Thread: Where's the sub-group for razor collecting?

I have in mind to start a small collection of vintage razors. I don't have money to squander, so I'm looking for guidance on what to buy that is representative of countries and eras, without being ridiculously expensive. There seems to be, perhaps two or three books on the subject on Amazon, and nothing that I've found on this website. Surely the members that collect, have some guidance for the additions to their collections. I currently own only a Dovo Best 5/8" rounded. I'd want each collectable to also be in my shaving rotation. Where can I find information on what is and what is not, a desirable, moderately priced collectable razor?

I think the razor club section might be a good place to glean info from. I'm not aware of a "collecting" sub forum, as the topic is covered largely throughout the site, but the individual clubs will provide excellent guidance as to the merits of their respective manufacturers razors.

there is a list of good razors to look for( find it under the library section under good straight razor brands). also it mentions that vintage american razors were mostly well made. i've found quit a few nice razors for very cheap at antique stores, most needed a little work to have them looking good but that's part of the fun. there seems to be an endless variety of makers, Freemont Ohio had 50 cutlery makers at one time for example.

Originally Posted by entropy1049

I think the razor club section might be a good place to glean info from. I'm not aware of a "collecting" sub forum, as the topic is covered largely throughout the site, but the individual clubs will provide excellent guidance as to the merits of their respective manufacturers razors.

What entropy1049 said is your best bet IMHO. I've got those books and they are alright but no book really gives current market value. Just don't get in a hurry and start buying bunches of razors. Check out the various makes in the razor clubs sub forum. If something strikes your fancy check ebay completed items to see what they are going for. Most lesser known Sheffield and Solingen razors from the 19 and 20th century are great shavers and often can be bought for far less than the dubl ducks, filarmonicas and other 'hot' items.

Are you just looking for razors with prestigious names?
Things like W&B, filarmonica, C.V. Heljestrand, etc?

There'll probably be a razor club for each prestigious brand.

Collecting razors is all about finding what interests YOU. Dubl ducks, Filarmonicas, a lot of fancy hollow ground razors are extremely collectible, but I have 0 interest in them and sell them just as fast as I come upon them. I would say look through the razor clubs section until you get an idea of what you really want to collect. Another thing to keep in mind is - why do you want a collection? To have things to show off and make mass envy? Because you like the history? I am the latter, and will buy cheap and unusual razors because they have some interesting history or are weird. It's all up to you.

Thanx for the very poignant question, "Why do you want a collection?" Hearing that so pointedly prompted me to consider the basic motivation, and that's been helpful.

I've collected this and that since I was knee high to a grasshopper ......... this book gave me some serious perspective but it didn't change anything inso far as my behavior is concerned ......... or maybe misbehavior ;

Collecting: An Unruly Passion: Psychological Perspectives: Werner Muensterberger: 9780156002530: Amazon.com: Books

Thanx so much Amenrab, for your question is just what I needed to begin to narrow down where I'd like to go on this. You see, I once collected stamps from around the world. I have a very nice set of five 6 inch binders for stamps from around the world. It didn't take long for me to realize that my collection was growing very slowly. When I switched to collecting stamps for just a single country, I was able to complete series in rather quick time.

I've only got the one SR, a Dovo from Solingen. And while I'd love to have something from England, France, Sweden, and Spain, I believe I'll probably try to collect a handful of SRs produced in the USA. From a cursory glance, it appears there are probably less than a dozen manufacturers of good American SRs, so I've already self-limited my choices by going in this direction. Thanx again, buddy.

Originally Posted by jimlewis46

I have in mind to start a small collection of vintage razors. I don't have money to squander, so I'm looking for guidance on what to buy that is representative of countries and eras, without being ridiculously expensive. There seems to be, perhaps two or three books on the subject on Amazon, and nothing that I've found on this website. Surely the members that collect, have some guidance for the additions to their collections. I currently own only a Dovo Best 5/8" rounded. I'd want each collectable to also be in my shaving rotation. Where can I find information on what is and what is not, a desirable, moderately priced collectable razor?

If you are looking for the razor collecting sub-group here, I would suggest running a search on the term RAD. There you will find what you seek!