Thread: Hones score from the wilds!

I once found a nickle... only one shiny side sadly

I just have one question for you Xiaotuzi - How on earth do you and Mrchick find these gold mines? I search high and low and only find a little bit of stuff. What am I not doing that I should be doing?????

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

I just have one question for you Xiaotuzi - How on earth do you and Mrchick find these gold mines? I search high and low and only find a little bit of stuff. What am I not doing that I should be doing?????

I know, I'm in awe of Mrchick, he consistently hits the jackpot in impressive fashion! As far as me finding this box of hones, I think there was a large element of luck to it, but also some leg work. I make sure I frequent certain stores and antiques markets/flea markets on a regular basis, I mean every week rain or shine (especially in the summer months, winter is much slower). The vendors and other regular buyers see me all the time and I'm always asking for the same things - razors, hones, etc. If they come across these items, they know I'll be interested in having a look, and they know they will see me soon.

I've built relationships with them, and I keep a binder of "leads" at home - business cards, names, phone numbers, emails, what they said they had, etc. This particular guy mentioned he had some hones he might bring in if he could find them. So, I kept checking each week, hopeful, but not too hopeful. This week he found them and I lucked out. Sometimes they say they have this stuff and it never turns into anything.

The thing about posting a big hauls like this, and probably Mrchick would agree, is that it only shows the times when I was actually lucky and the legwork paid off. There are many, many more times I went out on the hunt and came up empty. You never see threads about going looking and striking out. But even on the many days that I strike out, it wasn't a total waste because I talked to people and kept up the relationships.

I have a lot of fun being around the antiques environment. I enjoy going all the time and seeing all the different people and items. You have to be able to enjoy the hunt and sometimes you will get lucky.

Awesome find Tuzi

Good call sending them to Dans to get them lapped and into shape. Looking forward to seeing you use them and give us a report.
Happy honing my friend

Very nice find. You are the man.

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Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

I think there was a large element of luck to it, but also some leg work.

I was wondering why when I make a pass through Southern NH every few months all the dealers tell me that someone just came through and bought all the good stuff!

Seriously though, so long as they're going to a forum member and not someone looking to make quaint wall decorations out of them or putting them in a damp basement for years while trying to sell them at ridiculous prices on Ebay, I feel good about that. You do beautiful restorations and I always like seeing your posts about them.

Brimfield is next week! Going? I've never been and I guess it's probably too big to easily find razors and hones, but I will try to make it. Unless I have to get on a plane for work again.

Damn... It wasn't me again... What other comment you can post her?

If any of these need new homes there are noobs in need. Please think of us [emoji16]

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You n me are quite alike, Tuzi.
So many ways to spread the word, and make contacts.
Mind you say something to the guy selling the junk pocket knives. Got three, sweet, W&B's that way....cheap.!!

Originally Posted by jmabuse

I was wondering why when I make a pass through Southern NH every few months all the dealers tell me that someone just came through and bought all the good stuff!

Seriously though, so long as they're going to a forum member and not someone looking to make quaint wall decorations out of them or putting them in a damp basement for years while trying to sell them at ridiculous prices on Ebay, I feel good about that. You do beautiful restorations and I always like seeing your posts about them.

Brimfield is next week! Going? I've never been and I guess it's probably too big to easily find razors and hones, but I will try to make it. Unless I have to get on a plane for work again.

Thanks, jmabuse.

I've been to Brimfield once a couple summers ago. I went to the mid-summer one and folks were saying the spring or fall ones were better. It's gigantic, and when I went it was packed and hot. I saw a lot of furniture, a lot of art, but didn't find a single razor or hone that day. I walked for hours and hours, and I didn't even see everything. There were entire fields that I never made it to.

I really appreciate the compliment on the restorations, it's unexpected and feels great to hear it!