New SS Red Tip, with pics

[steppenwolph]

I recently purchased this SS red tip razor, date code B2, off ebay. I paid $23.00 for it, including shipping, and including 30 Derby Extra and 27 Feather blades. I am mostly pleased with it, except for the weird roughness evident on either end of the razor. The rest of the razor is extremely clean, some paint missing off the tip. The razor was described as 'excellent to mint' condition, with a small smallish, not too clear photo of the thing. My question is, did I do OK on this deal, or is this a rip off? I have certainly learned the 'caveat emptor' lesson, anyway.

[MTgrayling]

Well it is missing the cosmetic end caps on each side. These won't affect the shave, but it certainly is not in "excellent to mint" condition. For the price you got a good razor and a bunch of great blades, just not in the condition that was advertised.

[R-James]

Nice razor and a good shaver. Enjoy!

[hoselayer]

Very nice pick up, ecspecially with the baldes. I wouldnt say you got a steal, but you didnt get ripped off either.

[CJBianco]

Except for the missing endcaps, the razor looks brilliant!

As Chris said, the razor is neither excellent nor mint condition. Personally, I believe any razor automatically qualifies as "Poor Condition" (PC) if it's missing pieces, cracked, or broke. (However, the official collectors guide by Kromholz allows for cracks of a particular size in both the fair and good condition ratings...IIRC.) Of course, there are exceptions to my own rule. If the razor is in otherwise excellent condition in spite of one crack or bent tooth, I may call it "Poor Condition Plus" (PC+). And if the damage actually improves the aestetics of the razor, I'll rate it based on all other criteria. (For instance, the brass and copper Gillette Techs are completely stripped of plating. This should automatically qualify as poor condition. However, the two-tone brass and copper is so lovely that many people enjoy adding these accidental beauties to their private collections...at the excellent condition price.)

All things equal...I'd say you made a fair deal.

Congratulations...and enjoy the shave!

Me

[steppenwolph]

Thanks for the info, guys, I really appreciate it. Here is a link for the auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140209443963&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=004).
I misremembered the price, it was actually $24.45, but no matter. I do find myself liking this razor in spite of its missing bits. I think I'll keep it, especially since shipping is not refunded.