New collector

Hi. I'm from Joplin, MO and have some of my mom's collector genes in me. Getting tired of antique piggy banks, saw an auction bill for a retired barber, and thought I might enjoy collecting straight razors for a while. Long story short, ended up owning 60+ razors, plus assorted boxes, and some other crap. (any wonder why my wife doesn't like me going to auctions?)

Anyway, most, if not all, are vintage razors, most of them in what I would call rough condition, but some nice ones that only need to be cleaned up.

After getting them home, I realized that only about 6 of them are probably worthy of collecting, and I am going to let my mom sell the ones I don't want in her antique booths. If anyone here is looking for a specific razor to refurbish or fill a collection, or a box, let me know, and I'll look through them for you. Most are plain handled (black or ivory plastic), but for example, I have a really nice handled Dubl Duck Goldenedge that the blade is trashed on.

Anyway, I don't have any desire to shave with a straight razor, just thought they would be fun to collect for a while. If anyone can steer me to good advice for cleaning the razors, polishing blades, etc, I would appreciate. I prefer not to take any of these apart, because to my eyes, all appear to be original. Any other advice will be appreciated, and I'll be spending some time on this site.

Tracy

Being born and raised in Missouri (Rolla), I can't resist wishing another Missourian the best with your project. I live in Texas now. But, a lot of my heart will always be in the Show Me state. You've come to the right place for advice. You'll see...

I've spent a lot of time in Rolla. I'm originally from Dixon, MO.

I'll guess a venture and say that most of the rust you're coming across is in the pivot area and will have to be taken apart anyway. Repinning is easy enough and cheap enough not to effect your bottom line. If you're intent on selling, why pay the ebay fees when we have a classifieds section right here.

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Originally Posted by Manzier

Anyway, I don't have any desire to shave with a straight razor,

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What?

Do you have any idea what you are missing out on?

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Originally Posted by red96ta

I'll guess a venture and say that most of the rust you're coming across is in the pivot area and will have to be taken apart anyway. Repinning is easy enough and cheap enough not to effect your bottom line. If you're intent on selling, why pay the ebay fees when we have a classifieds section right here.

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He can't place ads for quite some time yet, was it 3 or 6 months. Exceptions can be asked from senior moderators.

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Originally Posted by red96ta

I'll guess a venture and say that most of the rust you're coming across is in the pivot area and will have to be taken apart anyway. Repinning is easy enough and cheap enough not to effect your bottom line. If you're intent on selling, why pay the ebay fees when we have a classifieds section right here.

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Being new to the razor thing, I didn't know if me re-pinning affected the collectible value or not. But you're right, there is rust around the pivot that I know I couldn't get off without taking them apart. I might use a sacrificial razor to see how it goes. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Desdinova

What?

Do you have any idea what you are missing out on?

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I'm a coward at heart? I might should start by going to a barber who uses this method and see how I like it. I might be a convert.

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Originally Posted by ursus

He can't place ads for quite some time yet, was it 3 or 6 months. Exceptions can be asked from senior moderators.

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I didnt'/don't want to come off as someone new to the board who only wants to sell their stuff here, but I might in the future. My mom has several antique booths in MO and I'm just doing some research, maybe a little cleaning up, so that I can price them for her, and she can just put them in her booths.
I just thought since I come into a varied lot of razors and boxes, that if someone had a special interest razor, or liked collecting razors from Boston, or specific brands or animals on blades, whatever, they could let me know while I still have them and I could look to see if I have one. Hope I didn't step on any toes as far as being new and offering this.
Mostly I'll be here to read advice on restoration, collecting, prices, and maybe buying razors for my collection.
Tracy

Welcome to SRP. Since the SRP policy is not to appraise value I suggest you do searches for specific straight razors on ebay. The menu on the left of the screen will include a prompt for "completed items". Through that you'll have an idea of what some razors go for. Also check our classifieds and those of other shaving forums.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Since the SRP policy is not to appraise value I suggest you do searches for specific straight razors on ebay. The menu on the left of the screen will include a prompt for "completed items". Through that you'll have an idea of what some razors go for. Also check our classifieds and those of other shaving forums.

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That's mostly what I have been doing to get a rough idea of value. Looking at what the "poor" and "fair" condition razors are priced at, since that is what I have the most of. And also, getting this group's idea of what "poor" and "fair" and "good" is, since everyting on Ebay is in GREAT condition...; ) Thanks.

No worries mate. I just wanted to inform that there are some restrictions when one can place ads in the classifieds here. Also, we try not to discuss specific prices here either.

Let me know if you find a razor with a bear on it :D

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Originally Posted by ursus

No worries mate. I just wanted to inform that there are some restrictions when one can place ads in the classifieds here. Also, we try not to discuss specific prices here either.

Let me know if you find a razor with a bear on it :D

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I don't think any bears, but have a couple of butting goats on a tang and some etched horses on a fox hunt. I'm still kind of getting to know them all. Thanks for your reply.

Tracy

Welcome to SRP most people here even if collectors are shavers as well. MO is a good place to be to learn about shaving with a straight razor (that's where I began /Fulton MO/). As for razors and their condition you would need to learn what to look for to know if a razor can be restored. Check the WIKI for information on restoring and maintenance. One thing I see alot in Antique Shops is that people with razors think they are worth more than they actually are. I can see them sit for 4 to 6 months then I'll offer them what they are worth to me and usually end up with them. Good Luck.