Thread: Antique stores...where most razors go to die

Finding nice razors at a decent price is a black art and takes some work.

I have around 25 straights now, all came from antique stores except 2 and I have some that are very nice razors. When I go out antique shopping its always hit or miss. I planned a trip on a weekend one time and hit 7 antique stores and found absolutely nothing. Other times I hit one randomly, because I have an hour to kill and found some beauties. Remember that rust on the blade can be removed, rust on the edge is a gamble, and broken scales can be replaced. Some warped blades can be honed and some can't.

Hone wear is another story. some have too much on the toe and some have too much on the heel. Some just have TOO MUCH. A keen eye is needed to see what is ok and what isn't.

Don't give up on it yet. When you find one that's in good condition it's like winning at the poker table. At least that's the same feeling I get when I find one. The latest blade I found at an antique store was a 7/8's Crown & Sword ERN that I got for $25. Made me a very happy guy.

I think the key is to let some straights die,you see far to many on this site bought by newbs that are total, non-salvegable junk.

Originally Posted by pfries

Check the classifieds here,
what exactly are you chasing after as far as style age etc.

I agree. This is probably the safest place to get a good deal on a good razor. The majority of razors I've purchased are here in the Classifieds.

I have not had luck at antique stores. I visit the local stores periodically and I usually walk away disappointed at the selection and the prices. Shaving items are few and far between, and usually what I would consider to be overpriced and usually not in good condition.

I have also heard negative feedback about ebay from a couple of people who are long time sellers there. I told one of them that I was looking at what he was selling from three different sellers, and I bought from him because he was the only one who responded to any of my inquiries. There seem to be more shoddy offerings and price gouging on certain items.

I've had my son in law keep his eyes open as he runs the flea markets and thrift stores. Today he brought me a double duck (satin) he got for $10.00. The scales were bowed a decent amount but I got those straight this evening. The blade is in decent shape with a little surface rust. Now I just need to polish some and learn how to hone.hehe

Make sure that the surface rusr you are seeing is not cell rot. These scales are notorious for gassing. I've had two SatinEdges that gassed a year or two after I bought them. One was in a cigar box with several other razors which were also affected by the rot. Better to be on the save side and keep it isolated from any other razor . . . . just in case.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by Walt

Make sure that the surface rusr you are seeing is not cell rot. These scales are notorious for gassing. I've had two SatinEdges that gassed a year or two after I bought them. One was in a cigar box with several other razors which were also affected by the rot. Better to be on the save side and keep it isolated from any other razor . . . . just in case.

Regards - Walt

Thanks Walt, will do.

You can always post some good quality photos of both sides of your potential purchase and ask for opinions. The mentors, and the community in general are a pretty helpful bunch

Great idea Ed. I may do that next time I'm out and about. How quick are most people to respond if I'd post?

Originally Posted by edhewitt

You can always post some good quality photos of both sides of your potential purchase and ask for opinions. The mentors, and the community in general are a pretty helpful bunch

Generally pretty quick.
I would not try it with minutes to go, but 8-12hrs or so (pending auction end time) you should have plenty of solid feed back.