Thread: Razors I saw today

If you are thinking about shaving with a straight razor and concerned about budget and or price (which I would guess by your OP) I agree with Gugi. Tackle one hurdle at a time and start with a good razor that is professionally honed and not from someone on eBay as the possibilities of getting stuck are high. As a newbie start by shopping at SRD, Classic Shaving and Vintage Blades for new razors or the classified section here for vintage and the like. These vintage blades have been around a while, longer than I have been alive, and they will be around for a while more. Study up, ask questions, have fun! Don't rush it and your chances of getting burned will be greatly reduced.

Good luck

He's looking at vintage blades by quality manufacturers in an antique store. I don't see anything wrong with that and, personally, would encourage this type of post. It's certainly a better alternative to the various posts in which people ask our advice after having bought some do-not-buy razor on eBay.

Assuming there are no major steel issues, I'd say that the Geneva was a good purchase for a starter. Even after sending it out for honing, or possibly full restoration, the total cost won't break the bank.

Now asking about which are collectible or would be worth reselling is sketchy at best, but I think it's good for new users to ask our opinions about antique razors to start with.

Originally Posted by commiecat

He's looking at vintage blades by quality manufacturers in an antique store. I don't see anything wrong with that and, personally, would encourage this type of post. It's certainly a better alternative to the various posts in which people ask our advice after having bought some do-not-buy razor on eBay.

Assuming there are no major steel issues, I'd say that the Geneva was a good purchase for a starter. Even after sending it out for honing, or possibly full restoration, the total cost won't break the bank.

Now asking about which are collectible or would be worth reselling is sketchy at best, but I think it's good for new users to ask our opinions about antique razors to start with.

+1
The total cost won't break the bank.

dixonge,

First check out the SRP wiki--especially the section on acceptable razor brands. I think you'll find several of the brands you mentioned in the wiki's list. From your list I would have to say that a number of the brands stand out as excellent quality shavers such as Torrey, Dubl Duck, Shumate, and Geneva.

Second, examine the SRP "Classifieds." There may very well be the same brand and type of razor in the Classifieds that you saw in that antique store.

Third, checkout the SRP SOTD. Any number of razor brands that are in your list are displayed there. The pics may give you some idea of what a particular vintage razor will look like as new old stock (NOS) or after it has been restored.

Just my 2 cents of advice. Take it for what its worth.

Originally Posted by jhenry

dixonge,

First check out the SRP wiki--especially the section on acceptable razor brands. I think you'll find several of the brands you mentioned in the wiki's list. From your list I would have to say that a number of the brands stand out as excellent quality shavers such as Torrey, Dubl Duck, Shumate, and Geneva.

Second, examine the SRP "Classifieds." There may very well be the same brand and type of razor in the Classifieds that you saw in that antique store.

Third, checkout the SRP SOTD. Any number of razor brands that are in your list are displayed there. The pics may give you some idea of what a particular vintage razor will look like as new old stock (NOS) or after it has been restored.

Just my 2 cents of advice. Take it for what its worth.

I have been doing all of the above since I signed up. I'm planning on having someone hone my Geneva. I've got some whetstones from when I thought I was going to hone my own kitchen knives, but based on how that went I'm hesitant to be the first one to touch my razor.

I actually shaved a few small test spots today. I'm not quite due for a shave, so there's not much to work with, but I tested spots on my cheek, neck and head. I used a very low angle and went with the grain, mainly just seeing how it felt, testing my grip, etc. It actually felt quite natural. I can actually picture myself shaving with it, which is good since all my wife can picture is scenes from that movie which shall not be named. LOL

I think I'll try a spot or two with shaving lotion in a day or two. The blade seems very sharp, but I'm not sure how well it was honed, or how long it has been. OH! Pictures. I should do that now...

I'm from the school of learning from your mistakes. That being said, if you did buy the whole lot of razors, and none where worth a thing, and only one turned out to be a good shaver, you have paid a small price for a valuable lesson.

I have a thing for buying razors, and thus far have gotten pretty lucky. None of them are all that nice looking, but they all shave well, which is my biggest concern. The advice you've been given is all good, but at some point, we all get suckered into a less then savory purchase. IT HAPPENS TO EVERYONE!!!

That Torrey looked sweet, until I saw the price. Interested in seeing the Geneva. I've got a 4/8 Geneca and it's a lot of fun. You might want to go back and take photos of the others. The Shumate, W&B and DD sound good. If you haven't done so yet, make the guy an offer! For all you know he'll go for it and you can get a few bucks off. Or a package deal...

Also, I agree with Commie about looking for vintage finds this way. Sure, Ebay isn't a great way to shop for razors without knowing what to look for, but if you can look at a razor in person and post some photos here, I don't see why you wouldn't go this route. Plus, it looks like dixonge stumbled across a little treasure trove of Sheffields. I'd haggle with the guy though, but that's the New Yorker in me.

Here ya go

Picasa Web Albums - dixonge - Geneva Razor

Yuck, the hone wear looks really bad. Somebody had no idea what they were doing, or the razor didn't perform very well to warrant such abuse.
Hopefully it can be saved and used.

Oh bummer. That Geneva is too worn down to bother with.