Have you ever done this before using a NOS razor...

**ezmike** · 05-24-2011, 05:23 AM

Purchased either a NOS or New Never Used razor that maybe still had the blank blade or cardboard in place but before you used it you purchased a very user grade exact same razor for a few bucks to try out in case you don't like it and you want to sell the NOS or New Never Used as such?

I know it sounds crazy but...

I just did this with a NOS/New Never Used Schick J3 Golden 500 that still has the blank blade in place. By the way, the Golden 500 gave me one of the best shaves ever.

Mike

**cfriend** · 05-24-2011, 05:32 AM

I think most of the responses will say they've never (and never will) intentionally use a NOS/unused razor, and would cringe at the thought.
IMHO, proven NOS/unused razors (plastic blade intact, original shipper, still sealed, etc) razors should be preserved, not used. There are plenty of used ones already in poor to mint condition, use those! :P
But yes, I think buying a user-grade version of one of your collectors pieces is common.

**Slivovitz** · 05-24-2011, 05:42 AM

No. I've never bought any razor with the idea of selling it if I didn't like it, or with the idea of selling it at all. I've bought three NOS injectors, (Personna, L1, and O), opened and used them all. Bought two NOS DEs, (Gillette G1000 and late model Tech), actually haven't gotten to the Tech yet, but I will.

Some people feel very strongly that you *shouldn't* open an NOS razor. It's no use arguing, but that's not how I see it. On the practical question of resale value, I can see that if you got an NOS item at a ridiculously low price, there would be a temptation to leave it unopened and turn it around on eBay for a profit. In the end, though, it's going to be purchased by somebody who just wants the razor. If that person is me, it's going to get opened.

[EDIT] Adding one thing on a related issue, it is possible for a blank blade to be re-inserted in a used injector. I've seen this with a couple of my own. You only know it's unused if it's in sealed, tamper-evident packaging.

**drews50** · 05-24-2011, 08:42 AM

I have a NOS Schick. It's awfully tempting but I let her sit and look pretty. I have enough razors to take the pressure off.

**willyb** · 05-24-2011, 09:36 AM

what you are thinking of doing is common, and I say leave the NOS piece in its pristine condition.

Ive got a ladies mini travel 3pc tech in mint with the cardboard blade, never been used, the kind that folds up in its powder blue holder with gold leaf on the outside i forget the date code, mid 60s i know.
Not all that "rare" but I plan to keep it un-used.

**saliavin** · 05-24-2011, 09:37 AM

I bought a user grade Slim to see if I thought it was worth the $100+ for a NOS, with the intention to open it and use it. If it turns out to be the razor for me, I can buy a NOS one, and use it for the rest of my life knowing that there are 50+ year old ones giving daily service. I like looking at peoples collections of razors, there are some amazing dens, but it just isn't for me. I would rather have a daily shaver, a travel razor, and maybe one unique razor that I can use on a whim(SE or Straight). **Disclaimer**My Aunt was a hoarder, so I think I might be a little over sensitive on keeping things and not using them.

**ezmike** · 05-24-2011, 10:44 AM

Thanks for the responses. I figured opinions would vary but I was curious about what you thought and why.

Mike

**mmack66** · 05-24-2011, 10:55 AM

Never done that, but +1 on the Golden 500 being a great razor.

**Go West Young Man** · 05-24-2011, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Slivovitz

Some people feel very strongly that you *shouldn't* open an NOS razor. It's no use arguing, but that's not how I see it. On the practical question of resale value, I can see that if you got an NOS item at a ridiculously low price, there would be a temptation to leave it unopened and turn it around on eBay for a profit. In the end, though, it's going to be purchased by somebody who just wants the razor. If that person is me, it's going to get opened.

All I can offer in return is that somewhere out there is a collector who would love to have a NOS item to display. Once you break the seal, you can't undo that. If you don't care either way, do that other guy a favor and let him have it for his shelf, you can buy and use a dozen shaver-grades with the profits.

**Slivovitz** · 05-24-2011, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

All I can offer in return is that somewhere out there is a collector who would love to have a NOS item to display. Once you break the seal, you can't undo that. If you don't care either way, do that other guy a favor and let him have it for his shelf, you can buy and use a dozen shaver-grades with the profits.

Fair enough, but the point is that I do care. For me, the point of buying an NOS razor is knowing that it will finally be used as it was intended to be used,* and knowing that I am getting a new razor experience, even if it's only once, with an old razor. If I wasn't willing to pay for that, and if I wasn't willing to accept the loss in resale value, I wouldn't have bought it. This whole idea of selling some of your shaving stuff to buy other shaving stuff doesn't interest me at all.

I don't care at all about the thought that an unopened piece might be passed on from collector to collector, and still be sitting unopened on a display shelf in the year 2311. There are things I may owe to present day collectors and future generations, but pristine collectibles are not among them.

I'm not criticizing the people who do want to leave these things unopened. I just don't share their point of view, and don't think it's inherently more valid. Collectors do have the advantage that they will generally pay more than a user to get an NOS item, so they'll just have to accept losing one here and there.

* Same thing for vintage soaps, by the way, but the difference is that most people do understand using those.

**taffy** · 05-24-2011, 01:26 PM

Yes, got a few nos, alumiium tech, 7 oclock, valet, rolls and a black adjustable, i now have user grades, but still got the nos ones as well

**BowTieGuy** · 05-24-2011, 01:50 PM

I compare this question to other collectibles - I'm most familiar with guitars. Which are meant to be played. And cars. Which are meant to be driven. Sure, someone will pay for the insanely low mileage car, just to park it and look at it. They get pleasure out of that. Good for them, but that's not for me. Start up the car and take it for a drive, I say! Tune up the guitar and play a song. And bust the seal and use the razor.

Among collectors this may be the ultimate YMMV question!