New/Unused Antique: Do I use it?

[Codfish]

Here's a problem I never thought I'd have:

I came across a NIB Stahly Live Blade Razor, which is now mine. It is new, unused, visually and mechanically perfect (with paperwork and box).

I've never used one, and I'm tempted to try it. Do I ruin its value by doing that?

It seems a shame NOT to use it, but there is some charm in just owning a rare and pristine gem like this...

Your thoughts?

Codfish

 

[Go West Young Man]

If it's in a sealed package, I wouldn't use it.
Once the box has been opened, I don't think it has the same cherry cachet to collectors and you might as well give it a go.

 

[bbarton713]

Here's a problem I never thought I'd have:

I came across a NIB Stahly Live Blade Razor, which is now mine. It is new, unused, visually and mechanically perfect (with paperwork and box).

I've never used one, and I'm tempted to try it. Do I ruin its value by doing that?

It seems a shame NOT to use it, but there is some charm in just owning a rare and pristine gem like this...

Your thoughts?

Codfish

Ultimately, it is up to you. I realize that nothing that I can afford to buy on here or dbay is going to be a national treasure that let's my unknown heir generations distant pay off their school loans. I'm getting a beautiful butterscotch Simpson and if the knot isn't what I like I have no problems with replacing it.

I've cleaned and polished old metal razors because I like them shiny.

If it is a true collector's piece determine for yourself if it is worth keeping it in that condition. If it won't make you rich, let it make you happy instead.

 

[914fan]

that's tough. use a rare cool toy, or admire it. if its going to put your kids through college, then I'd say don't use it. otherwise enjoy and report back with pics.

 

[bbarton713]

Interesting reviews:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21828

 

[proxymoron]

Depends why you bought it.

 

[Codfish]

Depends why you bought it.

I originally was interested in it as an oddity to try out. A friend of my sister's dad passed away earlier this year, and it was found in his bedroom closet. It was represented as "odd" and "it looks like new" and I received it as a gift.

It wasn't till today, when I received it, that I realized what I had. It still had a piece of Christmas wrap stuck to it with yellowed tape. It appears it was never used during its lifetime, and just sat in a dark closet for the last 50 years or so.

That's when I got stumped. Do I use it or continue to preserve it? It won't put my kids through college during my lifetime, so I am tempted to put an Iridium in it and give it a test drive in the morning.

I might have done it today, but I received it a half-hour after my daily shave.

Codfish

 

[media]

I originally was interested in it as an oddity to try out. A friend of my sister's dad passed away earlier this year, and it was found in his bedroom closet. It was represented as "odd" and "it looks like new" and I received it as a gift.

It wasn't till today, when I received it, that I realized what I had. It still had a piece of Christmas wrap stuck to it with yellowed tape. It appears it was never used during its lifetime, and just sat in a dark closet for the last 50 years or so.

That's when I got stumped. Do I use it or continue to preserve it? It won't put my kids through college during my lifetime, so I am tempted to put an Iridium in it and give it a test drive in the morning.

I might have done it today, but I received it a half-hour after my daily shave.

Codfish

You only live once man. The original owner took that for granted, now you have a NOS razor that would have been fun to use.

 

[Mako72]

I originally was interested in it as an oddity to try out. A friend of my sister's dad passed away earlier this year, and it was found in his bedroom closet. It was represented as "odd" and "it looks like new" and I received it as a gift.

Codfish

Sounds like it was gifted to you because you expressed interest in trying it. I woulld use it. You would hate to be asked "how was it?" and only be able to answer that "It might be collectible so I didn't want to open it". Just my thoughts.

Jay

 

[DrColossus11]

Open it, use it, and send it on a traveling PIF so the rest of us can try it too!

 

[maxman]

I'd hang on to it and look around for another one that is used to pop up.
If you just can't do it and it's bugging you then hey, do what you must.

personally, I'd keep it in the box.

 

[Heparin]

I'd say , because you're here on these forums, agonizing over whether or not to use the razor, that makes you the PERFECT person to do so.

You'll appreciate the darn thing as part of it's own "living history".

Let that razor do what it was created to do, and let it happen in the hands of someone who'll respect the experience !

We have faith in you

.....just don't forget your camera, so we can live it vicariously too!

 

[proxymoron]

If you were curious to try it out, sounds like you've got your chance.

Of course, it's not like you're honor-bound to try it just because. I mean, if there are other things you're more curious about that can be had for the price of a NOS Stahly Live Blade, that's an option too. They don't even have to be shave-related.

As problems go, this one's a nice one to have.

 

[jansob]

My vote is for using it...they aren't so rare that you're doing any damage to posterity. Let the poor device do what it was made to do!

Another idea is to trade with a collector for a pristine unboxed example; if you're not a collector the box won't be worth as much to you.

But I'd be using it tonight!