Thread: Re: Older Bismark Razors

I was in a knife shop yesterday and there was a non-DOVO Bismark for sale.

It was brand new and looked to be either a 7/8 or 8/8 (not sure ... I wasn't packing a ruler), full hollow (I think). The scales are a yellow (vintage look) celuloid (?) - type material.

I am wondering: How much should something like this typically cost?

I ask because it was priced at 25,000 yen (~$250 USD). It seemed a little high, but I am still very new to the straight razor scene. If it is over priced I may go back and to try haggle the price down, if I can.

Any input would be helpful.

Got any pics?

No pics.

But I can try and take some with my cell phone this week.

Any opinions on this without any pics??

Take a look at this one for a comparison and price check.

http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/page87.html

Scroll down. This one is about $60 and postage will be extra.

I've purchase from this dealer and he sells good shave ready razors.

Incidentally, this razor has jimps top and bottom which to me at least is always a sign of a better quality razor. ie the maker thought about it slipping in your hand. Cheaper razors don't have jimps. It's also Sheffield steel another good sign.

Hope this helps.

Thanks English, I'll keep that in mind. There are some nice razors on that site too.

I found a pic of the razor that I saw.

It is the one indicated as number 1.

I think it is a 6/8 or 7/8 size.

Any opinions on the price? ... 25,000 yen?

Originally Posted by English

Take a look at this one for a comparison and price check.

drewolivewood

Scroll down. This one is about $60 and postage will be extra.

I've purchase from this dealer and he sells good shave ready razors.

Incidentally, this razor has jimps top and bottom which to me at least is always a sign of a better quality razor. ie the maker thought about it slipping in your hand. Cheaper razors don't have jimps. It's also Sheffield steel another good sign.

Hope this helps.

Thanks English - I'd just point out that that link no longer points at a Bismarck as I 're-use' pages as razors sell. Thanks for the plug though! I am in process of compiling a CD-ROM that will have every pic and description used for all the razors I have sold or will be selling. That's about 4-5 pics per item, blade shots and tang etc.. I'm hoping eventually it may provide a useful archive - maybe I'll just put it online anyway?

Originally Posted by ZethLent

I was in a knife shop yesterday and there was a non-DOVO Bismark for sale.

It was brand new and looked to be either a 7/8 or 8/8 (not sure ... I wasn't packing a ruler), full hollow (I think). The scales are a yellow (vintage look) celuloid (?) - type material.

I am wondering: How much should something like this typically cost?

I ask because it was priced at 25,000 yen (~$250 USD). It seemed a little high, but I am still very new to the straight razor scene. If it is over priced I may go back and to try haggle the price down, if I can.

Any input would be helpful.

That is a rarity! It is a Bismark Razor Works or Bismark Cutlery razor from before Dovo bought them. They are rare enough but if it is a 7/8 it is a fairly high dollar collectors razor, (if in great shape). If it is an 8/8 it is even rarer!