Thread: Collectability - Unused vs excellent condition

I'm considering buying a couple of the harder to find razors, if/when they come up for sale and if I can find for a fair price. I have seen razors that are NOS / unused, but I fear that if I bought any, I wouldn't be able to use them or the value/collectability would drop dramatically (even if I cared for them very well).

What does everyone think about this? Ideally I'd like to be able to shave with and enjoy any razors I buy, and would do so if it only dropped the value slightly... or does using an un-used razor drop the value significantly for the rarer models?

Also, with a NOS razor, is it OK to have it professionally cleaned/polished, or should it be left exactly as-is?

Would appreciate everyones thoughts on this.

Cheers. Andrew

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.

Well, I've bit the bullet and bought an unused razor in mint condition (needs a slight polish), but its a hard razor to find in good condition. Will send to get polished and shave ready, probably by GSsixguns... see pics below. Still not sure if I will use it or keep as-is...

Its a gorgeous razors. Those scales seem to be highly sought after so I think it should hold its value quite well. Doesn't look like it needs much either, other than a rag and some metal polish.