Thread: Red Imp

How much is a Red Imp in very good condition worth?

Well I got one on Eboy about 2 years ago and I think its was just about mint and I paid about $70 for it. The problem with Case razors is there are many case collectors out there and they tend to really bid up any good samples.

Funny you should mention Red Imp. I stopped at a local antique shop that's having a going out of business sale and found a Red Imp 5/8 square point wedge. the asking price was $69.00. After subtracting the 20% discount and adding the 8.25% sales tax it came to $59.75. This razor is SWEEEEEET!!! I don't think it's mint but it's pretty darned close. There are no signs of corrosion even in the pivot area and the blade shows little, if any, hone wear. The scales are dark red with only a little storage wear. If I had a camera that could take decent pictures I would post some... But there is one major problem. I can't have my cake and eat it too. I've been looking for wedgies in the 5/8 range but the problem is that this one is so pristine that I'm reluctant to use it. Oh, well. I suppose I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for other wedge grinds that I can use and just keep the Imp strictly as a collectors item.

I recently picked a nearly flawless 5/8 satin finish spike point Imp from altima55 on eBay. Total cost was < $45.00. See for yourself:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0724%26fvi%3D1

FYI, altima55's auctions are always correctly described and he posts great images of the razor, the bevel, and scales.

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Funny you should mention Red Imp. I stopped at a local antique shop that's having a going out of business sale and found a Red Imp 5/8 square point wedge. the asking price was $69.00. After subtracting the 20% discount and adding the 8.25% sales tax it came to $59.75. This razor is SWEEEEEET!!! I don't think it's mint but it's pretty darned close. There are no signs of corrosion even in the pivot area and the blade shows little, if any, hone wear. The scales are dark red with only a little storage wear. If I had a camera that could take decent pictures I would post some... But there is one major problem. I can't have my cake and eat it too. I've been looking for wedgies in the 5/8 range but the problem is that this one is so pristine that I'm reluctant to use it. Oh, well. I suppose I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for other wedge grinds that I can use and just keep the Imp strictly as a collectors item.

My take on it is that ti was made to be used. My main attraction to this hobby is saving these precision instruments from collecting dust and making them useful again.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

My take on it is that ti was made to be used. My main attraction to this hobby is saving these precision instruments from collecting dust and making them useful again.

Point taken. I'm of a similar opinion but I also look at them like vintage cars. I wouldn't drive a mint '67 Camaro with less than ten thousand original miles on it to work every day or to the store just to pick up a gallon of milk. Maybe what I'll do is have the Imp sent out for professional honing and then use it for special occasions. But I'll still need to get my hands on some more wedges as my experience with my C-MON has been quite good.

Originally Posted by trackzilla

I recently picked a nearly flawless 5/8 satin finish spike point Imp from altima55 on eBay. Total cost was < $45.00. See for yourself:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0724%26fvi%3D1

FYI, altima55's auctions are always correctly described and he posts great images of the razor, the bevel, and scales.

I also bought one on eBay just last week -- from sportspot. It's also my first straight razor -- cost me $49.88 + S/H (another $6.95). It's so cherry. See for yourselves:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...6849&rd=1&rd=1

These photos don't do it justice. It's so much better "in person". The pivot pin is tight, it's the 3-pin handle that I wanted, and the blade... אין לי מילים.

I also managed to find an original Red Imp #133 5/8 box on eBay (together with a Greaves "coffin") -- cost me the starting bid of $0.99 + S/H ($2.25).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...8406&rd=1&rd=1

I have no intention (does anyone, at first?) of becoming a "collector"; I bought this beauty to shave with. I've already purchased, and am using, a very nice Andreas Custom Silvertip Badger Brush, from John Crowley at ShavingShop.com, as well as an esthetically-pleasing dark-walnut soap bowl (with cover) from eBay, and some "Woodstock" glycerin shaving soap from Emily at Emsplace.com.

I cannot imagine what shaving with this new razor will feel like, compared to a "GoodNews" disposable. The Imp's blade cuts into my moistened thumbnail, when dragged across, so (from what I've read) it might really be "shave-ready". I bought a used strop (1950s Russian Shell) on eBay, with a mint, unused-and-still-wrapped linen strop attached to it... ought to arrive tomorrow.

A knowledgable friend told me to not strop the blade; rather, to try shaving with it and see how/if it cuts those "little tiny hairs, growin' out ma face". I'll read more, and maybe even ask more, and wait until tomorrow evening (I shower 'n shave in the evenings, after working-out at the gym -- see http://www.concept2.com for info about indoor rowing).

Update 1: The razor was not "shave ready"; neither was I. Although nicely lathered, I found myself to be scared sh*tless of either not getting that 30-degree angle, or moving the blade horizontally and slicing my face. Believe me, getting tattooed is nothing, compared to "the first shave". I will get the blade properly honed-and-stropped, and with the help of an old straight-razor veteran (who also is my tattooist), I'll learn how to do it.

Update 2: The matching razor box arrived today. Surprisingly, the Red Imp #133 didn't fit. The box is marked 5/8 (on the lid/top), so either it's mismatched with the longer part of the box, or mismarked... or the depth of the razor blade is larger than 5/8". Would you believe that I don't have a ruler in my apartment? This, too, shall be corrected.

Update 3: Duh. I went to the tattoo shop today, and my tattooist/ex-straight-razor-user measured the razor's blade with a plastic ruler. It's 7/8". Small wonder that it didn't fit into the 5/8" box. Duh. I also looked at the edge through my 10x loupe -- admittedly, it's difficult to hold it steady AND focus at the same time; however, I did see a few tiny flaws (don't know whether to call them nicks or dings, because they're not visible to the unaided eye. Obviously, it needs to be honed, by a professional; dunno if it requires anything more.

Update 4: Sent the Red Imp to John Crowley for honing, on Monday; it arrived today. I am looking forward to receiving it back from him, totally shave ready! Film at 11.

I'm very glad this site/set-of-forums exists, and equally impressed with the quality of the members and their contributions/correspondence.