Thread: A recent experience at an antique store

Me: "Do you have any straight razors?"

Shop Owner Lady: "WHY, DO WE FEEL LIKE SLITTING OUR THROAT TODAY?" She clearly believes I'm up to no good and is irked that I even asked the question.

At this moment, the woman behind me at the counter lets slip a loud gasp in response to the owner's comment.

Me: "No, I shave with them and wanted to learn how to restore old razors."

After that, the conversation turned friendly, and the shop owner and woman behind me bombard me with questions, mostly fascinated that there are "still people crazy enough to use those things."

We elicit some funny responses from people, don't we?

Yes, we do....Most would think we are nuts.

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.

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

Yes, we do....Most would think we are nuts.

Ain't we?

I find "normal" people booring!

I've never had so much as a crooked look from any antique store staff when I've asked about straights. The usual response I get is something along the lines of "that old shaving stuff sure is popular these days".

Edit:
I would have been deeply offended by a comment like that. It would take some serious deals at that point to get my money.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

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.

Ha! Yeah, I'm definitely have to work on my opening line.

Originally Posted by robellison01

I've never had so much as a crooked look from any antique store staff when I've asked about straights. The usual response I get is something along the lines of "that old shaving stuff sure is popular these days".

Edit:
I would have been deeply offended by a comment like that. It would take some serious deals at that point to get my money.

Same, I've never had a response like that either. I asked why, and she said they have a policy of not selling weapons. Immediately to my right sat a set of kitchen knives. I guess knives aren't weapons?