Thread: New Collection

Originally Posted by Pdav

Hello all,
Also, are there any razors out there that would be considered desirable for a new collector? Also, are there any distinguishing features to look for that will determine whether a razor is one of quality or not?


Thanks

pete

Check the wiki for known 'reliable' brands, although the wiki is very scarce on info about French steel, and my experience has been that French razors are the equal of some of the best big names from Solingen, Sheffield Eskilstuna or Toledo. [/end personal rant]

There are things that I want to see in razors from the 'bay.
1) A straight edge. Some razors were designed to 'smile' similar to the razor in the SRP logo. For a beginner you want to see that edge straight as straight. You can go looking for smilers once you have a bit of background. Razors with a 'frown' are to be avoided.

2) A case that matches the razor. It is a little thing as the case is in and of itself of nominal value. What it tells you is that the razor has been looked after by its original owner(s). The razors I have bought with original cases from the 'bay are generally of higher standard than those without cases. Obviously there is a market in razor cases as well as razors so there is no guarantee.

3) good close up photos of both sides of the razor. One old tactic is to only take photos of a 'good' side. Sometimes photos will be posted upside down to try to fool you into thinking you have seen both sides of a razor.

4) Clearly see the maker's name on the tang. It is not unknown for low status blades to be given high status scales and/or boxes.

5) Hone wear. Read this: Honing: Troubleshooting Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

6) If you are looking at getting some beat up razors to restore, your primary concern is the condition of the edge. Anything else on a razor can be fixed, but if the edge is too rusted or cracked there is little you can do with it.

Pete,

As others have said, you will be better off buying stuff initially from the BST here, and/or from reputable vendors such as Mr Neil Miller (www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration).

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

One thing I forgot to mention.

Think about the theme you want to develop. I started randomly collecting razors and now about half of them are surplus to requirements. I'm having a good focus on art deco razors of France and Germany, with a few other continental razors thrown in.
Think about what it is that attracts you to straight razors and which razors give you a bad case of the "me wants".