Thread: Antique straight razor tips

I'm about to head out and look for my first straight razor and was very much hopeful to save some money by purchasing from an antique store heard they were from 10-30 in the local ones. What are the main things to look for? I'm very new to this and have no idea what to look for

>50 percent of the time, you won't save any money as a new person, buying from an antique store.

Later on, you will be able to. But a new person who wants to shave needs a razor from someone who knows something about razors.

If you're still determined. I suggest perusing the Ebay 101 thread. It has lots of pictures of lots of razors you should avoid.

Buy one from the classifids on here. I bought my first one from them and its a great razor.

Originally Posted by southtexasdeadI

I'm about to head out and look for my first straight razor and was very much hopeful to save some money by purchasing from an antique store heard they were from 10-30 in the local ones. What are the main things to look for? I'm very new to this and have no idea what to look for

My thought on antic store finds, give it a shot. Call me lucky but I found two Wade and
Butchers at the first antic store I ever stepped in .One is 8/8 magnum Bonum and one FBU took both for fifty each my next vist a couple weeks later I came across a Prosperity for fourteen bucks. All have been restored both WB are in my rotation as of now the prosperity is in its origanly case with matching numbers and all even had the paper work in the box showing how to use a straight. So yeah it's worth a go. Happy hunting and good luck...

I recommend looking in the Ebay 101 thread (http://straightrazorpalace.com/aucti...bay-101-a.html) This will show you what NOT to look for.


Also, I would say don't spend too much if you're not sure. Sometimes issues are subtle enough that you might not realize them at first and I think antique stores are normally over-priced for the razor's condition. ($30 in a store may buy you something worth $0 anywhere else but then again, price is debatable)

Look for IMO uneven spine wear, splits starting from the edge heading toward the spine (hairline cracks), pitting, rust near the edge, and scale condition. I think if you are ready to get started shaving with a straight, you're going to make out better buying one from the classifieds here, it will be shave ready most likley and in a much cleaner state, than what you'll find in an antique shop.
You will, as a newb spend more money going into an antique shop vs. the classifieds here. You have to decide are you ready to start shaving with a straight? or cleaning up rusty finds from the local antique shop?

Find a member in your area and ask him to tag along. I love hunting for razors.

Yes, I must admit, it's a lot of fun searching them out at antique stores. And you might get lucky. But if you're searching for a razor to shave with, I still think you should get it from the classifieds. The ones at the antique store will still be there later, when you really know what you're doing.

Ofc, this is all in the past now! lol

Soooo?? How'd it go? Did ya find anything cool?!

I actually broke my shaving bowl and this distracted my budget towards straights I think I'm gonna wait a bit and keep using my 3 week old ej de89 razor which is also my first wet shave non cartridge razor. I am gonna put that money for a straight razor towards either a scuttle or a sve trip brush from whippedog.com

Little spine honewear
No active rust
No pitting if possible, but if there is, make usre it is not close to the edge.
Be careful for cracks, sometimes they hide under patina, or dirty spots