Thread: Did I make a good buy?

Hello All!

First of all I am David and from SC. I am a newbie to these forums, and its unfortunate that I found this razor place after I bought my first straight razor hours ago. Since buying my razor, I have read the buying straight razor guide. I didn't ask the seller any questions that were mentioned in the guide either and I think I will have to get it honed. I just bought the razor at face value ($55) because it was old and 'looked' like it was in fantastic condition -and then I saw the guide. So my question for you guys, think I made out alright for a first straight razor? Any info on this specific type of razor? I also now notice the "crack" on the tail, I hope its a cold-shut. Authenticity of statements that are provide below? :


Shumate straight razor No. 256 9/16" full hollow ground


This razor is no older than 1904, that being the year Shumate moved from Texas to St. Louis.
It appears it would take very little to bring this razor back to perfect condition.
The razor is used, but very lightly, and is in fantastic condition, as you can see. The box, while original, is far from mint, but has a great shabby chic look to it. There is some very old cellophane tape holding it together at one end.











Thanks for any insight,

-David

Hard to tell about the crack. Only see it in one photo. Can you take better photos of both sides of the tang. Other wise the razor looks clean and needs a professional hone. We are not allowed appraisals but all I can say is I would have spent less. That is me. We all have our limits. Welcome and good luck.

Welcome to the forum, David.

Yes, the razor is in great condition, but you want to have it honed as it wouldn't have a good edge. From the first picture I'd be concerned about that uneven white line along the edge as it could be indication of problem, but Shumate have good reputation and quality control so chances are you'd be fine. But only because it's a very good brand vintage razor - on lesser brand or some of the modern production I'd be much less optimistic.

I don't see a crack on the tail, looks like some pitting to me, but I wouldn't worry about it.

Interesting wood on the scales. Does anyone know hat kind of wood that is?

It's not a wood, but plastic imitation of palmwood.

Thanks gugi. I ran across some wood a few weeks ago that's the same. Try to find a picture :-)

Here's the wood mentioned. Very nice!

If you shop around longer & just take your time, you can get a nice Shumate for less but you didn't do too bad for your first straight razor purchase compared to some I've seen in the past. I wouldn't have paid that much but for your first, I wouldn't say it was a bad deal. Like I mentioned, I have seen worst buys by first time buyers. I have some nice Shumates that I paid less for. It's just a matter of being there at the right time. I would get it pro honed like Gigi mentioned & after awhile, get yourself a second one, possibly one already shave ready. You can get a very nice quality, new, Ralf Aust from SRD for around $103 plus Lynn hones & strops each one before it goes to it's new home. All you have to do is get it out & use it, then strop it afterwards. You will also get a free honing (one time deal) for when it needs it. I need a new eye exam plus new lenses in my eyeglasses so I didn't see any crack. From now on, take your time, be frugal & shop around but should you decide to go for the Ralf Aust at SRD, you won't be disappointed.
The wood scales are plastic as previously mentioned.

I agree that I would not have paid that much for that blade... but with that said, Shumate makes a good blade. Once honed properly, it should give you many years of excellent shaves!

Welcome to the addiction.

You did fine on that purchase. When you first start looking, the first thing you notice is all the prices in all the online shaving stores. It makes you think that they are all worth hundreds of dollars. After you watch for a while and see other sales, you will get a better idea of what they sell for. You did not get taken for a ride. That should be a great one once honed.