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

When you are out hunting for razors in antique stores there are several things to keep in mind.

1. Persistence - You can't walk into a couple of antique stores on a Saturday afternoon and expect to find the mother lode. Go back at least once a month. These dealers don't order their items from an antiques catalog, they depend on turnover and are replenishing their stock constantly.

2. ASK!!!! Always ask if they have any straight razors. Most antique dealers are women and they tend to focus on the items that interest them when they are buying stock. If you ask about straight razors each time you are in the store, this could plant a seed and the next time they come across one they may pick it up with you in mind instead of pushing it aside to pick up a piece of collectible glass or some costume jewelry.

3. Leave your name and number. Most dealers keep a list of people who are looking for certain items. If they know you are serious, you may be surprised one day by a phone call. You are under no obligation to buy anything, especially if it is a piece of crap. But it will afford you the opportunity to explain just what it is that you are looking for.

4. Don't depend just on antique stores. Flea markets, swap meets, yard sales, local auction houses, Craig's List, or a "wanted to buy" ad in the local newspaper. All of these are potential sources. There are lots of folks who have grandpa's razor tucked away and have no idea that there might be someone in the neighborhood that might actually be interested in having it.

I have picked up over 300 razors using these methods and can attest that antique shops aren't all graveyards for razors. Some are just a resting place where they are waiting for you to come and save them from a lonely demise.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by Walt

When you are out hunting for razors in antique stores there are several things to keep in mind.

1. Persistence - You can't walk into a couple of antique stores on a Saturday afternoon and expect to find the mother lode. Go back at least once a month. These dealers don't order their items from an antiques catalog, they depend on turnover and are replenishing their stock constantly.

2. ASK!!!! Always ask if they have any straight razors. Most antique dealers are women and they tend to focus on the items that interest them when they are buying stock. If you ask about straight razors each time you are in the store, this could plant a seed and the next time they come across one they may pick it up with you in mind instead of pushing it aside to pick up a piece of collectible glass or some costume jewelry.

3. Leave your name and number. Most dealers keep a list of people who are looking for certain items. If they know you are serious, you may be surprised one day by a phone call. You are under no obligation to buy anything, especially if it is a piece of crap. But it will afford you the opportunity to explain just what it is that you are looking for.

4. Don't depend just on antique stores. Flea markets, swap meets, yard sales, local auction houses, Craig's List, or a "wanted to buy" ad in the local newspaper. All of these are potential sources. There are lots of folks who have grandpa's razor tucked away and have no idea that there might be someone in the neighborhood that might actually be interested in having it.

I have picked up over 300 razors using these methods and can attest that antique shops aren't all graveyards for razors. Some are just a resting place where they are waiting for you to come and save them from a lonely demise.

Regards - Walt

We have a couple antique stores around my neighborhood which I went to, and I asked the lady at both Main Antiques and this one other antiquities dealer who showed me a bunch of razors; I feel like a monkey with a typewritter and no knowledge of Shakespeare when it comes to the whole good/bad/ugly side of razor shopping. Also looked at yard sales, but the only thing that I can find there once in a blue moon is a DE razor, which I'm not really all that interested in. I'll check other sources, but once again, I don't know really what is really a good buy and what is a "good buy" if you get what I'm saying.

Originally Posted by Natz

We have a couple antique stores around my neighborhood which I went to, and I asked the lady at both Main Antiques and this one other antiquities dealer who showed me a bunch of razors; I feel like a monkey with a typewritter and no knowledge of Shakespeare when it comes to the whole good/bad/ugly side of razor shopping. Also looked at yard sales, but the only thing that I can find there once in a blue moon is a DE razor, which I'm not really all that interested in. I'll check other sources, but once again, I don't know really what is really a good buy and what is a "good buy" if you get what I'm saying.

Grasshaopper,You should be looking at D.E.s to fund straight buys,In the past 5 yrs I have found one NOS bottom dial fatboy,orig box and papers and two toggles in orig boxes,selling them allowed me buy some very nice straights

Originally Posted by Natz

We have a couple antique stores around my neighborhood which I went to, and I asked the lady at both Main Antiques and this one other antiquities dealer who showed me a bunch of razors; I feel like a monkey with a typewritter and no knowledge of Shakespeare when it comes to the whole good/bad/ugly side of razor shopping. Also looked at yard sales, but the only thing that I can find there once in a blue moon is a DE razor, which I'm not really all that interested in. I'll check other sources, but once again, I don't know really what is really a good buy and what is a "good buy" if you get what I'm saying.

This forum will teach you everything you need to know about buying straight razors, antique stores or otherwise.
Use the "Advance Search" button , upper right, put in key words of interest & let the journey begin.

Too bad there's not a "Vintage Straight Razor Shopping for Dummies" book somewhere. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

There is a razor shopping for Dummies, Its called Ebay 101, the first 6 pages

Even better go to the Estate sales especially when the deceased was an old person (har har). That's the best place to find straights in great condition.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Even better go to the Estate sales especially when the deceased was an old person (har har). That's the best place to find straights in great condition.

Only issue with that is that all the straights seem to get snapped up before I can get there. I guess they're in high demand?

Originally Posted by Magpie

There is a razor shopping for Dummies, Its called Ebay 101, the first 6 pages

Can't seem to find this online...could you post a link? Thanks!

Originally Posted by Hirlau

This forum will teach you everything you need to know about buying straight razors, antique stores or otherwise.
Use the "Advance Search" button , upper right, put in key words of interest & let the journey begin.

The Advance Search is kinda confusing for someone as technologically challenged as I am. Sorry to say. I know the basics of the anatomy of a razor and the difference between hollow and wedge, but as far as brand knowledge I'm stumped.