Review of Genco purchase from SRP member the wanderer
So, after much tense waiting, I finally received my Genco Henry's X 5/8 spike from the wanderer (for the original post from the classifieds, see Genco Henry's X 5/8 spike point, 3/4 hollow - Straight Razor Place Classifieds )
From the top:
Transaction:
Smooth, easy, and the seller was a pleasure to exchange emails with. He showed generosity and the true SRP spirit with a few tips and some helpful offers along the way; your milage may vary. More importantly, he was also quick to reply to questions! Overall, I know I will be buying something else from the wanderer eventually.
Shipping:
Received tracking number in an email, and was able to track shipment all the way to my front door. Certainly a distraction from work as I sat and refreshed the tracking page, but a real relief for someone who has lost things in the mail before. Razor arrived slipped in it's case, and then wrapped in the invoice, and then inside of a cushioned envelope. While packing was certainly not overdone on, it was far above what I expected considering I was buying from a private party and not a store.
Actual Razor:
The Genco is a beaut! The scales are in terrific condition, and the spotting as specified in the article was, in fact, there. However, it came off after a few passes with my Jeweler's Rouge Cloth (pictured underneath the razor).
The hinge pin was incredibly tight; perfect and pleasurable to open after dealing with my loose, defective TAOS, and an older Genco Navy issue that has it's own issues.
Visual inspection showed that the blade leaned to the left (tang towards me, point facing away, blade closing away from me) just like my other Genco, which may reveal some hinge pin tightening prior to shipping, or due to previous use. This was mentioned by the seller!
There is slight hone wear along the spine, but is almost barely noticeable.
Things the seller forgot to mention:
The case! While not unhappy, I would caution the seller, or buyers, to ask about the case. I was not expecting one, and was pleasantly surprised! The case is leather, with what appears to be medical tape reinforcing the ends.
To those who would complain about it, please keep in mind that the point of a case is so that the razor is not banged up; a beat up case is an indication it's doing it's job!
Other than the tape, the case is in terrific condition. I may attempt to remove the tape and refinish the leather, as there is enough base for a cleaning and polishing.
Here are the pictures of the razor, the first being of the razor in the case:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0001.jpg
Out of the case, and next to it:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0002.jpg
One side:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0003.jpg
The other:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0004.jpg
Overall, I am very satisfied with this razor.
This review is not just of the razor; the transaction with the seller is important, and I honestly enjoyed speaking to the seller.
Until next time, happy shaving.
Karl