First Post

[FlyingMonkey]

After years of shaving with the newest disposable razor on the market, I finally decided to switch to DE shaving and see if the rumors were true. I'm happy to report that so far, I couldn't have made a better decision regarding shaving. Not only do I find that I get at least as close, if not a closer, a shave with my DE razor, but I have taken what used to be a daily chore and turned it into a pleasant ritual that helps me start my day off right.

Since I started about two months ago, I have grown increasingly interested in the collecting aspect of safety razors. Does anyone have any tips on searching for good deals, or checking the items listed on ebay? I've seen several interesting razors for sale/auction on ebay, but don't know how to go about evaluating whether or not they would be worth bidding on/purchasing. Thanks.

[AJC]

my sentiments exactly

[smalltank]

If you wanna go de/se...no rust/heavy tarnish. Straight razors..no rust/pitting/damage..chipped razors can be restored but best to avoid that if your new

[mistervee123]

Your screen name Flyingmonkey reminds me of the first truly terrifying moment of my childhood: seeing the flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz. Those monkeys were in my dreams for weeks. I can promise you, that alone will prevent me from ever owning a monkey as a pet. Ha. Welcome, regardless!

I've bought a few vintage razors. If you're looking for a perfect razor in new condition with a box, you're going to pay a premium. You can get "user grade" razors at a much cheaper price, but they will show some wear. Specifically, if the following things aren't in the description or can't be seen in the photos, always ask:

1. Is there any brassing? (brass showing through the plating)
2. If there is brassing how much is there and where?
3. Does the razor work perfectly without catching, hanging up or slipping when it's tightened or adjusted? (for TTO's and adjustables)
4. Is there any looseness in the parts after it's tightened? (this goes for TTO's and 3-piece)

I'm sure the real collectors would have other suggestions, but I wanted razors that I could use in my rotation. I wanted them to be in very good (not necessarily collectible condition) VERY little or no brassing and in perfect working condition. I paid as little as $28 for a TTO Super Speed (one tiny speck of brassing ust beneath the head) and as much as $60 for an excellent 1961 Fat Boy in perfect working condition, no brassing, but with some missing paint in the numbers and a broken box. I hope you find what you're looking for at a price you're willing to pay. It's getting harder to find these, and the sellers are very aware that people are beginning to look for them.

Oh, the other thing you could find a razor that you want and send it out to be re-plated by one of the vendors listed in the vendor forum. It would cost about twice as much, but you would have a perfectly plated razor in a metal of your choice (nickel, rhodium, gold), and they generally will repaint it if the razor has numbers, etc. Some of the these companies also sell razors that they have purchased themselves, re-plated, and restored. Check that out too.

[turtle]

Since I started about two months ago, I have grown increasingly interested in the collecting aspect of safety razors. Does anyone have any tips

Welcome to B&B.

You are in for it now.

As with collecting anything. Condition is #1.

NOS or Like new in the original box with original paperwork, hang tags, unopened sample blade pack should be what you are looking for. IF you are going to collect and not use them.

If you are going to use them you do not want NOS as you will lower the value as soon as you use it. Collecting should be considered in the same way you would consider investing. Buying for value. You do not want to do anything that would lower the value of your investment so if you intend on using, get good examples but steer clear of NOS items unless you plan on getting multiples. NOS to look at and decent examples to use.

You can use eBay as a price guide. Search closed auctions to find out what they "sold" for, not browse open auctions as that is just what someone is "hoping" to get for something.

Most razors were produced in the millions so they are EASY to find. Keep in mind that you always want the BEST example of anything.

Here is what I was told a long time ago by a very knowledgeable collector

"Always buy the finest example that you can find regardless of price. Do not be afraid to over pay for the best example of something. Doing this will save you money because if you buy something that is less than perfect you will always be looking for a better example to replace it and in the end you will have multiple examples that cost you far more than if you had over paid for one perfect example"

[Oblique Human]

Welcome to B&B!

[huntingdan]

Welcome to B&B!!

[linty1]

Welcome! Yess.... the Rad is strong with this one...

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[demaro]

Welcome to B&B !!

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the forum.

[jman158]

Welcome!

[weepingnutka]

Welcome friend!

[Whilliam]

. . . I have taken what used to be a daily chore and turned it into a pleasant ritual that helps me start my day off right.

Perfectly put.

Welcome and enjoy!