The price of Razors...

So I found a razor on craigslist. Its a decent quality FWE Special, with this description:
Antiques Straight Razors 100 -150 years old both side of razor silver. Stamps on the original box- FRANK A PERSOHN Watchmaker & Optician 605 N. Gay Street Baltimore MD. Make me offer. Thank you.
http://images.craigslist.org/3ne3kc3...cf1db218ce.jpg
In email correspondance I determined it was the FWE Special. She claimed it was silver and Ivory, which I said was not true. She rejected my offer. Then the seller gave me links to here:
FS: F. W. ENGELS STRAIGHT RAZOR - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
I told her thats not the same razor, had to explain that I am a member here and that is a mint razor and not the same. Used Ford Focus vs. New Ford Mustang.
Still rejected a higher offer. Gave me this link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/buy-s...dovo-more.html
So I pointed out that it does not have butterscotch scales, and it in better condition, and is shave ready. So she linked me to Lynn's honing offer (Which totals about $25 to $30 after shipping, which is standard). So I told her that that means her razor is worth hypothetically $100-$30=$70 if it were pristine, which it isn't. Still no deal.

What is with people these days? I mean, I have been here for months now and know a hell of a lot more than her- she initially listed the brand off of a glasses case as the manufacturer... If it weren't for me she wouldn't even know that it was a FWE Special. And she links to our forum, where I'm a member to justify overpricing....

I have since committed to buying an almost mint Leader for $40. Much better, and the seller has been a gem.

some people think their junk worth more than normal...
sad...

I made her a low offer also,since she listed her item as Straight Razor-$1 make me an offer.She also sent me a link to this forum where someone has listed a FWE for a high price.She should just list what she wants for it,but I think she is the type of seller who thinks she must get every last cent,so she may just have to KEEP it.

What do you guys think would be a fair offer? $15? $25?

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Originally Posted by khaos

What do you guys think would be a fair offer? $15? $25?

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if you need to send it to restore...
maybe 25-30

a restore will cost some money...
so maybe real value - restoration price...

It's really considered bad form to discuss actual prices on this forum,mostly(I think)to keep people from using the forum to set their price,then running to ebay to sell their item.I'll just say that my offer was near there,and all she did was send the link to the expensive razor.It's hard to tell what it's really worth from one photo..........

do you guys see straights as investments or as hobbies...

I too checked out Craigslist in my area, sure enough there was guy on there selling str8's we met up at a K mart parking lot, He never told me what he had, and I wanted to be surprised, maybe DD, W&B, Puma? When I finally met him, they were Zeepk...I was so disappointed...He had some razor coffins too, but they were held together with scotch tape, not even electrical tape guys, scotch tape....

Pio, I see it as both, like collectables. It's a hobby that may well be an investment, Ya never know. Some of these razors or hones could be worth a fortune, or maybe nothing.

Sorry to bring up price. My final offer was $50. She didn't take it. I'd expect to see this on ebay soon with a ridiculously high buy it now. And aroliver- I apologise for discussing prices, but I thought that was more for people saying "I have this razor, what is it worth" then selling it, rather than someone asking, "I found a razor, but I don't know if I am getting ripped off or not." I guess a mod should correct me on this, but I feel newbies and people who have not bought hundreds of razors should have some resource for determining value.

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Originally Posted by pio

do you guys see straights as investments or as hobbies...

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If you buy it just have it, its a hobby. If you buy it to restore and resell, its an investment. IMO It doesnt matter what brand or condition, at most it will be a razor. Some may be better than others, but its still just a razor.

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

If you buy it just have it, its a hobby. If you buy it to restore and resell, its an investment. IMO It doesnt matter what brand or condition, at most it will be a razor. Some may be better than others, but its still just a razor.

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i guess my question was more in line with if you personally buy them as an investment or as hobby...

I like to buy thing i can use...
I have a vintage camaro (76) and i plan to daily drive the thing once i can fix it...
cant find a good reason not to use something the way it was build be used!

Yeah. For me it is both though... A hobby because some of my blades, regardless of price, even the worst looking one, are worth more to me than their price tags, and an investment, because I look at it not as a financial investment, but a time investment. Frequently I'll think to myself, I could go out and drink tonight, or I could save the $10 for razor stuff... one gives me some satisfaction right now, the other will give me lifelong satisfaction. Or, should I decide I don't like it or need it anymore, I can sell it off for almost as much, or even more. Imagine if a 1900 razor that cast like $3.50 is worth $50 today, what will it be worth in 2050? or if I pass it on, in 2300?

damn dude same brain wavelength

That seller is unteachable, it is obvious that you have experience with straights but oftentimes greed blinds the mind of reason. I say you did a good job in patience and explanation which confirms your experience.

Good Job ! K

Buying straight razors can be very disappointing for new collectors/shavers.

Bill Ellis wrote an excellent guide for buying razors on eBay, and though a lot has changed since it was first published (2006) I believe all new members should give it a read.
eBay Guides - Buying Straight Razors On Ebay

Wouldn’t it be nice if our experienced members in the SRP community, publish an “updated” buying guide for razors?

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And aroliver- I apologise for discussing prices, but I thought that was more for people saying "I have this razor, what is it worth" then selling it, rather than someone asking, "I found a razor, but I don't know if I am getting ripped off or not." I guess a mod should correct me on this

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I think you're right,it is mostly for this,and I didn't mean to mislead you.I'm not sure where the line is either,maybe a mod will clarify for all....