Thread: Collectability - Unused vs excellent condition

Yeah, I thought it looked pretty nice, and to find unused, in perfect original condition (apart from the steel needing very light polish), I couldn't pass it up.

Now I just have to find a W&B ottoman Would look nice next to his one and my W&B anchor (the anchor is not in this condition, but gssixguns will make it look far better than the condition it is in now )

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

I think razors are like cars, once you drive them off the lot they lose value, but certain models hold there value better than others. There are even some that will gain value the older they get and the better they are cared for or modified. Like anything on the market prices change constantly. Look at the prices of some razors that months ago were selling for half of what they are now. I say if you don't want to collect get a razor that you are going to be willing to use.

I would agree with that for current production razors but I don't think it necessarily applies to collectible out of production ones. If you pick up a NOS Filarmonica and use it a couple of times you will lose some value but not the same percentage drop as with, say, a Dovo. I'm pretty sure that the OP will find that using his new razor will not detract from it's value - after all it's probably been used hundreds/thousands of times already - so the real concern is whether he paid over the odds for it, but that's a different question.


Edit - I just noticed that the W&B is described as unused - even so, I don't think that using it will significantly affect it's re-sale value.

I would suspect you'll never get rich buying & selling razors, if that is the question. Especially if you like them yourself. Brings to mind the old carny term, 'being "a sucker for your own game.' IOW, turn out to be your own best customer.

That is a lovely W&B. I have one too and it took me years to find one in that condition. The scales get cracked or the pearl broken and pieces missing from the liners. They are hard to find in that condition, so that one would hold value, depending on the price point you bought it at.

I've had razors that were so beautiful I couldn't bring myself to use them. Just kept them to admire them, a custodian as it were. Most are used for the purpose intended though. If you take care of them, no odd or excessive hone wear, damaged scales, or corrosion, and you buy them at a sensible price, they should hold their value.

Overpaying for a reaper, wonderedge, or one of the more obscure Fillys and you may have to wait a long time to find the 'right' buyer.

Yes, Its a shame the Mother of Pearl scales are so delicate. Thats why the W&B ottoman would be great, I would feel that I could use it daily almost. But unfortunately, if one ever came up for sale, I doubt I could afford it. Would probably go fo r10 times what I could afford.

What are Reapers? I am aware of the fillys and wonderedge.

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

What are Reapers? I am aware of the fillys and wonderedge.

An early dubl duck with 'Lifetime' on the scales and the tang, and oddly enough, a depiction of the 'grim reaper' on the wedge end. In the rare cases when one is found in pristine condition they bring obscene prices.

Thanks, had never seen one of these before.

What do you mean by obscene prices? (what sort of price range?)

over a grand

This just might qualify for obscene pricing Dubl Duck Lifetime Grim Reaper RARE Fully Restored Shave Ready Razor | eBay .

There are cheaper ones that have sold but generally for the condition they are in the prices are high too.

Bob

Sorry that link didnt work for me. Do you have the item# ?

Actually no I don't have an item number. Just go to sold listings for straight razors and search under Grim Reaper.

Bob