I don't quite "get" the vintage blade thing

[nemo]

When I see eBay auctions like this I don't understand. Can anyone explain this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190866727208



Over the years I've slowly amassed quite a little collection of vintage blades. I tried a few for kicks but they tug because the carbon steel has corroded.

They look great on display but I don't purposely buy them, they just seem to be part of razor lots I bought.
Here are some:

And some more:



I don't see the value of all these as being much of anything like that auction.

 

[Dalejr]

I don't get it either.

 

[JaxJim]

Agree, guys, collecting razor blades or their wrappers isn't my thing. Another "collectible" that holds no fascination for me is the manual hair clippers. I've acquired a few of these in eBay lots, have no interest in keeping them, but at the same time am reluctant to pitch them in the trash.

With the number of eBay listings it appears perhaps there are at least some manual hair clippers collectors, though. But in checking closed listings, they clearly don't sell like Fatboys, and when they do sell, they don't bring much!

 

[deoxy4]

Any blade with a corroded edge will not give a good shave. Vintage blades have to be in pristine condition to get a decent shave. Most vintage stainless steel blades in good condition will shave well. Gillette coated carbon blades from the late 60-70's shave well-if in pristine condition. I have been able to find a few lots of Gillette Super Blue blades on Ebay and they work. Anything from the 50's or earlier I pass. If you want to try modern carbon blades try various Treet carbon blade offerings.

 

[nemo]

Any blade with a corroded edge will not give a good shave. Vintage blades have to be in pristine condition to get a decent shave. Most vintage stainless steel blades in good condition will shave well. Gillette coated carbon blades from the late 60-70's shave well-if in pristine condition. I have been able to find a few lots of Gillette Super Blue blades on Ebay and they work. Anything from the 50's or earlier I pass. If you want to try modern carbon blades try various Treet carbon blade offerings.

Right. I get this, I know only too well the perils of carbon steel ... I began shaving in the 60s.

What I don't get is why someone pays over $20 each for those blades in the auction to which I linked.

Or these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Judge-Double-Edged-Safety-Razor-Blades-in-Box-/200940610109

 

[Early Morning]

Yes, I have been watching some of those and thinking the buyers must be speculating on blade wrappers for the sake of their collectability. This auction really surprised me: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-388-Vintage-Razor-Blade-Boxes-Blades-/321159410390 I cannot see anyone paying over a thousand dollars for those blades.

 

[nemo]

Yes, I have been watching some of those and thinking the buyers must be speculating on blade wrappers for the sake of their collectability. This auction really surprised me: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-388-Vintage-Razor-Blade-Boxes-Blades-/321159410390 I cannot see anyone paying over a thousand dollars for those blades.

Oh my. I guess my little stash needs to hit the Bay and help finance other projects.

That's just insane.

 

[wazza]

Yes, I have been watching some of those and thinking the buyers must be speculating on blade wrappers for the sake of their collectability. This auction really surprised me: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-388-Vintage-Razor-Blade-Boxes-Blades-/321159410390 I cannot see anyone paying over a thousand dollars for those blades.

That is crazy, my car didnt cost that much! Granted its not a very good car!

 

[JayEddie]

That is crazy, my car didnt cost that much! Granted its not a very good car!

I'm right there with you

On the flip side though, any vintage blades that are super cheap would be worth trying. I once had a Gillette Thin Blade from the '60's that was outstanding.

 

[Deano]

The collector collects. I have no interest in vintage blades but have spent money on coins or postage stamps that many would find foolish. After all, that 1800's one cent piece is pretty large but still only a penny.

 

[Toothpick]

One mans unused old DE blades is another mans "holy crap, I gotta have that!"

They probably buy them to load them in the vintage razors they sell on ebay because they think it adds value to the razor

 

[parsifal54]

I, as well , have wondered the attraction of vintage blades....Historical significance must be the lure.

 

[rotto66]

My current favorite blades are Schick Krona-Chromes dated 1968 that I bought at a local thrift store. I see these blades listed on Ebay for anywhere from $4 to $10 a pack of 2 which I think is outrageous. I paid $5 total for 26 of the 2 packs.

 

[Dalejr]

My current favorite blades are Schick Krona-Chromes dated 1968 that I bought at a local thrift store. I see these blades listed on Ebay for anywhere from $4 to $10 a pack of 2 which I think is outrageous. I paid $5 total for 26 of the 2 packs.

Thats what I don't get why only two in a dispenser doesn't seem very cost effective to me.

 

[rotto66]

I agree, the dispenser probably cost as much or more than the 2 blades. I think they must have been some kind of promotion or giveaway or something.