Ok, as every good DE user should be, I'm interested in straights in a very fringe way. I visited a local antique shop and found just one tired Tech DE for sale. However, I saw quite a handful of vintage straights. Prices ranged from $10 for an unfamiliar (to me - aren't most straights?) to $225 for a Wade & Butcher that IMHO should have been priced a little lower. If I was to take on this purist hobby, what are some good indicators of a fine vintage and either usable, or easily restorable blade to purchase? Also, what is a fair price to pay for a decent used blade from an antique-ish establishment. Thanks gentlemen!
purchasing vintage straights?
- Thread starter dynagroove
- Start date
225 sounds like 200 too much for what it probably is. My guess is the guy checks eBay for the name but doesn't understand the requirements.
Its a piece by piece sport and without pics its impossible to guess. I would try to get them from $10 to 25, if they are decent
Its a piece by piece sport and without pics its impossible to guess. I would try to get them from $10 to 25, if they are decent
It's hard to know what to look for initially, until you get in some shaves and know what makes a good razor. Basically, check the shave edge, to make sure there are no chips or cracks, and check for hone wear, meaning 'top' will be flattened on the sides, from having been rubbed on stones a bunch of times. And if you are just starting, it's always recommended to get a shave ready razor from a reliable source (BST or Whipped Dog) to learn what a properly sharpened blade feels like. Then you're off to the races!
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the solid advice gentlemen. I may pick up that $10 razor if it looks fair to my eye as the investment is low even by most DE standards. Looks like I'm headed down the slippery slope of straights 
.
.
A huge 9/8's wide W&B "For Barbers Use" might be worth the 225 if its in good shape. Anything less wide
would be over priced.
would be over priced.
This should help you to hunt potential razors: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/What_to_look_for_when_buying_a_second_hand_straight_razor
As a general rule of thumb I refuse to pay more than $15.00 for a razor. I may allow that to push up to $25.00 for one I've been wanting to get my paws on but it is a rare exception. Funny thing is my best shavers all cost less than $10.00. For me the best part is taking an old clunker and bringing it back to fully functioning glory. Like it has been stated, look out for chips and cracks in the blade. A little hone wear is acceptable in my experience as long as it is even on both sides of the razor. Also I would steer clear of blades that have a "frown" in them, you're looking at a lot of work to get those back into shape.
Being the ebay junkie that I've turned into, I have noticed that the term "shave-ready" can often times add mega-bucks to the bottom line. If you are going to buy a razor (from ebay or a shop, etc..), you should look for one in good condition that is NOT shave-ready. Then, you can take advantage of the plethora of people on this site (including myself) that would hone your razor for next to nothing (or nothing!)...
- Thread starter
- #9
Even more great tips - thanks gents!
Similar threads
