Thread: What to look for when purchasing a "vintage" razor

Hello everybody!

Im brand new to this forum(as well as straight razor shaving) and love the information I have already been able to obtain from you all so thank you!

I apologize if this question is answered in another topic, but I am having a hard time figuring out which vintage razor to invest in.

Are there any ways to visually tell if a razor is beyond the point of cleaning or a restoration? Amount of money to typically spend?
I have seen many individuals claiming to have found a nicely priced vintage razor with obvious wear, only to be shot down by remarks of it being beyond the point of no return which is truly unfortunate.
I also have been doing some searching and have found some definite possibilities based off of many recommendations(from this site) and lists of reputable companies that usually are not in production, but cant tell if buying it meant I would have that traditional awesome antique shave lasting me a lifetime, or just a traditional awesome antique sitting on my desk hah.

Again, if this has already been discussed and I should look elsewhere for my information, my bad!
thanks for the help!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post736914


Start with that thread

Welcome to SRP. I would advise anyone who wants to get into shaving with straight razors, and can afford it, to purchase an entry level Dovo razor and strop set brand new. You can get it shave ready and one of our vendors offers one free subsequent honing when it becomes necessary.

I say that because there is no sending it out after you get it, or worrying about restoration or condition issues. See if you like shaving with a straight razor and learn to do it well before getting into honing and restoring.

Our SRP classifieds also provides some good opportunities for vintage razors and usually they are in excellent or better condition. This is all IMHO.

Thank you! Definitely steps in the right direction.

Welcome.
Walk, then run.

Buy a razor and a strop, from the classifieds for example. Entry level equipment should not cost a lot.
If you like it and want to progress, buy a couple of different types: you should tr a hollow ground and a wedge. A 5/8 razor and a 6/8 razor. Once you've tried a couple of things, you can figure out what you like and what you don't. Don't worry too much about the money because with entry level equipment, you can easily sell it without taking too much of a financial hit.

When you know what you like, buy a couple of old razors from ebay or such places, and get started. Eventually you'll get a feel for what is a good restoration project, and what is junk.

I agree with has been said, even if you do not want to go new route, you could till buy a razor that has been properly restored by a professional. i decided i wanted a henckels because i know the brand and i was able to get on 8/8" for a price that seemed right to me. It took that razor about 3 weeks to get to me but it was worth it. Before that purchase i bought a crown & sword from ebay that Had to be sent to hone to a local cutlery shop and my first shave was uncomfortable, but the henckels that had been honed by an individual specialized on straight razors restored my faith. Now i have been buying razors from ebay, and have been restoring/customizing with new scales and learning the ropes on honing with a 220/1k and 4k/8k norton stones and that brand new razor sharpness is my bench mark of how a razor should feel and look.