Thread: Fantastic Bargain!!!

I just justed wanted to share a recent razor purchase story. After buying countless Ebay beauties and a few here from the classifieds (most of which delivered quality shaves with a few minor adjustments), I decided that with the prices for vintage blades seemingly going up on a daily basis to check out a new Dovo or TI from Vintage Blades, LLC. I opted for a beautiful Dovo Bismarck 6/8 with snazzy red scales and pearlex inlay. A steal (I feel) at $139 USD including honing and UPS Ground delivery. The packing sheet stated it was honed by none other than Lynn Abrams. First shave was amazing...I got Tuesday whiskers (on Monday night) and some of Wednesday's as well. Heck, I think Thursday's were slow to come out based on day's events and the ultra keen edge on this razor. I know that $139 is not a "deal" in some peoples view, but I can tell you that if you a spending $50-$100 on Ebay for "...I hope this #@?! will cut hair", this is one fantastic razor and a lot of "eye appeal" for the money spent. And Lynn if you are reading this and you indeed honed my razor...my hat's off and I'm laying down my waterstones!!

I think it is pretty well established that, when you buy off ebay, unless you buy from a reputable seller, you should not expect a razor to arrive shave ready.

This is good to hear. I have a black-scaled 6/8 Bismark on its way from Lynn and SRD. It should in arrive in a day or two. I am looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I think it is pretty well established that, when you buy off ebay, unless you buy from a reputable seller, you should not expect a razor to arrive shave ready.

I agree with you for the most part, but who establishes who is reputable. Is there a panel with judges or just single opinions by well established members here? I am not trying to be arguementitive but I see too many final authorities who gladly condemn Ebay sellers without much evidence. I am such a seller (from time to time) and have not had any barbs from members here but I am sometimes offended by the generalizations about said sellers like they are (mostly) bad except for the few "approved" sellers...just wondering who makes that list?

Originally Posted by bonusmarple

This is good to hear. I have a black-scaled 6/8 Bismark on its way from Lynn and SRD. It should in arrive in a day or two. I am looking forward to it!

I think you will be super pleased! I am already trying to decide which to put on my "wish list" next!!! My hardest decision was what scale color on the Bismarck...

Originally Posted by kfralin

I agree with you for the most part, but who establishes who is reputable. Is there a panel with judges or just single opinions by well established members here? I am not trying to be arguementitive but I see too many final authorities who gladly condemn Ebay sellers without much evidence. I am such a seller (from time to time) and have not had any barbs from members here but I am sometimes offended by the generalizations about said sellers like they are (mostly) bad except for the few "approved" sellers...just wondering who makes that list?

There is no list. You have to read what members say, figure out how much stock you want to place in each of their opinions, and decide for yourself. The only two sellers I know of who have a reputation for providing well restored, shave ready razors are Altima and CedarFurnitureMan. I'm not saying those are the only two, but they are the only two I know of.

Notice I never said anything about "unreputable" sellers, only "reputable." If you read into my posts here to find negative connotations, that is simply the way you are reading it, not what I am saying.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

There is no list. You have to read what members say, figure out how much stock you want to place in each of their opinions, and decide for yourself. The only two sellers I know of who have a reputation for providing well restored, shave ready razors are Altima and CedarFurnitureMan. I'm not saying those are the only two, but they are the only two I know of.

Notice I never said anything about "unreputable" sellers, only "reputable." If you read into my posts here to find negative connotations, that is simply the way you are reading it, not what I am saying.

I didn't mean to make it sound as if directed personally. I should have said often "some members" and mostly in the Ebay forum. Altima is a repeat customer of mine and yes a very reputable seller. I was only suggesting that by creating lists of reputable sellers you by default make others less than reputable...I believe listing known non-reputable Ebayers is more in line (and the whole of my comments would be better placed in a differant Forum.) I was originally only stating that this was the first razor I bought new...by the way the Gerlot I bought from you was nice and I wish there was a feedback forum to comment how positive the experience was!
Regards
Keith