Thread: how to tell if vintage is worth buying

I generally avoid buying straights from eBay or antique stores. I don't have the skill to restore them (I don't even have hones...) so it would cost me $50 or so to mail it to someone to get the edge to a usable state--if it can be (yep, I made that mistake once).


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I think I read somewhere "why pay $20 for a razor with pitting and rust when you can find good razors for $20 without those things"?

If you buy a razor in decent condition to began with a little Mother's aluminum polish (found in auto supply stores locally) and the occasional use of a little wet/dry sandpaper and you are well on your way.

Get some inexpensive hones so you don't have to send any razors out for honing and as mentioned above get a small ball peen hammer and a few pin/washers from Ebay for razors and you can fix most things.

All of my razors have come from Ebay. The supply is virtually unlimited there for good vintage razors. You just have to know what to look out for.

I bought some 4/8" razors initially because they were inexpensive and it was something to get some experience with. Later, I found that I prefer 6/8" razors and now that I know what to look out for they are easy to pick up inexpensively as well.

There really is little reason to have to do major restoration work unless the razor is rare and it's worth buying it in less than decent condition in the first place.

Chances are, if you enter into any form of collecting, you're going to learn some lessons the hard way. Read up on your subject, and try to find some experienced soul to help you out.

2 big things I would say to look for and look for hard is hone wear and cracks. Cracks can be hard to see in ebay photos, generally but not always a chip is a good indicator that a crack may be present. Hone wear is a not a horrible thing to deal with but can be a problem if it is so bad that it makes the blade difficult or impossible to hone.
Chips are not a big deal but the first time you deal with one it is nerve racking. Now if the chip runs way up into the center of the blade don't even waste your time I say but small chips can be honed out and still make a usable razor. There is plenty of info on here in the work shop and other links the others have shared to lead you down the road to restoration so read up and ask questions. Start hanging around the work shop lots of great stuff going on there and lots to learn.
I do dabble in resto and it is a fun hobby takes patience and the ability to walk away when you get frustrated so as to not cause more damage/work for yourself. Restoring razors is a rabbit hole of sorts and you can get in as deep as you like. Hand work is a great way to get started and still how I do all mine. Its amazing what a bit of elbow grease and metal polish can accomplish. If you have any questions shoot me a pm and I will try and give you any info I can to help get you started.

So, are you looking for a razor to shave with and looking to save money, or looking to getting into vintage Straight Razor Restoration?

If looking for a razor to shave with, buy a good shave ready razor from a reputable source, like the Classified’s here or other shaving forum, you will be money ahead and have a known quality razor.

Restoration, while a lot can be done by hand with a few tools, but be aware it is also a rabbit hole that leads to the purchase of tools and supplies, that are more expensive than the cost of a quality razor.

Restoration, begins at purchase, buy the best razor you can afford.

When starting out, spend the time to shop and purchase in person, where you can inspect the razor or buy from a reputable source. Do read the posts listed especially the Wiki threads.