I'm new and on a reasonable budget. I have the equipment to restore and make scales etc. So I buy Ebay razors and provided I didn't mess up the purchase and get a dud (Yes I've done that) I restore them. I like shaving, I like a comfortable shave, but since I only have one face and I can't shave more than once a day the restoration gives me something to do, it relaxes me and I get great satisfaction bringing something back to life. I also agree with Bombay in that when I shave with a razor that was obvioulsy used by others I get a great sense of nostolgia. I'd go with the 12 less than perfect razors.