Can anyone recommend a good seller of vintage razors?

When I returned to DE shaving the beginning of the year, all I knew was that I wanted to shave with the razor I had started with as a yoot, a Gillette adjustable 195. I looked around and found that these are now called Fatboys and cost the earth.

Hmm. More research, including hundreds of completed Ebay auctions. Lots of research here on B&B. I learned that I didn't need a case; user, not a collector. I learned that I should get as close to a pristine razor as I could afford, as I didn't want a replate. I set an absolute maximum, high enough to get a quality razor, but still within a normal retired-guy budget.

I lost out on lots of auctions. I find the entire auction process a boring pain, especially being sniped at the last moment. I just don't care enough to devote the time and attention needed. I looked at the Buy It Now Fatboys, and I found just what I wanted. Sparkling clean, good seller reviews. Too expensive, but he entertained reasonable offers, and we came to an agreement, five bucks over my maximum, ten free blades, free shipping.

I use it every shave. Fabulous shaver. Even the same quarter as my original 195.

Research, I guess, is my one-word answer.

+2 re SportShaving.com

A shill is a plant by the seller who bids multiple times to raise the price .. EBay has a feature that allows you to see the bids - check the list on some completed auctions. On razors that were bid way high, ask yourself why a guy who has 10 bids on EBay has 50% of them with that exact seller on one high priced razor. Techs for $40+? Razor after razor. EBay has no apparent interest in stopping it, as they reap the fees off inflated prices.

As I said, seems, not proof.

I will look into that. Thanks

I have made some good purchases on ebay from f_dizzle. He (she?) honestly describes the offering, starts with a low entry price, ships promptly and packages well. This is a vendor whose offerings I frequently check. The only problem I have is that the auctions often close at midnight --Left Coast -- and I live in Connecticut. I missed a nice English flat bed, fat handle Tech recently because of this.

B&B member Techichi sold me a Contract Tech in usable shape for a good price on eBay. I was going to have it cerakoted anyway, but his description was right on. I'd recommend Don. If he's selling something that you are interested in, I wouldn't think twice. Good luck.

Ebaywise:

CFM: The ferrari dealer. When you want the best, and you're willing to pay. I used him for my prize razor. I'm happy. Some of the ad is a little cheesy... ***"don't buy from anyone but us! If you do, it will lead to empty dreams and broken promises!!!". Riiight. I bought from another ebay seller, the next morning I awoke beaten in a ditch. Spare me.

pokemonman (or something). I've purchased many NEWs from him, more so than anyone. Always a good experience. Odd combination. Pokemon cards. Awesome razors. I opt for "razors".

fdizzle: bought my first DE there (1940s Tech). Good every time as well. Mirror bottom, black background, hideous white glass vase featuring "for her pleasure" nubs. And a razor.

In fact, there was only one bad experience I've had and it wasn't from anyone who knew a razor...though they do now courtesy of me and the ebay dispute team.

I have been wearing eBay out lately. I'll post pics and names when all is in.

Ebay is not too bad and generally slightly more expensive than bst but you do get a lot more pictures on single product, it may or may not tell you more abt the condition of the product.

I would also try to post a WTB here. The thing about adjustables is they have more parts and as such there are more things to bend, break, misalign, etc. Ebay and slims are a dicey proposition at best

Thanks to all who replied, I received a PM from a forum member and purchased a Slim. Looking forward to hitting up BST when I'm eligible

BSAGuy said:

Post a want to buy in the B/S/T here. In believe you have to have 50 posts to do that, so you're close.

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This is hilarious. I can wait for the BST, but what sparks your interest?

I'm a HUGE fan of the Gillette News (LC is better IMO, but SC is no slouch). Put one or both on your list, no doubt.

garyg said:

A shill is a plant by the seller who bids multiple times to raise the price .. EBay has a feature that allows you to see the bids - check the list on some completed auctions. On razors that were bid way high, ask yourself why a guy who has 10 bids on EBay has 50% of them with that exact seller on one high priced razor. Techs for $40+? Razor after razor. EBay has no apparent interest in stopping it, as they reap the fees off inflated prices.

As I said, seems, not proof.

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In high school a buddy did this for me when I wanted to sell a motorcycle on ebay. We both felt nasty about it, so I gave the winning bidder a break (about 10% off the price to clear my conscience).

Still, it happens all the time.

B/S/T is an excellent source. I'll also put in a good word for Stan at Above the Tie.