Thread: Razors I saw today

I edited the first post to clarify - I did not actually purchase any of these razors today. I'm still looking and reading up.

I may revisit these malls over the next couple of days and pick up a couple, after a closer inspection.

I believe the Electric Cutlery had a stamped blade. It is the design that sticks in my head the most, might have to grab that one.

I also saw a wonderful Pakistani razor today, with "Two Golden Man" on the blade. Below that was an additional phrase with equally quirky English. It made me smile. I should get pics of that too.

When it comes to the collector value of razors, I can't help you. As far as their suitability for shavers, I think it fair to say that (1) if it is vintage, and (2) if the blade is in good shape as far as rust is concerned, it will shave well.

I just have not run into vintage blades that don't do the job. There might be differences between a Cadillac and a Chevy. But, they both get you from A to B just fine. That's what I am saying about vintage blades. There might be nuances of differences - how well it maintains an edge for example, but they all do well.

And, every one in your list, in my opinion, will perform quite well.

I personally have a soft spot for Wade and Butcher blades, and in my experience hunting them down and trying to buy them, I've seen them sold for a pretty penny, even when the condition is less then stellar. Add in the ivory scales, and assuming the blade is decent to good condition, I would say that's a good price.

Hope that helps

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

When it comes to the collector value of razors, I can't help you. As far as their suitability for shavers, I think it fair to say that (1) if it is vintage, and (2) if the blade is in good shape as far as rust is concerned, it will shave well.

I just have not run into vintage blades that don't do the job. There might be differences between a Cadillac and a Chevy. But, they both get you from A to B just fine. That's what I am saying about vintage blades. There might be nuances of differences - how well it maintains an edge for example, but they all do well.

And, every one in your list, in my opinion, will perform quite well.

Most of these I looked at were very sharp - VERY - which surprised me a bit.

I am very encouraged after looking at restoration pics on this site last night. It's amazing what those guys can do.

If they're all vintage then they're all probably suitable to start on, assuming they're in good shape. As was said, pictures are pretty much mandatory to properly assess the razors.

I've had great results with older U.S. razors and own several Shumates. I've also found that in my area, antique stores are quick to label materials as ivory or tortoise when in reality they're celluloid (French ivory), bone, or mottled (spotted) horn. Be cautious when paying a premium on antique razors because of their presumed material.

EDIT: Check out some of the razor clubs. There are several dedicated to Shumate, Torrey, Ducks and W&B:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor-clubs/

ok, I now have pics of the Electric, the Torrey and the Keen Cutter in a Flickr set:

razors - a set on Flickr

Click around and embiggen...

The Electric Cutlery had no pin on the end opposite the end where the razor is attached (I read the FAQ but forgot most of it already, can ya tell?) but instead of a pin and a wedge it is glued together, and not done well. I intended to get a pic of that part but evidently did not.

The Torrey is very nice, and priced at $85

The Keen Cutter has mother of pearl on the tang, and almost looks like it is too wide for the scales - they bulge and almost warp. Not sure if this was a frankenrazor or if it is supposed to look that way. $45

But I passed on all of those and bought the Geneva Cutlery. It's plain but seems to be in decent shape. And for $20 there is plenty of room for honing and shaving practice without breaking the bank. I will take some pics of it tonight. It is definitely a study in simplicity.

Originally Posted by dixonge

ok, I now have pics of the Electric, the Torrey and the Keen Cutter in a Flickr set:

razors - a set on Flickr

Click around and embiggen...

The Electric Cutlery had no pin on the end opposite the end where the razor is attached (I read the FAQ but forgot most of it already, can ya tell?) but instead of a pin and a wedge it is glued together, and not done well. I intended to get a pic of that part but evidently did not.

The Torrey is very nice, and priced at $85

The Keen Cutter has mother of pearl on the tang, and almost looks like it is too wide for the scales - they bulge and almost warp. Not sure if this was a frankenrazor or if it is supposed to look that way. $45

But I passed on all of those and bought the Geneva Cutlery. It's plain but seems to be in decent shape. And for $20 there is plenty of room for honing and shaving practice without breaking the bank. I will take some pics of it tonight. It is definitely a study in simplicity.

Well I'd pass on that Electric one. Might be the lighting but it looks like some good hone wear at the toe, and all sorts of scratches like someone took rough steel wool to it. There's a tiny chip and it appears that there might be a slight frown (again, could be the lighting).

Torreys are great razors but that seems a bit pricey for me.

Keen Kutter looks like it could be a good razor with some proper scales. Genevas are also good razors and if that's the only one you purchased, I'm sure it will serve you well. Simple razors are great candidates for fancy scales.

Originally Posted by commiecat

Well I'd pass on that Electric one. Might be the lighting but it looks like some good hone wear at the toe, and all sorts of scratches like someone took rough steel wool to it. There's a tiny chip and it appears that there might be a slight frown (again, could be the lighting).

I like their logo, and I like engraving on the blade - just aesthetically. But yeah, not as good as I was remembering...

Originally Posted by commiecat

Genevas are also good razors and if that's the only one you purchased, I'm sure it will serve you well. Simple razors are great candidates for fancy scales.

It has plain black scales, not sure of the material.

One thing is for sure.... It is FUN hunting for razors "in the wild"!
One of my best ever shavers is an Abercrombie & Fitch 5/8 plain black scales Made in Germany blade that I bought for 20 bucks at an antique store this past Christmas Eve day 2009. Simple blade, non-descript, unassuming.... But a delight to use. Have fun hunting!

Originally Posted by dixonge

which of these razors might A) make a good starter blade, and B) make a good blade to collect or resell.

(A) None of them. Get a razor that you know and don't have to guess about. Which, since you have no experience, means you have to get it honed and tested by somebody you trust (concentrate on finding such person).
(B) None of them - again you have zero experience and that is critical for figuring both. If you want to collect, get some books and look at collections and figure out what you want to collect and why. If you want to resell, get at least a year of experience with razors, then you'll start having better idea what is what, and why.