Dilemma: Use or keep as collector's item

[shm]

Right here goes.

I've just acquired an English Gillette Tech (1960's I think) and didn't realise until arrival that it is new. The box still has the original plastic wrapping around it

My dilemma is; do I break the seal and use it for shaving as it is meant to be, or do I keep it on a shelf as a collector's item?


Gentlemen please give me your thoughts on this

 

[gaseousclay]

tough one. if I had plenty of other razors in my collection i'd keep this one sealed.

 

[whiteweed]

Don not break seal, there are plenty of techs for very little money.

 

[heirkb]

Yup. Time to start buying more razors I say. In fact, I bought a lot of razors on eBay and in the lot, there is a British tech I could sell you if you like. Let me know
Or just open it...but I would have trouble doing that...

 

[Unknownsoldier]

I'd flog it on as is to one of the collectors here, then use the proceeds to buy a good condition used one and some extra blades

Tom

 

[Deltaboy]

Keep it as it is and buy another razor that there is a great find !
It would already be in my collection box.

 

[AsylumGuido]

Sweet! I would definitely keep it sealed.

 

[asmaan]

I would use it, but keep it mint. I don´t see the joy of not using or touch something I really like. It´s like having a really nice old car and never use it.

 

[mdunn]

keep it sealed!

 

[AsylumGuido]

I would use it, but keep it mint. I don´t see the joy of not using or touch something I really like. It´s like having a really nice old car and never use it.

Once you use it it is no longer mint.

 

[jakespoppy]

I vote for keeping it sealed. I'm not a collector, but I respect those who are, and a new, sealed razor like you have is pretty rare! If you don't want it for it's collector value, and I don't mean $$, I mean just the value of preserving something rare, then I'd suggest passing it along to someone who will appreciate it for it's condition. As has been said, you can easily find shaving razors. But I wouldn't pass it along anytime soon. You might change your mind and develop an appreciation for it's rareness!

 

[asmaan]

Once you use it it is no longer mint.

99% is close enough, and a lot more fun

 

[taffy]

I bought exactly the same razor on e bay, sealed, full blades etc so luckily i have another tech the same and i use that and have put the other one away and i have a rolls razor, not tried it yet, which came with 1 blade so bought another rolls from e bay as it said it had a blade plus 2 spare, when it arrived that too came untouched with the sealing, plus the 2 spare blades, plus a spare stone and strop plus a reciept from 1934=0.99p

 

[buddydog]

I would use it, but keep it mint. I don´t see the joy of not using or touch something I really like. It´s like having a really nice old car and never use it.

It's not mint if you use it....

 

[Unknownsoldier]

It's not mint if you use it....

I'm a medal collector and even the slightest usage drops it from FDC to GVF/NM (Fleur De Coin to Good Very Fine possibly Near Mint).....

Certainly would not be FDC as it is now if you use it....

Tom

 

[GoldenMonkey]

You should PIF it to me, as-is, and I will PIF you back an opened one...it is the same razor, just used, so it's almost exactly the same, lol...

 

[TimMechEngr]

99% is close enough, and a lot more fun

99% is still not mint. And, being able to show that beauty with the wrapping still intact, now that's SWEET! There's way too many razors out there in which to derive fun rather than take this one's virginity.

 

[jakespoppy]

You should PIF it to me, as-is, and I will PIF you back an opened one...it is the same razor, just used, so it's almost exactly the same, lol...

Actually, that's a pretty good way to look at it. If you don't think it matters, then why not swap with GoldenMonkey!

 

[asmaan]

99% is still not mint. And, being able to show that beauty with the wrapping still intact, now that's SWEET! There's way too many razors out there in which to derive fun rather than take this one's virginity.

I have a 39c slant, used for about a year and a half. I'm sure I would be able rebox it and sell it as new. It's that close to mint/new condition. I'm not debating the actual value, just the joy of actually touching a nice item and really take care of it. But that's just me

 

[AsylumGuido]

99% is close enough, and a lot more fun

Not to a collector.