Antique stores...where most razors go to die
I'm not saying that there's not some diamonds in the rough out there in the antique shops, but OMG...I went to my local antique shop and the razors there were so mistreated that I got a little misty-eyed. Deep pits, excessive hone wear, and chipped blades were just a few of the horrors that I saw there.
My thing is that I want to get a nice vintage razor of good/great quality and historical value that I can shave with and maybe pass down to my kids when I'm old and grey, but I'm starting to think that such a thing is going to be really hard to find. Any suggestions on where I may go, or do I just need to keep my eyes peeled?
Antique stores . . . where many razors go to be resurrected
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