Thread: How do I know if they're useable?

Hi. I saw these on eBay. I have no idea whether they are useable or even what to ask the seller in that regard. My plan, if I win them, is to send them to be honed & stropped by someone who knows how. I'm not a collector; I only want them if I can use them.
Can anyone tell if they are ok from the picture? Alternatively, how would I go about searching for reasonably priced vintage razors that I can "make good"?
Thanks. Raul

i would say those have a bit more work needed than just a honing.......i would suggest as will MANY of the other Senior Members to AVOID eBay till you get a handle on straights and what to look for! there are some great deals in the Classifieds section on this sight and most of the razors will come to you Shave Ready! there is currently a razor $45 shave ready razor on there right not that would be a GREAT place to start. In the end its your money but i wouldn't get those as starters!

Those don't look bad off to me... A litle heavy on the spine wear, but still usable for years. Wipe em down with some flitz metal polish (take care on the Gotta gold wash) and send them out for honing... I'll bet that Gotta and Invicta turn out to be your favorites! Good luck!

I'm with the Barker. 'Too many cases where the refurbishment makes them more costly than buying one that's ready to shave.

They look like they'd be alright with just a good cleaning with something like MAAS or Mothers and then honed to be made "useable"
There is a simple rule though thats stated around here often and I don't mean to sound rude but...
If you have to ask if they're useable, then you probably shouldn't be looking around on ebay...too many guys get stung this way.
But to really answer your question heres something to help...look for uneven or excessive hone wear, chips or cracks, rust/pits etc.
Those are a few things to look out for and avoid if excessive.

Thanks. I think I'm probably in over my head with these ones. I'm using a shavette at the moment & it gets the job done more than adequately. I just thought it'd be cool to have the real thing
I doubt my ability to care for one anyway (I'm a bit obsessive compulsive & would likely hone it to a nub before my second shave). Probably get a bit pricey sending it away to be honed every time...

Originally Posted by Raulski

Thanks. I think I'm probably in over my head with these ones. I'm using a shavette at the moment & it gets the job done more than adequately. I just thought it'd be cool to have the real thing
I doubt my ability to care for one anyway (I'm a bit obsessive compulsive & would likely hone it to a nub before my second shave). Probably get a bit pricey sending it away to be honed every time...

I can't speak for everyone but IME I think a lot of guys, myself very much included, feel over their heads at some point especially starting out! There is a LOT of info out there and a lot of options.....and they aren't all good! Luckily you found SRP and the guys here are a HUGE help! There was a recent blog....I think by str8shooter....about starting out you should take a look at!

I started with a shavette and quickly got RAD and 5 shaves in switched to a traditional straight. And just recently started trying to hone my own edges...so I wouldn't worry about honing till you ate confident in the technique of the shave. If you get a shave ready edge and with proper stropping you won't have to worry about re-honing it for awhile (baring any mishaps)

I would also say don't feel you need to rush into this you'll get to a point and just know it's time to switch OR not. There are guys that only use a feather replaceable blade straight and love it! Everyones road is different and you have a great start by being here!

They look useable, with a bit of honing, to me.

Buying a stone and honing one of the razors to a nub would likely teach you quite a bit about honing, if you buy a fine finishing stone you could probably get away with honing after every shave. Sending two away for a refurb and keeping two for honing practice might be an idea.