Collectors; do you use your razors?

[oldpalchamp]

I picked up a beautiful mint 1960 Fatboy in a mint case, and I'm not sure I want to use it. I started DE shaving last May with a new EJ 89L and picked up a Merkur Futur because I wanted to try an adjustable. Eventually, I succumbed to the allure of a vintage Gillette and acquired a 69 (year I graduated HS) Super Slim in very good condition. It has become my "go to" razor.

I stated looking for a Fatboy, but wanted one that was mint with a mint case, thinking more as a collector rather than a user. Once I got it and held it in my hands, I started thinking about using it. I just don't want to risk reducing its value. Maybe I should pick up another Fatboy just to use. So, my question is, when you pick up a razor as a collectible, do you use it?

 

[Den]

I'm not a collector, so I'd use it. If purely for collecting then fine, but to collect for money down the road I'd say vintage razors is not the way to go. I'm not saying that's your reasons. No matter how great of shape you keep the FB, it'll never sell for enough to allow you to retire, and buy a nice beach house in a tropical setting. Just my friendly 2 cents.

 

[wimbouman]

As you bought it for collection purposes, do not use it.
I see no reason why you would.
If it is mint, preserve it that way.

This changes, of course, if you are a collector-for-use.
I.e. if you want to have all Gilettes or Muhles or ... for daily use, just to spice up your rotation.

But in the B/S/T it should not be so hard to pick up a not-so-minty Fatboy and have fun with that, so that might be your best route?

 

[TheVez2]

Unless it is NOS sealed in the original packaging, or has some other tamper evident seal intact, there is no way to know that it has never been used, no matter how mint it looks.

That being the case, you using it will not degrade the value, unless you do something to it like dropping or scratching it.

 

[Slivovitz]

There are different types of collectors. Certainly there is a type who keeps certain razors for display only.

At this point, with over a hundred razors, I'd have to call myself a collector, but any razor I buy, I will shave with. I've opened several new in package razors, but admittedly none were all that valuable, or that old.

The only exception I might make would be if there were an NOS or mint razor that I didn't really want, and thought I could sell at a profit. If I were keeping it for myself, I'd use it.

But as always, when this topic comes up, there's no right or wrong answer. Do what makes you happiest, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

 

[gearchow]

If your not breaking it open for the first time, then I would use it. That being said, I don't use my Gillette Double Ring. None of it's teeth are bent and I don't want to be the one that bends the first, but it certainly isn't NOS or even mint. I have other Single Rings.

Also, I will collect GEM razors. I don't really use them though, they are pretty hard on my face. But there are some very cool varieties.

I will use my Schick injectors, but even there, I have more then I can use and I tend to use a common, but nice E/G type. I just collect them.

go for it.

-jim

 

[Bestarrkin]

If you have purchased same model before and you found NOS, mint or E/G condition you can keep it for show or you will trade it. There is no certain answer for your question, I mean it is all up to you.

 

[mandoman]

why would any body buy a razor and not use it cant take it with you so just enjoy it

 

[fisherbln]

I have a second slim that is in mint condition that I do not use. However, if my daily use Slim were to stop working, I'd pull it out for use in a minute! I think of it as my backup more than collection.

 

[LeGaulois]

Now I have 64 razors, I used them all.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Unless it is NOS sealed in the original packaging, or has some other tamper evident seal intact, there is no way to know that it has never been used, no matter how mint it looks.

That being the case, you using it will not degrade the value, unless you do something to it like dropping or scratching it.

+1 - once you open the case the NOS value to a collector is gone.

 

[workingdog]

My view is that as good looking as some razors are, they were made to be used, not to sit on a shelf gathering dust.

I have a few ADs but anything that I collect is used. This goes for torches to pinball tables and will also be the case for my razors, a very nice black tip super speed being the first of many to be put to use tomorrow morning.

 

[gearchow]

My view is that as good looking as some razors are, they were made to be used, not to sit on a shelf gathering dust.

I have a few ADs but anything that I collect is used. This goes for torches to pinball tables and will also be the case for my razors, a very nice black tip super speed being the first of many to be put to use tomorrow morning.

Whatever you do, don't collect stamps or coins. You'll have a very small collection in a very short amount of time!

-jim

 

[oversaturn]

My view is that as good looking as some razors are, they were made to be used, not to sit on a shelf gathering dust.

+1 These beauties were build to shave. So... use them!

 

[oldpalchamp]

Thanks for all of the replies. I think I'll break it out tomorrow morning.

 

[Phoenix_one]

Good Choice!

If you want to keep it clean, just give it a good once over with a used toothbrush to avoid soap buildup after use. Don't forget the knurling in the handle.

A quick swish in alcohol to displace water. Shake the excess and a quick wipe and a drop or two of mineral oil down the main shaft.

May sound a little OCD but will keep that razor gleaming forever.

These items were built to last forever (with proper care). A lot of them have gone through worse and they keep performing very well.

Good Luck on your shavind endeavors!

 

[workingdog]

Whatever you do, don't collect stamps or coins. You'll have a very small collection in a very short amount of time!

-jim

I inherited a coin collection that my grandfather put together that is not insignificant. It is currently at my parents and, if I'm honest, holds no interest for me.

I think its my engineering background that steers me towards items that are well made. If I had the money or garage space I'd have a collection of British sports cars which wouldnt be small. But thats never going to happen. I suppose I'll have to stick to razors

 

[jansob]

items that are well made.......British sports cars ...

As a former MG owner, those 2 phrases do not belong in the same sentence! Fun, yes; well made, not quite so much.

 

[luvmysuper]

I collect, and I have used every single one I bought.
I do not buy unopened or NOS razors.
The cost for them is unreasonable (to me) and I can get ones that are just as nice (to me) for much less money, so I can actually get more.

 

[BigFoot]

I have an Enders, and an AutoStrop that I bought strictly as collector pieces. Wouldn't attempt to shave with them. I have a new and an aristocrat that are so pretty I am scared to use them. So I guess you could say I don't shave with everything.

Scott