Thread: Am I a moron?

Being new to straights I can say what I thought I would like in a straight I found I did not and what thought I would not like I liked after using a little. So I would recommend getting some more experience before making such a large purchase. I would purchase a TI and see if you like them. Also, items will come up for sale again. By waiting I have found better examples than the first one.

Here's a set for le$$.
Thiers-Issard Collector 12 Feston Straight Razor Set with Case - KnifeCenter

It seem several dealers are all carrying the exclusive 12 razor set, all with the T-I written ad copy. I have a strong inoculation against all ad copy and it's subliminal messages. All I see is one company spreading an ego boosting virus. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein, "A razor is a razor is a razor." Buy one and see if you like it. Maybe buy another brand at the same time so you can compare two new ones to each other. Who knows/ You might not like either and you've saved a hell of a lot of money in the process. Plus you can then sell them and recoup some of your money.

That's the exact same thing that happened to me when I started. I "thought" I liked big Sheffield wedges, but later as my experience grew I discovered my face liked 1/4 to full hollow German razors in 5/8 or 6/8 better. I'm really glad I didn't spend lots of money on big wedges.

I would seriously wait for a year and see what you really like before spending really huge $$

Originally Posted by jmercer

Being new to straights I can say what I thought I would like in a straight I found I did not and what thought I would not like I liked after using a little. So I would recommend getting some more experience before making such a large purchase. I would purchase a TI and see if you like them. Also, items will come up for sale again. By waiting I have found better examples than the first one.

Here's a set for le$$.
Thiers-Issard Collector 12 Feston Straight Razor Set with Case - KnifeCenter

Originally Posted by bongo

As an investment and occasional use, would these appreciate in value over (for example) the next 10 years ?

I went on a wacker 7 day set spree about 8 yrs ago.I lost my butt on every one I sold,So my answere to your question is NO.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I went on a wacker 7 day set spree about 8 yrs ago.I lost my butt on every one I sold,So my answere to your question is NO.

As I previously mentioned, I'd buy the set if I were so filthy rich I didn't know what to do with all my money but I did't say it in exactly those words!

Thinking that your razor's are a potential "investment" is just unrealistic in my opinion.

If the day comes that either I sell them off, or my kids do, they or I would be lucky to break even IMO.

Personally, I've never purchased a razor with the thought of what it is worth or what it may be worth at some future point in time, I bought them for my own enjoyment.

If you loose money on your "investment" er ah I mean razor just consider the difference the cost of a lease.

Bob

Nice set. I would keep the thought on hold. Buy classified blades at reasonable cost trying different widths, grinds, origin, and makes. Get your stropping, refreshing, and honing skills where you want them. At that point, you will have enjoyed the journey and know what you like. You will also know how to judge razors and identify good value. You could unload the classified blades which are already depreciated in dollar value with little loss. Any spotting, rust, or other damage that may happen to the classified blades while learning is regrettable but no heart breaking tragedy. If the dollars do not matter much, have fun.

We keep hearing about how razors have appreciated like crazy in the last few years and if you have one of the "hot" brands that is true. However, for 90+% of the razors out there if anything they have gone down.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

We keep hearing about how razors have appreciated like crazy in the last few years and if you have one of the "hot" brands that is true. However, for 90+% of the razors out there if anything they have gone down.

Yup - and what's hot today may not be tomorrow, or ever again....