Thread: Expensive vintage razors

If you are a user and not so much a collector and you invested in an expensive vintage razor you would probably do it for the satisfaction and pleasure you receive each time you use it believing you have something with qualities most razors don't have. Resale value might be a factor too.

Originally Posted by UKRob

That was just after I put it up - there's a few more razors plus my brush collection in there now. It hangs just outside my shower room so as to keep moisture away but keep everything handy for use.

Madre mia! Suh-weeeeet.

When someone asks if I "collect" straight razors, I usually reply, "no, I use straight razors." (I try to say it without sounding like a pompous ass). I'm of the belief that if you have them, use them.

Originally Posted by Steelystan

I would like to know what you would do with a expensive "vintage" razor that you put some serious cash into. I know some people are collectors and would display them but as for me I would have to use it for it's intended purpose. I wont wear it out and it should last a lifetime or longer, I cant see myself putting it under glass just to admire. I would get much more satisfaction using it. If it was the last of it's kind that would be a different story.

Smoking pipe stands make excellent holders, with the humidor usable for anything shaving-related. If you are displaying straight razors, just make sure the opening is wide enough.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've got some I've never used but 98% get used. I don't want to be a custodian for stuff until I croak and someone else gets it to use.

You're killing me, Jimmy.

No reason you can't do both, but I just use mine and keep them stored away in a drawer. I don't have the space right now to display them, but probably will once my wife and I find a house.

I use and many would say I have collected straights. Some of the problems with having lots of razors is you honestly will find, after trying several hundred about 50 or so that you really enjoy using, at least that is my experience.

then you are stuck with needing to display some of the more rare and interesting ones and letting others go, because SWMBO will not let you display them EVERYWHERE.

my current goal is to get my herd down to around 100 including three 7 day sets in ivory.

sorry if that troubles people.

jim

Originally Posted by syslight

sorry if that troubles people.

It does me. Darn jealousy!

Originally Posted by UKRob

That was just after I put it up - there's a few more razors plus my brush collection in there now. It hangs just outside my shower room so as to keep moisture away but keep everything handy for use.

Well, its kind of hard to argue with that.

OK, maybe that came off harsh. I purchased lots of razors form NOS vintage razors, 'bay specials, new factory razors, handmade razors and true custom made razors. over the years my preferences in razor grinds and widths have covered nearly everything from 4/8 wedges to 12/8 hollow ground razors, with points from French and Spanish to round points.

for the last 2 years have settled down to really liking 6/8 singing blades with a spike point, with the occasional special razors (lancet edge, dubl ducks and customs) for variety. that alone really pushed a lot of my razors into the collection category... thinning the herd allows others to have a chance to enjoy some marvelous razors that are no longer readily available.

jim