Thread: Hello, New Member

Hello,
After reading the beginners page it suggested getting a mentor. If any one is on Eastern Standard time, or just has the time I have some questions about buying a razor. I recently bought a new razor and then returned it. The razor was said to be 'new' but it wasn't. Go figure, now I'm looking for a good used razor. I have bought the 3" latigo strop from SRD, but that's all I have now.

I am looking for something similar to the file I've attached. (found here) I hope the photo comes through. I'm not so good at the web attaching thing.

Anyway thanks a bunch.

Welcome. That is a nice razor, but similar ones do not pop up in my mind at the moment. Some parts of the scale do look familiar though. I'm sure you'll get some ideas soon though.

Thanks,

I posted the photo of this razor as a tribute to what I've seen in my research with blade restoration. I would like to buy a blade with some guidance that I can send to another SRP member to have restored to the condition of the razor in the photo. Lately I've been watching Ebay a little more closely. and have seen some really good razors come and go because I was not sure if it was worth buying.

I would like to eventually get a few, a wedge, 1/2 hollow, and maybe even a full hollow. I would really like to try them all. I just don't want to drop a lot of cash on a razor that will never be useable. That's where I need the help.

Thanks

For some reason, that blade reminds me of Alex Jacques work, at least I've seen him do similar stuff, but I now realize it's Mainaman....
So, if your looking to buy Ebay razors, it's always a crap shoot. You have to trust the seller somewhat. Pics can be deceiving, even to a trained eye. you can't always see pitting and stuff like that. Blades can be warped, their can be scale rot, I've seen huge grind marks by bevels, that you can't see in the pics. Always, Always, use Paypal.

There's lot's of vendors around selling vintage stuff. Maybe you can find one that's not too pricey? Did you check the classifieds here...?

One bit of advice I can give you is, Look for major hone wear, some is normal. Make sure there's no rust. Under rust, there can be pitting. Scales can be replaced, so don't worry about those too much. Don't be afraid to contact the seller, and ask questions. Ask him if he'll take it back, if you find hidden damage. Look at the bottom of the add, Does it say, You can return it? Things like that....

Hello and welcome to SRP. You can check out the vendor section here to find someone to restore whatever razor you find. Guys like Maximillian or gssixgun sell ready to go restores as well, just to name a couple.

Yes, I've looked quite a lot in the classifieds. Although, I'm not sure if they are worth what the asking price is. To be honest, I wouldn't know the historical significance between two that were of equal price. I don't need a collectors piece, just a few that I really like.

It's a little difficult to explain, but I find that the aesthetics of the new razors that are for sale really lack character. I like the curved lines of the older styles. The plain face of the razor, I don't need anything gold laced.

I seem drawn to the utilitarian looking razors over the fancy gold labelled ones. I've found that the Wade and Butcher razors are particularly nice (but expensive), I also like the Boker styles. I like the square points over a round point, a 6/8 over a 5/8. Things like that, seem to me, anyway to be more of value than a fancy gold logo on the side of the blade. I know it may seem vain to buy a razor for the aesthetics, but I can't bring myself to spend a lot on a razor that I don't really like the looks of.

Dilemas!

Sorry, I should have posted this earlier. The photo is the work of Maniaman, under the Member Services tab in the classifieds.

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

Yes, I've looked quite a lot in the classifieds. Although, I'm not sure if they are worth what the asking price is. To be honest, I wouldn't know the historical significance between two that were of equal price. I don't need a collectors piece, just a few that I really like.

It's a little difficult to explain, but I find that the aesthetics of the new razors that are for sale really lack character. I like the curved lines of the older styles. The plain face of the razor, I don't need anything gold laced.

I seem drawn to the utilitarian looking razors over the fancy gold labelled ones. I've found that the Wade and Butcher razors are particularly nice (but expensive), I also like the Boker styles. I like the square points over a round point, a 6/8 over a 5/8. Things like that, seem to me, anyway to be more of value than a fancy gold logo on the side of the blade. I know it may seem vain to buy a razor for the aesthetics, but I can't bring myself to spend a lot on a razor that I don't really like the looks of.

Dilemas!

Not vain at all...different strokes for different folks. You have to get one that appeals to you...it makes it all the more pleasurable experience.

Buying razors simply because you like the look is one of the biggest perks of using a straight razor.

The value of most razors sold here is pretty good, from what I've seen.

Two thoughts come to mind. One is to contact the individual who built the razor you posted and simply ask him to make you one. You'll pay a premium for it, but I would strongly prefer you buy a few razors that you really like over a conglomeration of stuff you don't like. That brings me to my next point.

You can buy a bunch of razors off Ebay, after you learn how to spot good ones, and then send one with the best looking blade to someone to replicate the scale in question.

If you buy 10 razors off Ebay, with some study on how to buy razors from our site, chances are 70-80% of what you buy will be pretty decent.

I was thinking just that. Buy a few inexpensive razors and see what I get. May go bust or may get lucky. I will have to post the links into the e-bay forum and see what others think.

Do you know roughly what a polishing and honing would run?

Also, approximately how much for scales, and pins?