Thread: How much would you spend on a decent razor?

Being the Bigspendur I have a reputation to maintain around here so no razor is too much for me. (yea I wish)

Actually most of my razors are vintage ones I've picked up on Eboy for between $20-80. I do have a few customs which were more and I collect DDs. Luckily I got most of the popular ones before they shot up in price. I think in general if you stay away from the really popular brands you can get a super shaver on Eboy for around $60.

typically, i will not go any higher than 15-25 on a str8 i really want. but every once in a while, i find one i cannot live without. the most i have spent on 1 razor was 57. i shave with it almost every other shave. the shaves inbetween are for razors i am honing.

i'm cheap.

vgod

As Bigspendur already indicated, Tamahagane is a type of steel that is used in Japanese katana. It is of very high quality, but it is also exceedinly rare.

The sale of Tamahagane steel ingots is regulated by several laws. It can only be sold to licensed swordsmiths, and the oldest smiths get first pick.
Most of it gets forged into swords / weapons.

Occasionally, some gets forged into a couple of razors or utility knives (by the licensed smith of course).
The razors are virtually impossible to obtain, and even if you can, they would cost about 2000$ as was alread indicated.

So if I found one for 500$ I would indeed be a very lucky man and I would buy it immediately.

I'm in the mind set, you pay for what you get, though sometimes you luck out and get a sweet deal.

I just spent $165 plus honing service for 6/8 Wacker "Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co" - ebony

Can't wait to try it out.

If I'm buying only a decent straight, then I wouldn't pay more than $50. If I'm buying a high-end straight, then my maximum price is $300; and $300 is for a custom/restored razor - not a vintage/NOS razor. I look at shaving from a practical perspective. I like the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the prettier razors but I don't buy razors to gaze wistfully at them. I purchase them to use them, and pragmatically speaking, there's nothing that I could get from a $400+ razor that a $200 razor couldn't give me.

First let me say that I defiantly am a Vintage razor enthusiast, nothing against new customs, or new Dovo's and TI's, but I like the vintage razors...
My most expensive razor so far was just over the $200 mark and I thought that was a deal at that price... My best shaving razor cost me $8.50 so price, in regards to shavability, is irrelevant when shopping vintage....
You can pick up a completely restored, honed to shave ready, razor right here on SRP for just about any price range you want, from about $60 on up...ya just gotta be quick on the draw

A decent razor can be purchased easily (well here in the UK) for less than the price of a pint of beer...........!
We have car boot sales here and you often find Victorian and Edwardian razors for sale. I picked up a nice Joseph Rogers 6/8+ round point for £1 ( about $2) The guy I bought it off thought he was the winner in the deal as most people think these razors are of no practical use.
I can get the razor sharpend up for about £13 ($26)
If I was able to hone my own razors they are almost free.
These old razors if in good condition are as good as any modern razor I'd say with the exeption of some of the custom made beauties I've seen on this site/forum.
I would like a Maestro Livi regrind though

If I am kicking tires in an antique shop of a flea market, I will typically grab anything that isn't totally shot for under $20. If I find a razor that is in decent shape, no chips, limited hone wear, intact handles but it needs some work, I'll go to $40 (unless it is an exceptionally interesting piece like with MOP tang or silver bolsters, etc). If I run across some NOS beauty like those Friodor wonders at the Shaving Shop, I'll rationalize spending my rent money on one. Now I have yet to investigate the possibility of a custom and I hope I never get hooked on them because I already know I admire greatly the craftsmanship more than I admire my cash.

Originally Posted by Bruno

The razors are virtually impossible to obtain, and even if you can, they would cost about 2000$ as was alread indicated.

I see one in the classifieds for $1400 - a rare occasion indeed!

As you may have noticed there is no set price for razors. It depends on the specific where it is and the specific who is selling it and lastly who is/has been buying from that source. As far as antique shops go the prices vary from shop to shop and there are places at both ends of the scale.

On average here is what I have been finding and purchasing lately. The prices are not exact but are a generalization of what I remember them costing. No pics on hand but you can be sure all of these needed some type of attention before I would call them usable, besides honing.

Fredrick Reynolds 7/8 wedges w/ tarnish, some rust and critters eating on the horn scales, $8 and 12.

Wade and Butchers 7/8 and 8/8 (2) were had for under 15 bucks each which had rust, tarnish and cracked scales in any combination. Also small chips on the edges.

Clauss NOS 5/8 sq point, $24

C-Mon Blackie w/ plain while scales and just a bit of tarnish, $12, $12 and a wedge for $20.

The location of the shop and the people that shop there will have an effect on price. The only way to know what is reasonable in your area is to shop around from time to time and keep a mental log of what is going for what. Shop within your budget and make a purchase when it feels good. Be sure to look for cracks in the blade and other damage that can not be repaired. Also remember, if you are buying a blade to have restored by someone else you may end up paying more than the razor is worth to you.