Stranger walks in and wants to look at what can be a deadly weapon. Not a surprising response. When I used to go to old barber shops in NJ, in the 1980s, I would bring a few with me in a razor roll. This way they knew I didn't want to buy one to stick in my boot and cut them, or anyone else with it.

I'd say,"Hi, I collect straight razors." and show them a few really cool old ones. Most of the time the barbers would start breaking out their stash and whether they would end up selling any or not, we had a nice time chatting about them.

When I go into an antique store I never ask for straight razors. Always 'got any old shaving memorabilia' ? If they do have any straights they'll include them in the mix and there is no indication by my question that I might be Jimmy the ripper.