French Olyfa Safety Razor Set on the bay

[Head Rigger]

I really liked this razor and wanted to bid but I haven't heard any mention of it on here. Does anybody know about these? How do they shave, fair value, etc. I don't really want it to sit on the shelf, I'd like to use and if I run across another one I'd like to be able to make an informed decision. Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/French-Olyf...JMXT3WZWOWTsNUtqEeDYw%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

[alex2363]

 

[alex2363]

B&B's Huck has one http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/281960-Finally-Landed-One

 

[Head Rigger]

Thanks for the link Alex! I'm not well versed in higher end and collectible razors, what is your opinion on a fair price for one of these sets? The auction I mentioned went for $100 + shipping.

 

[coolbus18]

Yup, saw this. A beauty of a razor and the brush handle--neato!But at that price (for me) I'd rather a vintage Gillette, that's my taste, but of course , YMMV, but if you like it --go for it!

 

[Ace McCool]

A fair price to pay is whatever the market decides. There is no other way to tell with antiques or collectables. The fair price is whatever the last one was sold for in the same condition. As there are no other examples of this set to compare to, the last sale determines it's worth. A cased Olyfa set in great condition is now worth about $100.

 

[alex2363]

Thanks for the link Alex! I'm not well versed in higher end and collectible razors, what is your opinion on a fair price for one of these sets? The auction I mentioned went for $100 + shipping.

I in particular like some french made razors, Gillette did have a factory in France and some Gillettes were made there. But the Olyla is not one i look for so i would not pay more than 100 bucks for a set.

 

[Head Rigger]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

 

[Snowbeard]

As many of us know, the Gibbs line of razors included both some adjustables (notably the #15 (lighter) and #17 (heavier)), as well as a razor described as the "plus/minus". Unfortunately these beautiful razors only took proprietary blades, which is a deal breaker for many, me included. But I really love the Gibbs razors. So, what to do? The answer, as some know, as far as finding a replacement for the Gibbs adjustable, but with regular blades, is the English Personna Precision or Micrometric. What seems to be missing information, which perhaps I can put out there now, is that the Olyfa razor pictured above is the non proprietary, regular blade using replacement razor for the Gibbs "Plus/Minus". The Olyfa appears to be the exact same razor as the Gibbs "Plus/Minus" except it uses standard blades and doesn't have the + or - on the head. It does however still have the differing levels of aggressiveness on each side.

 

[alex2363]

As many of us know, the Gibbs line of razors included both some adjustables (notably the #15 (lighter) and #17 (heavier)), as well as a razor described as the "plus/minus". Unfortunately these beautiful razors only took proprietary blades, which is a deal breaker for many, me included. But I really love the Gibbs razors. So, what to do? The answer, as some know, as far as finding a replacement for the Gibbs adjustable, but with regular blades, is the English Personna Precision or Micrometric. What seems to be missing information, which perhaps I can put out there now, is that the Olyfa razor pictured above is the non proprietary, regular blade using replacement razor for the Gibbs "Plus/Minus". The Olyfa appears to be the exact same razor as the Gibbs "Plus/Minus" except it uses standard blades and doesn't have the + or - on the head. It does however still have the differing levels of aggressiveness on each side.

Welcomr to B&B.....are u talking about this one?

 

[Snowbeard]

I think what you've pictured is the Gibbs #17 (adjustable). Virtually the same as the English Personna Precision/Micrometric, except the Gibbs takes proprietary blades. But what I'm saying is that the head of the Olyfa razor (I've only seen one model of it) seems to be the same as the head on the Gibbs "Plus/Minus" razor (as well as resembling the head on the #17). I don't have a Gibbs on hand to closely compare. My Olyfa razor seems to have a slightly different aggressiveness on each side, but no + or - signs. Since the Olyfa distinctly resembles the Gibbs "Plus/Minus", and appears to have differing levels of aggressiveness on each side, I'm wondering if the Olyfa is really the same razor, but one taking standard blades. Not much information is available concerning the Olyfa. However, I could be completely wrong, hey, it's happened before. I'm a new newbie (first post!).

 

[Witterm]

Bump.

I just picked up a 3-piece and confirm it has the different levels of aggression on each side. I have never used the Gibbs +/- so I can't comment on the similarities. I'll give a shave report once I have a chance to use it.

 

[Witterm]