Noob question about a Straight

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I'm a little hesitant to post this because I fear I may generate competition, but I hear that people here are quite trustworthy and anyone looking would have found it anyway. I was checking ebay recently for a vintage straight razor. This would be my first straight so I don't have an idea of prices yet. I found this ebay link removed by moderator and was wondering what kind of price would be appropriate for such an item. I've read posts claiming the Craftsman go for well over $100 in mint condition, but I'm not sure of the differences in models and years, and the rust spots and I-don't-know-what marks on the handle don't bother me as a potential user as much as a potential buyer. I don't want to pay for a ***. The DE's were a little easier to get a handle on because there are so many out there you kind of get a feel for fair prices pretty quickly.

 

[crankymoose]

LinuxMintyFresh, Welcome to B&B
fyi live ebay lnks aren't allowed here so don't be offended if/when a moderator edits your post
the razor you linked to it is very hard to tell from the pictures but it appears to have considerable hone wear and you'll notice there is not one good picture of just the blade and or the edge on either side and with something like that you really want to see pics of the entire blade and edge of both sides,
it may be able to be restored but if there is rust on the edge it wouldn't be worth it, also no description of is it a 5/8 or a 6/8
check out the classifieds b/s/t forum both here and on straightrazorplace.com avoid ebay

 

[Hughies_online]

I have bought str8's off ebay and in the photos they show minor rust spotting but when the razor arrives, the spotting is more serious and requires far more work to restore. I too am hesitant to buy str8's off the 'bay since one doesn't know the true condition of the razor until it arrives. Also, it may be remotely possible that additional rust builds up during transit when the packaging used is inferior, etc.

 

[rickboone1]

That one LOOKS in particularly good shape. If you got it for the price it's going for or a titch more, seems like a decent deal. Although it'll need a professional honing and a clean up prior to use.

My suggestion, look in the forums and classifieds of the forums to find a shave ready razor.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Wow, thanks guys! I wasn't expecting responses so quickly, and you were all very helpful. Sorry 'bout the link, I was unaware. I'll try and check on such things before I post in the future. Cheers and thanks again!

 

[Doc4]

Buying off the 'bay ... don't pay more than you'd want to pay if the razor is only marginal, regrdless of photos. There's a lot of rusty, overhoned crap hiding behind small blurry photos ...