I'm pretty new around here, so not sure of the protocol for something like this, but hopefully I can help someone out without violating any rules.
While traveling up part of the east coast last week, I stopped frequently in antique stores/malls to look at straights. Since I haven't even started the straight-shaving journey yet (got all the gear--I think I'll start this weekend), I'm mildly interested in what's out there, but no real designs on being a collector or restorer, and no ability to hone either. Can't say I know enough to look for when shopping other than superficial looks and a few well-known brands. I usually only ran into one or two straights in each shop, almost all in nasty condition (rust, chips, broken scales, etc.). Nothing jumped out at me until I made a stop in Delaware.
There, the owner had two nondescript straights on display. I asked if she had any more, and surprisingly, she pulled out a small chest that had maybe 4-5 dozen straights in it--$25 each. Again, not really knowing much, I saw two Wade & Butchers (wedges, but not the really big ones) in pretty nice condition, so I grabbed those. I had two more other razors I can't recall I was interested in if I could get a deal. She told me since I had first dibs on the collection, she wouldn't cut me a break; I only bought the W&B's.
Everything else was in pretty good shape; a few cracked scales, but no rust or major damage that I can tell.
When I was checking out, she offered to sell me the whole batch for $600. My wife would've killed me if I walked in the door spending that much money on something I know almost nothing about.
If anyone here is in Delaware and wants to check this shop out, send me a PM for the name--probably makes more sense than just posting it here.
While traveling up part of the east coast last week, I stopped frequently in antique stores/malls to look at straights. Since I haven't even started the straight-shaving journey yet (got all the gear--I think I'll start this weekend), I'm mildly interested in what's out there, but no real designs on being a collector or restorer, and no ability to hone either. Can't say I know enough to look for when shopping other than superficial looks and a few well-known brands. I usually only ran into one or two straights in each shop, almost all in nasty condition (rust, chips, broken scales, etc.). Nothing jumped out at me until I made a stop in Delaware.
There, the owner had two nondescript straights on display. I asked if she had any more, and surprisingly, she pulled out a small chest that had maybe 4-5 dozen straights in it--$25 each. Again, not really knowing much, I saw two Wade & Butchers (wedges, but not the really big ones) in pretty nice condition, so I grabbed those. I had two more other razors I can't recall I was interested in if I could get a deal. She told me since I had first dibs on the collection, she wouldn't cut me a break; I only bought the W&B's.
Everything else was in pretty good shape; a few cracked scales, but no rust or major damage that I can tell.
When I was checking out, she offered to sell me the whole batch for $600. My wife would've killed me if I walked in the door spending that much money on something I know almost nothing about.
If anyone here is in Delaware and wants to check this shop out, send me a PM for the name--probably makes more sense than just posting it here.
