Thread: 15 Razors

I posted a request on the auction forum about these. Hoping to get a better result here. I inherited these all recently and am trying to decide if the collection is worthwhile (good quality/of value) and in good enough condition to entertain keeping and adding to.

Primarily I'm trying to find identification info for each and some idea of what makes them junk, or quality, or collectible.

I am not a user, and would sell them all if I can't get into it enough to identify them all and understand their value properly. I hate doing anything halfway.

by searching the wiki, and searching each brand you should be able to identify them. Some of the members know a lot about the different brands. Worth/value is different story. No one here does prices.

We dont do appraisals here. But we can help you identify good from bad. Things to beware of, any damage of any kind to the handles or blades, depending on severity. Any rust, pits, discoloration, staining, cracks, breaks, chips or nicks. A blade with a frown, meaning the blade is not even across the edge or does not smile. Loose handles, razor does not close properly, loose pins, missing parts and etc. This should give you a basic idea. Now if you could re post your pics so that they can be seen, we can give further aid and advice. I hope this has helped and welcome to SRP. Should you need anything all you have to do is ask.

OK, the pics are working. I couldnt ID everyone, lighting, glare, fuzzy pic, etc. The good news is that I didnt see a bad one in the bunch, with the exception of the 6th one from the left in the 3rd pic. It seems to need some work, other than a simple cleaning.You have done good.

My primary goal is to establish a value - NOT CASH SALE VALUE - value as in whether i keep them and restore them and take up the collection, adding to it over time myself etc..

Trying to do that by asking questions, finding people who are in the know.

The only way i'll be selling them is if it looks hopelessly difficult to get into. Then theyll just go

Hopeless to get into? Oh not even close. Seriously, the only way is to try it. Pick one and send it to one of the guys on here that hone. It will cost you ~$20 and you'll be better equipped to make an educated decision. Grab a poorman strop from Larry at WhippedDog and a cheap brush and a tub of Proraso and go to town. Less than $60 and you'd know if you want to keep them or sell them. If you like it and keep them, you've got a hell of a good start on a collection. If you hate it, sell them off and you'll make your money back from the experiment.

I think I may try to identify the best of the bunch, with some help, and maybe sell off a few of the others to spend restoring those and then go from there. So far ive got some good tips from people, now I just need to get a handle on identity.

A blurred photo isn't enough. Improve your lighting, or use a tripod to eliminate camera shake. Make sure the maker's name is focussed.

Two important detailed photos:

. . . the maker's name (and anything on the reverse side of the tang);

. . . a photo of the edge, to detect chips, etc.

Two questions:

. . . You don't talk about _using_ the razors. Are you thinking of collecting straight razors, but not shaving with one?

. . . There are a lot of vintage razors which aren't _special_, but which are good-quality, usable blades
. . . after honing. Are you planning to hold onto those, or only keep _rare_ blades?

Charles

You have a great starter collection there. Send out a couple to get cleaned up and honed, and over time you can learn to fix up the rest yourself.

Well, I think it would be smart to try to hold onto both the best ones for use as well as the highest value blades. If I figure out 2 or 3 that are worth selling to offset the cost of restoring the top handful to useable condition then the collection will be in the best position both for use and for value.

That seems to be the direction most of the tips ive gotten so far suggests.

No, I havent used one yet but I intend to give it a try