Flea Market hints and tips

Hello there,

I am finishing up some exams tomorrow, and decided the best way to spend my time (after the pub) was to go and walk in the sun around some flea/antiques markets!

However, as a newb, I wondered if someone could tell me a few hints and tips for the road. For instance, I am guessing that a rusty things or rust close to the edge is a nono, but what are the other red flags to look for on a razor? I appreciate that there was a thread about this on ebay purchases, but wondered if someone could tell me the things to look for when you are actually holding it in your hand at the stall?

Many thanks!

With having the razor in your hand you could look for, cracks on the blade, movement of the blade within the scales, hone wear, you could put the razor on a flat surface to see any warping, hidden rust mostly around the pivot pin, pitting close to the edge. That said my best advise would be if any doubt just walk away there will be plenty more.

If the lighting is bad ask to look at the razor in better light. I made a recent purchase at an antique store. I moved to the front of the store and looked at the razor next to the window. That way I was able to check for any fine cracks or chips in the blade.

If you are not sure about a razor you are looking(make, location of manufacture) at pass. You can later get online and check it out in the Razor database here in the library section.

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

If the lighting is bad ask to look at the razor in better light. I made a recent purchase at an antique store. I moved to the front of the store and looked at the razor next to the window. That way I was able to check for any fine cracks or chips in the blade.

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That a real good tip to look under better light or even better sunlight to inspect the blade. And on more negociate the price, make a low ball offer and go from there, its not like there a line of people waiting to buy straight razors.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

If the lighting is bad ask to look at the razor in better light. I made a recent purchase at an antique store. I moved to the front of the store and looked at the razor next to the window. That way I was able to check for any fine cracks or chips in the blade.

If you are not sure about a razor you are looking(make, location of manufacture) at pass. You can later get online and check it out in the Razor database here in the library section.

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Thanks very much - so would you be able to see all of the irreparable chips to the edge? Or is it worth taking along a jewellers magnifier or similar to examine it?

My advice would be to spend as much time as possible looking into this forum. The depth of knowledge here is pretty astounding and many experienced members are willing to help someone starting out. But, again, don't bypass what has already been written. Next, get a good camera.

hah, the never ending learning cycle.....next skill to learn would appear to be how to take adequate pictures of razors! SOTD is always impressive

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Originally Posted by WW243

My advice would be to spend as much time as possible looking into this forum. The depth of knowledge here is pretty astounding and many experienced members are willing to help someone starting out. But, again, don't bypass what has already been written. Next, get a good camera.

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Going hand in hand with this would be if you have a smartphone, install the Tappatalk app so you can reference the forum whilst on the go.

I am not sure about magnification being necessary. The kind of damage I was referring to would be visible to the naked eye, like hairline cracks. You might not see them under poor light but become apparent under better lighting.

Sounds like they have the razor thing covered, let me share a way to lowball a reluctant seller.

Say you want that razor they have for $50. Hold your money in your hand and approach them. Greet them and immediately hand them the money (they will automatically take it) and say "Hey, I like that razor, here's $30 for it." Once they have the money, they really, really don't want to hand it back and will often go for the deal.

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

I am not sure about magnification being necessary. The kind of damage I was referring to would be visible to the naked eye, like hairline cracks. You might not see them under poor light but become apparent under better lighting.

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I make good use of a small magnifying glass and a jeweler's loupe. Point out imperfections to the seller and get some dollars off the asking price.

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Originally Posted by Martin103

With having the razor in your hand you could look for, cracks on the blade, movement of the blade within the scales, hone wear, you could put the razor on a flat surface to see any warping, hidden rust mostly around the pivot pin, pitting close to the edge. That said my best advise would be if any doubt just walk away there will be plenty more.

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why does it seem that the pivot point is the first place to rust.

Capillary action, due to the design of razors.

Jonathan

Excellent, thanks for all the tips! Will head down to spitalfields (dragging the missus along) this time next week, and let you know if I snag anything!

Also look for smiles in razors. some smile are not worth the time to take out. and if they have more then one ALWAYS try and bundle. and never be afraid to offer a lower price. most people at the antique stores know nothing about straight razor and will take the money offered. I buy many of my razor from antique stores and do very good on it. and many people ask why do you want these things? and I always tell them to shave with, and it blows there mind! I guess they thought people don't shave with these anymore.

A note on haggle and negotiations. Be careful with your wording. When you say "I'll give you 30" they might react different than if you said "Will you take 30?"

of course the wont want to take 30, they want 50, but it will make them more willing to meet you in the middle at 40. Of course, if the blade is only WORTH 30, that is a different matter!
Don't be afraid to make offers, but be mindful of insulting the salesman. Good luck! ;)

Thank you all.

Will let you know if I snag anything later this week!