Thread: Collectability - Unused vs excellent condition

If you're buying the razors to use them, the drop in value makes no difference - the only important thing is how much are you willing to pay for that razor in that condition.

Now if you are planning on reselling that's a whole different story, and the way you should look at it is 'can I sell this razor for more money than I can buy it for'.

So, there is a significant drop in value if an unused razor is used carefully?

The drop in value between "new and unused" and "carefully used" is difficult to quantify because it can vary depending on a number of factors, but it undeniably occurs. As Gugi said, you need to determine if your intent is to be a user or a collector/speculator.

I wouldn't be buying with an expectation of turning over at a profit (but a profit would certainly be welcome if I do part with them), but at the same time, if I find I need the $ , or come to my senses and realise I do not need x number of razors, I'd like to hopefully sell at or near the price I paid factoring in inflation... ie not buy a NOS for $500, use it a couple of times, find that I'm not a fan of shaving with it, and resell for 200-300.

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.

If you buy a collectible razor, keep it in pristine condition and add the factor of time to the equation, it is very difficult to lose money on it. The quick turn-arounds are where the losses are taken.

Personally I don't think it maters much either way. If you buy to use and invest then buy the ones you know are sort after, they will always retain their value IMO if you look after them. Obviously if the condition deteriorates and start to really show signs of their age then the value will drop.
I've bought and sold over 100 DE razors used some that were bought as NOS and just moved others on but if you buy right and know the market you should never lose money. Even the NOS that I've used and then sold I've never lost money on them as I've always tried to buy the ones that are in demand.
My advice would be to watch and learn, I kept notes on DE razors sold on eBay, through known commercial sites and also privately for about 3 months.
As with all things if you know your market you should be able to move most on at a profit or at the very least cover your outlay.
Another thing is a shave ready razor in the true sense of shave ready will in most cases command a higher price than one that needs work to get it to the point where the buyer can shave with it.
Reputation is another thing people tend to pay a little more from people they trust, again check this out on eBay with feedback, and yes I know this can always be manipulated but it gives a useful start point.

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.

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

So, there is a significant drop in value if an unused razor is used carefully?

How can this happen Andrew?
How can a "unused razor" be used carefully??

Just use the razor,,, then lie & say you never used it when you decide to sell it,,,