Razor Rating-Grading Guideline
It has become very apparent that many folks these days do not understand how to rate a razor. This has been a concern of many here at B&B for some time now. As interest in wetshaving as both hobby and practice continues to grow, we find it increasingly imperative to create a universal standard for the rating of collectible razors.
A consensus of the known and respected collectors of this board has been taken and this guideline created to help everyone better understand how to rate a razor and it’s condition.
The following is provided as a general guideline but at the end of the day it is you the buyer, NOT the seller, who decides what the razor is worth to you. We understand that rating a razor can be somewhat subjective and our hope is that this helps take away some of that guessing.
New Old Stock (NOS): Razor in original new condition and includes the outer cardboard shipper (if applicable to the model), metal/plastic/Bakelite case, blade pack and instruction sheet. New Old Stock (NOS) status does not necessarily coincide with any specific category.
1. Mint: Looks to be in the original new condition, never used, no damage to plating, no signs of wear like dullness of plating or scratches/dents etc. There must also be no signs of usage like soap scum on the razor. This segment of razors must also include the other extras such as cases, blade packs still wrapped, outer shippers, instructions unopened etc.
Note: Silver Razors may show some patina or natural tarnish.
Please Note: "Looks to be in the original new condition" - There are razors that might have been unused or used just once or twice by the original owner and never used again and hence show no signs of wear. There might be a slight signs of usage like soap scum that comes off in a slight cleaning (with soap and water, no polishing or restoration). This is not Mint.
Please note (2): Restored/re-plated razors: Should be classified as such and not using the ratings “mint” or “near mint” etc.
2. Near Mint: Very slight wear and cannot be classified as above, all plating intact. Restored pieces can not be represented under this classification. Near mint allows for one or two minor cosmetic flaws, e.g., a hardly noticeable, superficial scuff, a watermark, a minor spot where the original shine is slightly rubbed off, a watermark. Cannot be considered near-mint if any mechanical imperfection, oxidation, and loss of plating. Razor could have been used
3. Excellent/Fine: Minimal superficial scuffing (basically, razor showing some usage), water marks etc., some loss of shine, but – still cannot have any mechanical imperfection, oxidation, or loss of plating.
4.Very Good: Some wear but no damage rust or corrosion, plating 90% intact
5. Good: Average use of the razor relative to its age, plating 75% intact. Mechanically perfect or near perfect, but cosmetically compromised, e.g., moderate loss of plating or brassing, limited, spotted oxidation. Silo doors not perfectly aligned when closed.
6. Fair: Considerable wear for the relative age of the piece mechanically usable but far from perfect, visible deterioration of plating, substantial oxidation, visible dings and scratches.
7. Poor: Extensive wear. No one will sell a razor stating it is poor but, it is poor if mechanically unusable or nearly unusable, or, if adjustable, the dial don’t work, and/or extensive loss of plating, oxidation, or serious damage of any kind.
8. Restored/re-plated items: While plating or even re-coloring of numbers on the razor’s dial provide cleaner look for the razor’s exterior, it also conceals its original condition and can mislead a buyer to think it is buying an original item in mint or near condition. Re-plating or repainting makes the item non-original and should be stated very clearly BEFORE making any comments on the condition of the piece, mechanical or cosmetic.
Categories 1-2: Collector’s grade
Categories 3-6,8: User’s grade.
Category 7: Parts grade.
Notes:
1. The two main criteria to look for are (a) cosmetic and (b) mechanical condition.
2. Whether a razor is known to have been unused or used is part of the grading.
3. Superlatives like- stunning, fantastic, gorgeous, clean, etc, are very subjective and do not constitute a rating reference.
4. When advertising a razor in any of the categories below 1, the seller is expected to describe why it rated at a lower grade.
These days we see some instances where the seller repaints or replates the razor. These are NOT mint or NOS. In fact these are no longer original and should be clearly labeled as such. Most importantly these should not be priced on par to NOS or mint razors
We hope this helps everyone make more educated decisions.
Questions and thoughts are always welcomed.
I'd like to say thanks to our very own Copperhead (Ram) and Cutting_edge (Erik) for their knowledge and assistance in putting this together.
Last edited:
but hey, just an idea.
