Is it worth it?

**DrColossus11** · 10-07-2010, 08:44 PM

I found a couple of questionable quality Straights on the Bay. Is it worth picking them up to practice honing on? Will these things even take an edge?

**Aussieshaver** · 10-07-2010, 09:05 PM

I guess when you say questionable quality it depends what you are referring to. Are they vintage razors or new razors out of China/Pakistan? Vintage razors should generally take an edge.

**DrColossus11** · 10-07-2010, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Aussieshaver

I guess when you say questionable quality it depends what you are referring to. Are they vintage razors or new razors out of China/Pakistan? Vintage razors should generally take an edge.

I was thinking China/Pakistan, either Gold Dollar or the no name version. I see someone posted asking about GD and they got some favorable reviews. I might go with them then. All of the vintage ones I've looked at are either:
A. Too expensive
B. In horrible shape

**Aussieshaver** · 10-07-2010, 09:40 PM

The gold dollars get a decent review (depending on who you speak with). Like I said in the other thread posted, have a chat with Seraphim.

**Luc** · 10-08-2010, 12:08 AM

Depends, sometimes you can get a non-looker straight for very cheap, cheaper than gold dollar. I would trust vintage more than anything else... For now... I'm not closing the door on modern straights... yet...

**taffy** · 10-08-2010, 12:29 AM

I have picked up a few through e bay uk, and have managed to get them shaving again, they generally work out cheaper than buying them at a antique store, the only problem is that your going on the condition of a photo, but so far, for me anyway, so good.

**OiRogers** · 10-09-2010, 09:42 PM

I've managed to snag several Wade and Butcher and other "known good" maker razors off the 'bay for very low dollar bids. I often will bid on a blade saying to myself; "self, 5$ is what this type of razor is worth to me for educational purposes"...

and with those low dollar bids, I don't win many... perhaps 11%... but I've ended up with several great razors that after careful honing have proven to be great shavers.

If the price is low enough on a razor with a good track record... it's probably worth it. If the razor had major damage, serious chunks taken out or says "Pakistan" anywhere one it, you should probably take a pass on it.