Is this a reasonable buy for a beginner?

[rapperley]

Hi. I've just found this on a New Zealand auction site - do you think this is a reasonable thing for me to buy? I am keen to try out straight shaving, and would like to be able to do honing myself, so I thought this might be a relatively inexpensive way for me to try out on razors I have no real attachment to. I have just received my great grandfathers razor back from Ambrose which I will be using soon, but don't want to risk messing it up without having practiced on something else first.

The seller isn't being particularly helpful with information - all I know is that the razors are marked 'Bengal Imperial'! I have asked for more photos of the blades, but he isn't prepared to - apparently his camera isn't good enough. I have also just asked for more information about the hones - brands, grit etc.

What do you think? I'd really appreciate your expert input!

Thanks
Richard

 

[Leche]

The Bengals are well regarded razors but I'd be really cautious if he can't get you pictures. The strop could be restored as long as the leather isn't full of cuts and it's not rotted. Once again, you need more pics to tell. If he took one pic, he can take some more. Now the razor Ambrose did for you will have a proper edge. It's important to know what "shave ready" is and since Ambrose strops them, you can skip that step the first time. Unless you drop it or assault the sink with it you won't mess it up. Good luck Richard!

 

[rapperley]

Thanks. I certainly wasn't voicing any concern about the work ambrose did.... I would just like to be self sufficient eventually, particularly as I can't find anyone here in New zealand who hones, and posting it overseas is slow and expensive.

I'll definately push for more pictures, but at the end of the day I don't think this kit will sell for much... there just isn't that much competition here.

 

[mdunn]

its sounds good in theory, but if he cant give any better pictures then dont touch it. The blades might have big cracks etc that he's hiding.

 

[leighton]

In addition to the poor quality of pictures being provided, the idea that learning to hone is easier or even better using a junker straight is wrong. Learning to hone is easiest when you start with a shave ready razor that just needs a touch up. The bevel is already set, the stone you'll be using is very very high grit. Because of this, you are much less likely to mess up the razor.

Rebeveling a junker takes skill. Its beyond what I consider normal honing, its restorative honing, and restorative honing is its own skill set.

 

[rapperley]

Point taken.... all helpful advice. Thanks all - it's why this such a fantastic forum.

 

[Bertilak]

Looks like you'd be buying into a lot of uncertainty, work, suffering, pain, disappointment, etc. with that stuff.

 

[Engine]

In addition to the poor quality of pictures being provided, the idea that learning to hone is easier or even better using a junker straight is wrong. Learning to hone is easiest when you start with a shave ready razor that just needs a touch up. The bevel is already set, the stone you'll be using is very very high grit. Because of this, you are much less likely to mess up the razor.

Rebeveling a junker takes skill. Its beyond what I consider normal honing, its restorative honing, and restorative honing is its own skill set.

Thanks leighton! I'd like to learn to hone (purely for maintenance purposes) and I too thought it would be a good idea to learn with a junker. Your point about restorative honing being a whole different ball game makes a lot of sense, so I won't be making that mistake now.

 

[CraigJ]

I certainly would not make this purchase. The seller seems to be trying to weasel out of answering questions. The requests for information on these items were very reasonable. This guy's comment that he will not give you other photos should be a red flag, a loud siren, blinking lights, and a guy hitting you on the head with a stick indicating impending badness.

Imagine you do end up making this purchase. With the flippant attitude he has now imagine how he will be after your money is in his hand. My prediction is somebody is going to be disatisfied with their purchase.