Thread: Found this a H.Boker&Co at the antique

Dear Gentlemen,

I am new to the art of straight razors and have been on the hunt for my first razor. I have been browsing the classifieds but the prices are just a little over my head right now. I was browsing a local antique store today and found a straight razor. It is a H.Boker &Co and the man sold it to me for 25 dollars. It looks like it is in good shape. I'm pretty sure it is not shave ready and is gonna need a good honing from a professional. Maybe it needs a complete restoration. I'm not sure. So here I am asking you guys the pros. Did I get a good deal or did I get ripped off? Let me know! I'll be putting up some pictures along with this paragraph.

Thank you!!



Take a look!

Well, we don't comment on values here, but it's a good brand. It does appear to have been honed quite a bit, as evidenced by the hone wear on the spine. It also has a bit of a "frown" in the edge 1/3 out from the heel. It can certainly be honed and made into a functional shaver. Given the steel already lost to honing, I'd recommend having someone hone it for you and that you just put it to use instead of having it restored.

First and foremost,
I am not a "pro" of any sorts. But I have dealt with my fair share of antique stores and my experience is that you need to know what you are looking for. My first buy ended up being a microtome xP

If you are going for materials to test your restoration skills, great place if the prices are fair to you. I say to you, because I may buy something at $30 and someone else may only pay no more than $15 for the same product. But if both are happy, well, you get the idea.

As for the razor you have there. Popular name, it seems to have hone wear and a lot from the photos. The scales look uncracked, that is good. As for the edge itself, you will have to check if there are any cracks or chips in the blades edge. If you can get a keen edge on that blade, I think $25 is a great price for a first time purchase.

Antique shops do not care about blade condition, ability to hold an edge, or if they rust up quick. They just care that it is old. I bumped into a fellow at one who was looking in the same case as I and he doesn't even shave with the razors he buys, just collects them. It takes all types.

Hope this helps,
JackofDiamonds

IMHO it isn't worth what you paid for it by half. I wouldn't say the antique dealer 'ripped you off' because they probably have no idea what a straight razor is in good condition , compared to one in poor condition. It could be honed but keep in mind, unless someone does it as a freebie it will cost you near what you paid for it to start with ..... maybe as much or more with shipping both ways. If you can return it for a refund ..... without getting into a fight with the guy and making matters worse, do so ....... again, just IMHO.

Thank you for your replies. I would love to put this to use and I know that Lynn can do a professional honing for 20. JimmyHAD has a good point though. I'll be paying just as much for the honing as I did for the razor. All in all to get this blade shave-ready I would have to spend around 45. Not worth the hassle?

Originally Posted by easyshot23

Thank you for your replies. I would love to put this to use and I know that Lynn can do a professional honing for 20. JimmyHAD has a good point though. I'll be paying just as much for the honing as I did for the razor. All in all to get this blade shave-ready I would have to spend around 45. Not worth the hassle?

Ultimately if it's worth it to you then it's worth it!