Thread: Big Accomplishment!

It was a big weekend in Upstate NY. My son and I went to a gunshow and I managed to not buy any of the three straight razors that were for sale at the show. This may seem like nothing, but I consider it a big step in the direction of not buying junk. To be honest though, they were all three the same with no makers marks and simple black scales. Baby steps towards actually knowing what to buy and what to pass on.

If the craftsman didn't have enough pride in his work to stamp his mark on the razor, then it is probably not worth buying. You did well to pass them by.

I find razor pickings so slim that I am almost tempted to buy anything I see. The thing is that I now have three razors that are just not usable, and the money spent on them could have purchased one that was usable.

I am now much better at judging whether or not I will be able to put an edge on a blade and won't touch it if I am in any doubt whatsoever.

Well done on resisting the temptation, I know how hard it was to do so.

I have been lucky! I have yet to pay over $35.00 for a straight razor & I have a collection of over 50. Here in the Eastern Illinois-Western Indiana area flea markets, gun shows, garage sales & antique shops have been my happy hunting grounds. The only "No Name" made in Packistan razor I own was bought for $2.00 so I could see if I could get a shaving edge on it. I couldn't;-(. Spark test showed it very low carbon steel. I have yet to buy a razor on line, there are just to many nice ones around me. Not bragging at all, just lucky I guess. I think the secret for me to ask if they have any old razors or shaving gear. Try not to act to eager & don't pay the asking price! 9 times out of 10 I have got them for less than asking. The Wade & Butcher 8/8 near wedge was priced at $20.00 & with tax I got it for $15.00 . There are razors at bargin prices out there. Heck I got a small Coticule for $3.00 & two vintage Shell & linen strops for less than $20.00. Keep your eyes wide open, always bee on the lookout & ASK about razors. If a dealer does not have any they may know one who does. Tell them I will check back with you next time around & they just might bring one or several next time. The hunt is a big part of the fun for me.

Dave "Slawman" Huffman

Comgrads on holding off on buying. Im just now getting to the point that im holding off too unless im looking for a certain thing or type. I keep looking but am trying to hold off. I got carried away really fast in the beginning but now im starting to get picky.

Good for you to know not to buy. No makes mark is the first give away that you should pass.

What I am finding is that surface rust scares sellers. They figure its junk. My last buy a cute little Union that just needed a clean up. Sellers seem to think all German blades are special and that American stuff is not. I am ok if they think that way.