An interesting dilemma

[lister]

Howdy,
After getting my younger brother a starter DE kit for Christmas (Merkur Classic, Pure bristle brush, Proraso cream and a good selection of blades) I was talking with my sister about my Dad's Fatboy that she inherited after he died. I mentioned that I recently took possession of a really nice 1st Quarter '64 slim and she asked if I'd like Dad's "old razor". Well knock me down with a feather.

Now the dilemma facing me is that my sister used to get into arguments with my dad about using the razor (leg shaving vs. face never seemed to go down well ) and she inherited the razor as a personal momento of fonder times.

... but...

Its a circa 60-68 model Fatboy.... and its in really good condition... and I have been wanting to try one out, but with the ridiculous prices on the Bay I haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price....

What to do, what to do...

(oh yes, the same sister got me voucher toward my next purchase, a Shavemac Silvertip)

Kind of want to say yes, but feel like a tool for thinking of accepting the offer... hard feeling to describe.

 

[Hex]

I'd take it in a heartbeat and put it to good use.

 

[Frosty]

If she's offered it then you should accept it graciously.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I'd take it in a heartbeat and put it to good use.

+1 I think she mentioned it to you because she suspects the fatboy would be getting more use in your hands.

 

[grump]

Is she using the razor? If she is, maybe offer a trade.

If the offer has conditions, then you will have to decide if they are conditions you can live with.

I know my Aunt has my great grandfather's straight razor and because it is the only item she has to remember him, she would like to keep it where she can see it often.

She said, I could have it after she passes.

 

[NewbieRedux]

It sounds, to me at least, like she is offering it as a heartfelt present to you, and it might make her happy to know that it will stay in the family and get regular use by someone who appreciates it as a family heirloom as well as a classic shaving implement. I'm sure you will think of your Dad every time you use it. I don't think she would have offered it if she didn't want you to have it.

 

[SeattleSparky]

it sounds, to me at least, like she is offering it as a heartfelt present to you, and it might make her happy to know that it will stay in the family and get regular use by someone who appreciates it as a family heirloom as well as a classic shaving implement. I'm sure you will think of your dad every time you use it. I don't think she would have offered it if she didn't want you to have it.

+1

 

[klm099]

Howdy,
After getting my younger brother a starter DE kit for Christmas (Merkur Classic, Pure bristle brush, Proraso cream and a good selection of blades) I was talking with my sister about my Dad's Fatboy that she inherited after he died. I mentioned that I recently took possession of a really nice 1st Quarter '64 slim and she asked if I'd like Dad's "old razor". Well knock me down with a feather.

Now the dilemma facing me is that my sister used to get into arguments with my dad about using the razor (leg shaving vs. face never seemed to go down well ) and she inherited the razor as a personal momento of fonder times.

... but...

Its a circa 60-68 model Fatboy.... and its in really good condition... and I have been wanting to try one out, but with the ridiculous prices on the Bay I haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price....

What to do, what to do...

(oh yes, the same sister got me voucher toward my next purchase, a Shavemac Silvertip)

Kind of want to say yes, but feel like a tool for thinking of accepting the offer... hard feeling to describe.

Fatboy was only made 1959-1961
ken

 

[kingfisher]

Fatboy was only made 1959-1961
ken

This is what I was going to say. It may be a Fatboy, or it may have been made in the mid- to late 60s, but it can't be both.

 

[dfollett_98]

It sounds, to me at least, like she is offering it as a heartfelt present to you, and it might make her happy to know that it will stay in the family and get regular use by someone who appreciates it as a family heirloom as well as a classic shaving implement. I'm sure you will think of your Dad every time you use it. I don't think she would have offered it if she didn't want you to have it.

Another +1

 

[ouch]

How better to honor your father's memory than by using his razor?

I had to buy a fatboy and superspeed to shave like my dad used to, but I know that the real articles are on some landfill on Staten Island. You have the chance to acquire the real thing, and you call that a dilemma?

Take it.

 

[DFrancis]

I would accept it, a lot of us would love to have the chance to use our father's razors.

 

[djh]

If your sister offered it to you, why not take it? It is not as if the razor will be going out of the family.

 

[lister]

This is what I was going to say. It may be a Fatboy, or it may have been made in the mid- to late 60s, but it can't be both.

Good point. I only know he picked it up either during the war or somewhere beforehand (he enlisted in '61). Will have to look at the date codes methinks

Thanks for the thoughts so far... I think I will take her up.

 

[Barber-Eile]

Tell her you would love to take it just to try it.
Take it for a week ( no longer) give it a whirl and then offer it back to her saying how much you genuinely enjoyed it.
IF at that point she insists, with no pressure, eagerness or hints from you, that you keep it, then graciously accept it and tell her if she would ever like it back again even if just for the memories then it is hers.

If was her gift from your father with special memories attached to it just for her, and so it should only be passed on to you if she is sure about it. Giving her a second chance to take it back will clear your conscience and you'll know she is offering it to you with genuine kindness and intent.

 

[lister]

Tell her you would love to take it just to try it.
Take it for a week ( no longer) give it a whirl and then offer it back to her saying how much you genuinely enjoyed it.
IF at that point she insists, with no pressure, eagerness or hints from you, that you keep it, then graciously accept it and tell her if she would ever like it back again even if just for the memories then it is hers.

If was her gift from your father with special memories attached to it just for her, and so it should only be passed on to you if she is sure about it. Giving her a second chance to take it back will clear your conscience and you'll know she is offering it to you with genuine kindness and intent.

Nicely put

 

[jansob]

tell her you would love to take it just to try it.
Take it for a week ( no longer) give it a whirl and then offer it back to her saying how much you genuinely enjoyed it.
If at that point she insists, with no pressure, eagerness or hints from you, that you keep it, then graciously accept it and tell her if she would ever like it back again even if just for the memories then it is hers.

If was her gift from your father with special memories attached to it just for her, and so it should only be passed on to you if she is sure about it. Giving her a second chance to take it back will clear your conscience and you'll know she is offering it to you with genuine kindness and intent.

++1

 

[Go West Young Man]

Is she using it, or is it sitting in a drawer somewhere?

 

[lister]

Is she using it, or is it sitting in a drawer somewhere?

Sitting in the drawer. That was how the offer was prefaced.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Sitting in the drawer. That was how the offer was prefaced.

Well, shoot, if she's not using it, I'd say it was a greater tribute to your Dad to put it back into regular rotation. Absolutely go for it!