Value of khakki set

[DayMan]

I bought a Gilette Khakki set from the Bay (I now own several b/c I think they are wicked cool and I love the shave they give me when I'm on the road). The seller didn't list the multiple cracks in the handle. When I received it, I contacted the seller and I'm completely satisfied that the seller didn't realize how important it was to mention the cracks (no mention of cracks made me believe it didn't have any). The cracks are bad enough where the razor doesn't really stay together/tight very well.

The case, and the blade case are in decent shape. The mirror came off it's backing, but I can bond that togethermyself.

So... I contacted the seller and they were VERY understanding and said they wanted me to be satisfied, etc. and we discussed either a return, or a partial refund. So my question (yes, I'm getting to my question...) is this:

What do you suppose the value is of this set where the case and blade case are in good shape but the razor is pretty beat.

I could really use some help on this as I want to be on the level with the seller.

 

[Teddyboy]

IMHO, return it for a full refund. Also it is hard to believe that cracks are not considered important enough to mention. How much use would a buyer be expected to get from a razor with cracks in the handle?

Since they come up on the Bay frequently, I'd return to the whole shabang for a full refund and look for another.

Good luck with this.

 

[ras120]

It depends on whether it's the 'Made In USA' or 'Property US Army' set. For me, the 'Property US Army' is the real Khaki Set and they have more value.

If your set is a 'Made In USA' version and everything else is in decent shape, it wouldn't be too hard to locate another ball end open comb razor. The 'Property US Army' razors are much harder to find.

Small handle fractures are really common on the old Gillette razors and don't bother me. Severe cracks are deal killers.

 

[Maxime D.]

Folks who have no knowledge about razors only see an antique item in its original used condition. If the crack are really bad, friendly ask for a refund but if the cracks are acceptable, you can use epoxy.

 

[Hentzikov]

I agree with Teddyboy. They are really cool sets but I know I wouldn't want one with cracks in the handle. However, if you're not worried about resale value and just like them because of historic value, I'd say keep it. Depending on your purchase price, it may not be worth time and effort to return it.

Also, is it the only set you have that has a crack in the handle? I might consider it kind of cool to have a really 'battle tested' set to go along with the other nicer sets. I have two myself and it wouldn't really bother me personally to have another one with a crack in it, just for historic purposes, especially if it is complete with the mirror already.

 

[DayMan]

Thanks Gentlemen!

 

[oxford1833]

Let us know the outcome. GLWTS.

 

[CGW409]

Dayman
You didn't say what you paid for it or if it's a "Property US Army" Khaki set
I came across an actual army issue set in good shape finishwise missing only the thumbtacks for the mirror and a minor crack causing the ball to be loose at a swap meet for 20.00(dealer thought it was WWII) and I went to check completed sales on the 'Bay.
Sets in real nice shape and intact had gone from anywhere from 150 to 180 yours sounds like it is in worse shape.
If it wasn't too much and you were intending to use the razor a little marine epoxy can fix those handle cracks right up.

 

[BBrad]

Very rare to find those Old Type handles without cracks . . . easy to fix with epoxy if the handle is in pieces and the razor is otherwise in good shape. You said the case was in good shape and the mirror is included - two important features to a Khaki set!

Can you throw us a link to the completed auction? I'm sure with a look at it you will receive some sound advice from our esteemed membership!