Thread: Trying to learn how to assess ebay pictures.

Hi Guys, I can't stop scouring ebay for a good deal lol, I know it is advised not to do this as a beginner but I just want to learn as much as possible. Could someone point out what would need to be done to these razors to get them shave ready/restored or if they are in good condition/bad condition etc. Thank you so much

Honestly all those razors look like winners! There is no major hone wear, no edge chips, no frowns in the edge, scales are in good shape. It looks like any of these would just need a little polishing, if you want, but really just a good honing and you are ready to go.

There is a thread called 'EBay 101' somewhere that goes through all the pitfalls and things to look for on EBay razors.

Of course I didn't find it until I'd bought about 20.......

Originally Posted by Havachat45

There is a thread called 'EBay 101' somewhere that goes through all the pitfalls and things to look for on EBay razors.

Of course I didn't find it until I'd bought about 20.......

haha , i was in a couple before i read it also ...lol..

is this pitting on the blade? I'm trying to work out what all the terms mean. I am so angry right now I forgot to check my ebay item i was watching and lost!!!

That looks like light pitting - if it won't come off with metal polish, that is. Pitting is just what it sounds like - tiny pits, usually dark grey/black, in the metal itself.

From the photo, that blade looks mostly OK, although there appears to be one pit very close to the edge about 3/4" from the heel, and a smaller one about 3/8" from the heel. You'll want to hone through those, I'd say.

I'm currently bidding on these so if theres any major defects could someone stop me before I get into any bidding wars =]
Is that corrosion on the master cutter?

To be honest, there will corrosion on most everything you look at on EBay.
I think it is called patina before it becomes pits and, unless the seller is good with a camera, you will find pits on most blades.
It only becomes a real issue when it is on the edge and it becomes like swiss cheese when you try to hone it.
Unfortunately, like most of us, you will learn by your mistakes.
I'd probably bid on these - but not too much - if I were looking for more razors (will I ever stop?.....hehehehehe)

Thanks Havachat, yeah I will try not to let the bids get too high, I kind of get attached once I've clicked that button though lol.

Originally Posted by saitou

Hi Guys, I can't stop scouring ebay for a good deal lol, I know it is advised not to do this as a beginner but I just want to learn as much as possible. Could someone point out what would need to be done to these razors to get them shave ready/restored or if they are in good condition/bad condition etc. Thank you so much

Why are you posting picture of my personal PUMA in that thread? The context would indicate it was for sale on ebay, which it is not, I do not plan to sell it anytime soon.
I made a post about the restoration did you read it, or just took the photo from it?