. This isn't a pocket knife; things that have analogues on knives often have very different functions on a razor. And it is an old razor after all. I've never bought any thing from mr_barence, but I'm not sure how any of this is his fault or should reflect on his rating.

The pins are generally peened into place, so they often protrude a bit from the scales. Some manufacturers use an exterior washer to dress it up a bit, but some don't, yours looks like it does. The tang isn't supposed to catch on the middle pin, it's just there for reinforcement so the scales don't flex so much, especially ones that are made from a brittle material; the tang isn't supposed to touch the middle pin at all. I can't see the odd grind-off you mention, but this area sometimes receives less-than-perfect attention from manufacturers. The pivot hole on older razors is often a bit oversize, though from the wobble and the floppiness it sounds like it needs to be tightened a bit, you can do this with a hardened punch and a small hammer.

Just as an aside, one of the few things I like about the Feather AC is the way the pivot is done with a threaded screw so you can easily adjust the tension with a screwdriver.

Looking at the WKC site I can't stop wondering whether the things they sell are designed to be used or to be displayed. Are they toys or tools??

Ivo,

could you post some pictures that highlight the issues you have with that particular razor. This way it's easier to assess the situation.
Thanks

Redwoood

The ebay auction he linked to has some pretty good pictures of the razor. However, I'm not sure that you can see what he's complaining about without a good macro lens.

Yes, you cannot see it on the pics from the auction, but it was supposedly "never used, best shape"

I can believe the blade was never used (NOS) and the scales are custom, just not done perfectly (as I like my things to be). The little stab piece grind off is probably a non-issue, it's just not "perfect" - not sure if you can call this "best shape" - maybe you can...

I am definitely not impressed with the quality - I am sure the $100+ razors from Dovo and TI on Classic Shaving, as well as the (pricier) ones from Lyn and Bill are done with much more attention and precision? WKC is an old company with tradition for "royal" quality level but this is not a WKC razor, just a blade with some new scales...

I guess there is a bright side to this:
I get to shop for another razor!

Contact mr_barence. I've purchased razors from him, and he sells them NOS. See if he'd be willing to exchange your razor or give you a refund. He's selling them as he got them, and having purchased quite a few new razors, I can tell you the quality control problems you're describing aren't than unusual (unfortunately). If he had done the work himself, I might hold him more accountable, but he seems to be more a distributor than a maker/restorer. He has a pretty good reputation, and I think he'd be willing to work with you.

Originally Posted by izlat

I am definitely not impressed with the quality - I am sure the $100+ razors from Dovo and TI ... are done with much more attention and precision?

You might be surprised.

There's a reason we get so excited over the work of M. Livi, Bill Ellis, Robert Williams, and Vlad (among others).

There are quite a few nos WKC blades in Germany. So I wouldn't be surprised if the blade is indeed unused.

The scales were probably taken off another razor. Whoever put it together probably did a bad job. They don't look anything like bloodwood btw, imho this looks more like purpleheart.
I'm sure if you contact Mr_Barence, things can be worked out.

Redwoood

Joe,

thanks for the advice - I will send him an e-mail

Ivo