Thread: Boker Red Injun 101

I am still fairly new to straight razor shaving. I bought a DOVO Best Quality and after a month and a half I'm finally proficient enough to manage the shower/shave process in under 30 mins.

I want a second razor and have been watching E-bay. I specifically want to try one that doesn't have a curved end and it seems that Boker is the way to go for this.

I see several Boker Red Injun 101's for sale on E-bay, generally for $45 or under which is what I'm looking to spend. Do any of you experts know if that specific razor model is good quality or not?

All my Bokers are nice shavers. This seems like a fine choice however getting one from the bay likely means you will need to get it honed by someone and that will increase the cost. You might consider watching the classifieds here or even posting a WTB for a Boker.

Good luck!

As a fellow newbie who's purchased off both eBay and the classifieds, I'd say the classifieds are the "safer" option of the two for purchasing a razor. The two reasons are the quality of the salespeople on the classifieds and the shave-readiness of the razor when you buy it. I'm sure there are quality sellers on eBay, but I feel you know what you're getting on SRP much better. Also, if you buy a razor on eBay it's most likely not shave ready, which means you'll have to spend more on honing and wait that much longer, assuming there's no major damage that would cost even more to fix. I've heard of folks having to wait a month (or more!) to have a razor honed by one of the honemeisters. I'm sure it's worth the wait, but I'm an impatient fella!

Either way you go, good luck and post photos once you snag something!

as far as i'm concerned if it's boker any model is a good one.
yeah get one in the classifieds if you can. for ebay you'll have to be a lot more careful what you're purchasing, especially with popular brands like this on which people with almost no knowledge bid only because it has the name.

and yes, i've gotten quite a few bokers myself, most from ebay, but the best ones came from members.

but of course sometimes you don't have a choice.

Originally Posted by gugi

as far as i'm concerned if it's boker any model is a good one.

I agree with Gugi on this... I love Bokers. But I also agree with Glen when he cautions against buying from ebay until you don't have to ask if you should be buying a certain razor from ebay. You may get lucky, but you could get burned.

A lot of members here sell on ebay too. There is a list in the wiki, but I cant speak to how current it is. There is also a video there with lynn and he points out some of the big things to look for on ebay regarding the condition of razors. My first was a srd dovo, second was a henkels from ebay(cedarfurnitureman). I have since bought 11(5 bokers, 2 soligen, 2 Jr Torrey, 1 nst cutlery, 1 dubl duck) others off ebay and have been pretty lucky so far. The only mistake so far was I bought a red injun(i also have wanted one) that was in bad shape. It had a big chip on the toe end and was pretty covered in rust. I was going to use it as a first restore, thought I could work miracles. Quickly found out I was mistaken. There will be a lenghty post in the workshop section when I complete my mini razor. More of a what not to do.
The classifieds will be safer, but ebay will work as long as you dont let RAD attack you. Oh, and dont worry there will be another one come along.

slim5111,

I agree with the previous posts...From all that I've heard/read the vintage Bokers are all great shavers.

Of course if all else fails, you can wait for a str8 razor deal of the week at Straight Razor Designs that may feature a new production Boker with a spike point. Don told me that he thinks the new Bokers are fine shavers too.

Hello, Slim5111,

The advice given by the SRP gentlemen is sound, and I concur. I offer an additional thought, if I may.

If you really must have a Boker, until you fully learn the ins and outs of the straight razor world, go with the new Boker just to be safe. I have both the "Edelweiss" 5/8" and "King Cutter" 5/8" and like both as good shavers. The first razor has a bone handle and the second quality plastic, but I think essentially they are the same blade. The "King Cutter" is the less expensive of the two.

By giving yourself the cushion of two fine razors at the start, you will have the luxury of taking your time in search of the "Red Injun" or any other great razor of the past. Obviously, the first place to look would be in the classified section of SRD, where you will buy from gentlemen whom you can trust.

Be patient, thorough and methodical in your search. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie