Clauss USMC... holy crap.

[SliceOfLife]

There's a Clauss USMC on eBay. With a day left it's over $200. Don't get me wrong, Clauss are nice little razors. but this must be purely for the USMC stamp right? I'm surprised it's that collectible. Is anyone here bidding on it or is it purely nonshaving collectors looking for something for their mantle?


edit: and just so everyone knows, I know I've mentioned owning one before, but I'm not pimping my own auction. It's not my razor. I had no idea these things were worth anything close to that.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I saw that too and was dumbfounded. I've been thinking about picking one up for a while, but not at that price.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Clauss aren't the only USMC straights are they? Could of sworn I'd seen some others. I know Genco made a Navy (saw on eBay and let it get away, and it went cheap too, like $25... still regret it cause I'm a big fan of Genco's), and I own a Wilbert Army.

 

[professorchaos]

They've gone the way of Fillys. Once upon a time, and not that long ago, you could pick one up for under $30.

 

[mparker762]

Clauss aren't the only USMC straights are they? Could of sworn I'd seen some others. I know Genco made a Navy (saw on eBay and let it get away, and it went cheap too, like $25... still regret it cause I'm a big fan of Genco's), and I own a Wilbert Army.

AFAIK the only USMC marked razors are the two Clauss models. There were a number of army and navy razors, Genco and Lakeside are ones I've seen, but only Clauss USMC's. At one time I had four Clauss USMC's, but wound up selling them all to various marines over the years.

 

[SliceOfLife]

It does seem there's a propensity for Marines (and other military branches servicemen) to join our little hobby. Must be something to do with the use of a simple but extremely precise and effective tool. So I can kind of see the logic behind it.

(edit: there's actually TWO of the damned things on eBay... BOTH above $200).

 

[dullblade]

I just picked one of these up on Ebay. It's really cool and I was sure I overpaid, but I didn't spend nearly that much.

 

[holli4pirating]

As far as I can tell, they guys who buy the Clauss razors tend to be collectors. IMO, this is different from Filly's, which are simply overhyped.

 

[Hawkeye5]

They were inexpensive and, while not rare, didn't show up like Wade & Butchers until recently. Now the prices have gone through the roof and they seem to be coming out of the woodwork as a result.

 

[richmondesi]

As far as I can tell, they guys who buy the Clauss razors tend to be collectors. IMO, this is different from Filly's, which are simply overhyped.

I'm glad I'm not the only one saying it

Thanks

 

[JeffE]

I had a nice Clauss USMC that I sold here last year for $200. I agree that there is nothing inherently unusual about the razor itself -- it's the value of the "USMC" etching that people (mostly leathernecks!) are interested in purchasing.

My USMC razor was completely NOS and unhoned, so I didn't get a chance to shave with it, but just from looking at the thing, it looked like a very nice, well crafted, full hollow 6/8 blade set in black plastic or celluloid scales. I've got at least four other razors that fit this exact description, and all are great shavers but probably wouldn't sell for much more than $40.

In other words, I'm sure that whoever purchases those Clauss razors will be getting a nice blade to shave with. But is it worth $200 or more, who knows, right?

 

[Topgumby]

If you were never in the Marines, you'll never understand how otherwise mostly sensible, steely-eyed men go all wobbly over Oohrah stuff.

 

[DogHair]

I have a really nice little Clauss with engraved aluminum scales. It's not USMC but I picked it up for a song quite a ways back. Excellent shaver but nothing earth shattering.

 

[JeffE]

I am not a Marine, and I have to tell you that I felt bad about owning my Clauss USMC razor when I read all the posts about Marines turning antique stores upside down to find one! I couldn't afford to give it away, but I did end up selling it to a Marine and a veteran, who was more excited about buying it than I would be to buy a new Porsche. Yes, those razors are like catnip for Marines, and so I will never, ever buy one again, because just owning one of them was so damn stressful!

 

[bvilchez]

Everyone is absolutely correct in saying that we (Marines) go crazy and zone in on or kill. If we set our sights on that razor then we want it!!!!!!

Understand that the pride of belonging and espirit de corps instilled in us from Day 1. We carry that with us forever and when we see things of this nature which are pretty rare we try to feel closer to the things that make us who we are, i.e. Marines need to shave everyday so why not do it with class as those who came before us did it....the old-fashioned way.

By no means am I saying others have no class. All I'm trying to explain is why we search high and low for items such as this one.

 

[JeffE]

Hey Vilchez, from everyone here (including me) who owes a debt for your service to this country, you have nothing to explain!

They are very cool razors, to be sure, very utilitarian, black scales, and the "USMC" initials, of course, only add to the over bad-***-ness of the blade. It's also good to know that they are excellent shavers, but like you said, that's really not the main point, right?

One good way to find one, if you're interested -- don't bother with eBay, where there are too many people already searching for and bidding on these blades. Instead, try to look through sites that sell military memorabilia or military antiques or even just estate sales. Lots of times, there are excellent razors for sale mixed in with a whole lot of other crap, and the person selling the USMC blade has no idea about the demand for it among straight razor users.

Anyway good luck, and semper fi!