Thread: Mappin razors??

I saw on B/S/T there is a couple of Mappin razors and I didn't want to hijack those posts with questions.

I haven't heard of Mappin razors before and one of those razors on B/S/T has a $1000 asking price and some very complimentary comments listed. It seems Mappin is a respected brand and the Mappin Lancet a very respected razor and maybe rare.

So, my question is for the knowledgeable members of this forum... Can some members share some information or knowledge on the Mappin brand in general and the Lancet razor too so I can learn a bit??

Thank you,
Ken

They are a unique grind from a known producer, that has very low numbers. There are several on the forum so I am not going to say rare, but they are an unusual find, and then you get into things like condition, original scales and that sort of thing and the prices can go up pretty fast. Oddly enough, truly rare razors often sell for less. If you use the search function you can get a little more information. I cannot use the search function with this device or I would be a little more helpful.

Look on strazors.com
There is a little history on the page.

Thanks Leonard, a lot of info up there.

There were so many razor makers when SRs were the only way to shave that not knowing a brand is not uncommon. Chances are better than average that an unknown brand vintage razor in good condition will shave every bit as well as the better known brands. Very few dogs stayed in business long in a very competitive environment. Even the better known Mappin razors types were excellent shavers.

Bob

So, $1K for this type of a straight razor is reasonable? In my mind, that's really hard to justify. Afterall, it's something that you just shave your face with, or do you just look at it? Really can't grasp this one!

There are a variety of aspects to this.
Shaving
Collecting
Historical
There is some cross over. There are customs out there that sell for significantly higher amounts of coin and very common razors that sell for near that amount. I do understand the perspective of the buyers of these even though it’s not my jam. When you start looking at NOS and top quality collectables prices can be significantly higher on some items. It’s just the way it goes once you stray from the very common.

Originally Posted by RezDog

There are a variety of aspects to this.
Shaving
Collecting
Historical
There is some cross over. There are customs out there that sell for significantly higher amounts of coin and very common razors that sell for near that amount. I do understand the perspective of the buyers of these even though it’s not my jam. When you start looking at NOS and top quality collectables prices can be significantly higher on some items. It’s just the way it goes once you stray from the very common.

Thanks RezDog! I've never considered the collectible or historical part of straight razor shaving. I just buy them to shave with because they deliver great shaves. Go figure....

I always teach my students that prices are whatever someone will pay. I can not justify a 1k razor, but if someone is will inf to buy a Mappin for 1k then that is the price at that moment. I am sure that some fabulous old blades are in the hands of SRP members, and that these would bring great prices, but a price tag is merely an invitation to make an offer.

I hear you. I have never and likely never will own a car worth over $500,000 either but I know guys that have more than one and one guy with seven. I am more likely to buy a GMC than a Mclaren and will likely never own a Lada. My razors are very similar and the few very valuable ones I have came at very heavy discounts.