Thread: eBay straight win

Well, I crossed a milestone and bought my first straight off of eBay. Have no idea if I paid too much but somebody must have thought I was close because there were four other bidders and I almost got outbid. Paid $49 + $3 shipping.

The scales are cracked, chipped and the pivot pin is loose despite what looks like many an attempt to pound it tighter -- possibly responsible in part for the messed up scales. I knew this when I bid but liked the looks of the blade and figured new scales could be cheap and easy.

The spine looks worn to me. I can see striations in the direction that would come from honing.

QUESTION: Can I shine it up with metal polish without ruining the engraving?

So, waddya think?

Attached is a picture...

That ones engraved, it should be fine for many polishings. Engravings are deeper than etches. At least if its the same as the ones I have its engraved.

Otta shine up real good!

I have a hard time allowing myself to buy any razors off ebay for more than $30 unless they are in really good shape, or can be easily made good. Tough to say with that one. Some MAAS might make that beautiful in short order.
This is not to say you paid too much- only you can decide if it was worth it to you. The positives: It's got some great engraving that'll withstand some minor resto work. Bokers are beautiful shavers. Negatives: hone wear and some immediate work needed to replace the scales before you can shave with it.

I say clean her up, don't tell us how much work it was (but learn from it), and make us all jealous of your keen eye.

Originally Posted by kenneyty

I have a hard time allowing myself to buy any razors off ebay for more than $30 unless they are in really good shape, or can be easily made good. Tough to say with that one. Some MAAS might make that beautiful in short order.
This is not to say you paid too much- only you can decide if it was worth it to you. The positives: It's got some great engraving that'll withstand some minor resto work. Bokers are beautiful shavers. Negatives: hone wear and some immediate work needed to replace the scales before you can shave with it.

Pretty much how I figured it although I hoped there wasn't going to be such a persistent bidder working against me. I put in my absolute worst case max bid and that's what it went for.

I say clean her up, don't tell us how much work it was (but learn from it), and make us all jealous of your keen eye.

Thanks. I'm feeling better about it already!

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Otta shine up real good!

Thanks for the encouragement! I will give it a try.

Boker's are excellent shavers, you won't be dissapointed. I have a couple Boker's myself, and I'm very pleased with them. I hope you are aware that when you get that razor all nice and shiny that you are under strict contractual obligation to post pictures....

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

I hope you are aware that when you get that razor all nice and shiny that you are under strict contractual obligation to post pictures....

I feel the pressure.

But I will need to figure out how to deal with the scales. I have a note into Classic Shaving giving the dimensions of the blade and asking about their replacement scales, but that only went out today.

If anyone has leads on other replacement scales please let me know!

The invisbleedge carries the dovo replacement scales too. I picked up a set of scales from them, the North American Redwood, and they were beautiful. You could check them out Razor Scales & Pin kits.

If it was me I would send it to Glen for scales and general cleanup. I know he could do a lot better on shining it up then I could and with a beautiful etching like that I would want a pro to do it.