How Does One Get Started Collecting Vintage Razors?

[MJ1619]

Hey everybody,

I am new to wetshaving but am enjoying learning everything I can about it (mainly through these forums) and am going to be making my first purchase of equipment soon so I can get started. My first razor I think will be an Edwin Jagger DE89L. I've read really good things about this razor and for the price it seems to be a very high quality product.

However, as has happened with me before in other hobbies I have undertaken, I fear I will start looking almost immediately toward the next purchase: the next great cream, soap, shaving brush, and, eventually, another razor to use. While it might be another new one, I am very interested in the vintage razors that are so highly touted on these forums. I really like fine pieces of engineering and craftsmanship and these razors, particularly the TTOs, seem like they were built to last (as evidenced by their continual use today).

Therefore, I was wondering what you guys would recommend as a first vintage razor purchase and how one gets started collecting vintage razors (what to look for in terms of quality, ? Would eBay be my best bet or are there other sites that I should be looking at? Are there dedicated "razor restorers," like there are in other collecting fields? Lastly should I spend the extra money hunting down NOS if I can or, since I am going to be using it, would a gently used one in very good condition be better?

I know this is a long list of questions and I appreciate any information any of you can provide. I think that this hobby will be very addicting for me.

Thanks and all the best,

Michael

 

[Leche]

Hit antique stores and see what you can find.

 

[cfriend]

How many ways are there to skin a cat? If you have local antique shops, try there. Flea market? Great! eBay can produce some great finds, and also some real duds. The BST section of B&B is a great resource for newbie collector and old pro alike. In regards to NOS, if you intend to use it, I would say don't buy NOS. There are plenty of razors between poor condition and excellent condition that you can use instead of busting a pristine razor out of it's blister pack, somehow using an otherwise unused razor. Personally, I like to use my collection, and try to purchase the nicest example I can find and afford, that is NOT NOS, so I may use it guilt free knowing I'm not shaving with what could've been a museum piece.

 

[Pike]

The real question: How does one STOP collecting razors??

 

[johnmrson]

You just buy one and then beore you know it you are looking at how you are actually going to store all the razors you've managed to acquire.

 

[curtis909]

The Edwin Jagger DE89L is a great choice. In my humble opinion you will have a hard time topping it so you might have solved your dilemma already.

 

[Oldguy]

Hello Michael and welcome to B&B. Razor collecting is easy, too easy. Many millions of vintage Gillette razors were made between 1904 and the late 70's into the 80's. Most are found on ebay. Great buys can be found in the antique stores if you are lucky enough to find them before the other 100 guys in your area find them. Then of course is the safest way to get value, our own B/S/T forum. You will probably start by getting a few Super Speeds, then the adjustable then the fine Aristocrats, Executives, Presidents and Diplomats. You'll start looking for better examples then what you have and then the proper cases. In the end you'll start looking for the Old Type, New Improved and New sets. It won't end. As far as the restorers go, that's YOU. You will search, find, clean and polish what you have. It's great but very addictive. Have fun.

Len

 

[Maul555]

As far as the restorers go, that's YOU. You will search, find, clean and polish what you have. It's great but very addictive. Have fun.

Len

As far as I know, its also Bobs razor works...

 

[Slivovitz]

Welcome Michael. My only advice is to think now about what kind of razor collection you want. If you just want to shave with a variety of vintage razors, then you may settle for more wear on the razors themselves, and don't need to worry about whether you have the right cases for them, or the accessories such as blade holders. On the other hand, you might enjoy buying ones in pristine condition and displaying them. Or you may do a bit of each.

As far as new-old-stock/new-in-package stuff goes, I would have no qualms about breaking one out of its original packaging and shaving with it. If some collector misses out on leaving it permanently intact, who cares? Problem is that, at least on auction sites, the collectors will usually outbid the people who just want to be the first to shave with it. You can find used razors that will shave just as well, so you have to decide if you're really willing to pay the extra money. Also, of course, as soon as you break it out of the original package, the resale value goes down, and if you don't like it as a shaver, then you may feel you've wasted your money.

[Edit] I'll just add that it's very satisfying to buy an old razor that looks like it's in sad shape, and find how good it can look after a thorough cleaning and polishing.

 

[T Rick]

Well, just start buying!

Seriously, lots of great advice above. While there are similarities, I'd say everyone's method is also at least slightly unique, as is the individual. Some will plan and search for specifics, have a target range or number of razors. Some will just buy everything in sight. There are dozens of ways to approach it.

One source not mentioned above is Country Joe's Collectible Razors. He often has a nice variety, and generally includes shipping in the listed prices, making them very reasonable (though I confess I've not yet bought from him, most of mine have come from eBay, with a few from antique malls). The BST is a great place too, and often very reasonable as well. The super bargains will generally come from either eBay or an antique store, but both of those sources also have way overpriced items too. It all depends on the Seller(and/or other bidders).

Hang around here and dip your toe into any of the venues mentioned and make a purchase or two, to see how you feel about it. You'll soon find your own way, what feels right to you. From your initial post, I can see you are prone to and vulnerable to our various AD's (acquisition disorders), so, the good news is, this hobby can be a blast, and at least compared to a LOT of other hobbies, it is VERY affordable.

Welcome to the asylum .

 

[*King G*]

Hi there-

There are two types of collectors.

1) Serious guys who collect as much nice stuff from Gillette's DE history (1904-1970's)

2) Novice collectors who collect a few nice popular specimens such as Aristocrats, Fatboys, New Standards and Old Types.

Both camps are great to be in. Value of a razor is determined by a few variables:

1) Condition- as close to "mint" is preferable with as much original packaging/blades/instructions as possible

2) Demand- if it's a popular razor and a lot of people want them, they will command a high price

3) Availability/Rarity- If Gillette only made them for a few years, or you never see them on the forums/Bay, then it's going to be more expensive to get, and thus a "jewel" in your collection.


Best advice has already been given- go out to some stores and see what you turn up!

 

[Oldguy]

As far as I know, its also Bobs razor works...

Nope. To restore is to bring something back to it's original condition as close as possible. What Bob does is re-manufacture and customize. He is an artist. I try to restore my vintage razors but I'm in no way an artist.

In any case have fun.
Len

 

[e sinker]

Welcome to B&B. I am pleased to hear you have an interest is collecting. I know many collectors and it is indeed a very fun hobby. For collector purposes there are some excellent websites to make references in identifying razors and learning more about them:

http://www.mr-razor.com/
http://www.razorarchive.com/
http://www.safetyrazor.net/
http://www.shaveworld.org/

and as always, you can always post your questions and finds here... I think I can speak for most people here that such posts are widely enjoyed and invited.