Searching and purchasing vintage razors

I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction for resources to learn about vintage razors. I've been shaving with a straight now for about 5 months and I'm starting to get a nostalgic itch for collecting and perhaps shaving with a piece of history. Basically, I would like to learn about different makers, models and values so I don't get ripped off when buying them. I happen to live in an old and historic city where I would imagine I could even find razors locally. Any Ideas on places to check out? My first thoughts were to visit some of the older barber shops and antique shops in town. I've been looking on ebay and see quite a few there but I have a feeling I'm not going to find the better deals there. Most of the time, it seems like you have to go to the not so obvious and out of the way places to find the best deals. I found a post by Lynn on manufacturers and the dates of production that is a great start.

Thanks,

As far as value, we don't talk about price here.

As for finding razor and information, You can find good clean blades here in the classifieds, you can also find blades that need some TLC in antique shops. We have section of the forum for restoration advice and a number of helpfull wiki articles.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee, put on your reading glasses, and dig in. It is all here and all just a click away.

**EDIT**
Ebay is hit an miss for me, and a potential mine field for bad luck. I would go with your initial though of hittng the local barbers and antique shops. I personally seem to find better deals that way than I do on ebay, but I'm not an expert here.

This forum is a great place for learning about razors . It may take some time , but you will learn about what you want look for . The classified section would be a good place to look for a decent , vintage razor .

I have had excellent results looking in old Antique shops. In the last few months I have purchases a Wade & Butcher, F. W. Engels, Joseph rodgers (2) and all were in good condition and priced fairly.

Friends are also a good source of razors. I casually mentioned to one of my friends that I shaved with a straight razor and a few weeks later he brought me five razors and gave them to me.

Flea Markets and Trade Day events have also been good for me. I bought an excellent Twin Henkel in great shape. They are out there.

I have found some at flea markets and some at yard sales but at yard sales you have to ask. People don't usually put them out. I just say, "you wouldn't happen to have any old razors or shaving equipment would you"? Several people have said "yes, I think I might", and they go in the house and come out with something. I try to go to all the local barber shops. I went in one three weeks ago and some old guy had seven altogether and a hone and strop. He wanted to sell all of it. He is selling them all to me one or two at a time as I have the money. It is a great deal. I have been to a dozen and found nothing but then I hit the jackpot. You just never know. It is worth the foot work. One barber just gave me one that needed scales.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mackie

I have found some at flea markets and some at yard sales but at yard sales you have to ask. People don't usually put them out. I just say, "you wouldn't happen to have any old razors or shaving equipment would you"? Several people have said "yes, I think I might", and they go in the house and come out with something. I try to go to all the local barber shops. I went in one three weeks ago and some old guy had seven altogether and a hone and strop. He wanted to sell all of it. He is selling them all to me one or two at a time as I have the money. It is a great deal. I have been to a dozen and found nothing but then I hit the jackpot. You just never know. It is worth the foot work. One barber just gave me one that needed scales.

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worth the foot work? the foot work is half the fun.