Vintage Blades

[Mark1966]

I figure in anybody would know you guys would!

I have RAD and often buy razors off eBay. Some come in truly awful shape, whiskers and bits of skin included a47:

The other common inclusion is a used blade in the razor. Normally I'm pretty careful but I lot of three the other opened two with no blades in them and got careless opening the third and took a slice out of my thumb - I'm currently in denial over tetanus etc

Anyway, I just wrap the used blades up and throw them away and I'm thinking now of asking sellers to remove them befor they ship to me as well (although I will treat them as if they have blades in them to be safe).

I can't image used vintage blades have any value or 'collectibility' - tell me if I'm wrong

Many thanks

 

[billbo1970]

I was thinking this post was about something else, LOL. I just so happened to have bought some vintage unopened Silver Star DE blades. I bought them as a curiosity, but I decided to open one up & try the blade out (couldn't resist the 'New Duridium Process' claim on the box LOL. Cut pretty dam well! The blade is considerably stiffer than moder blades, so I think it can slice right through the coarser hairs easier than modern blades can. At least, that's my semi-scientific analysis

Bill

 

[gearchow]

I was thinking this post was about something else, LOL. I just so happened to have bought some vintage unopened Silver Star DE blades. I bought them as a curiosity, but I decided to open one up & try the blade out (couldn't resist the 'New Duridium Process' claim on the box LOL. Cut pretty dam well! The blade is considerably stiffer than moder blades, so I think it can slice right through the coarser hairs easier than modern blades can. At least, that's my semi-scientific analysis

Bill

Welcome to the B&B!

-jim

 

[tomviolence]

get a tetanus shot if the blade was rusty - a shot is good for ten years

Re collectability: I personally like old blades, there is more history in the blades than in the razors sometimes. Blade collectors are going to want the unopened blades, the wrappers are colorful, and like most collectabiles, mint is where it's at. Used blades are not really collectable unless extremely rare. I still have piles of them, I like the variety and names.

If you are into collecting the razors in their origonal box, getting the correct blades for the kit is important.

Using mint sealed vintage blades can be, shall we say, interesting. Modern blades are superior for their coatings - even mint vintage blades might have degraded sharpness unless they are chrome, platinum, etc.

To dispose of the unwanted blades, make a blade container, label it, and toss in trash once full.

 

[Pioneer]

I'm thinking now of asking sellers to remove them befor they ship to me as well

I have done that with some success - sellers will usually accomadate you on that score. Also, you can wear some heavy duty rubber gloves when you open the shipment and remove the blades. I always assume there's one in there, just for safety's sake.

 

[Hagbardr]

I found 150 Schick Krona blades at an antique mall yesterday for $15. I ended up passing as I like to use everything I buy, and I wouldn't want to get stuck with 150 rough blades.

 

[billbo1970]

The dispenser on the silver stars is truly unique, I wish modern companies would take up this system. Take a look at it in this vintage ad for them:

http://graphic-design.tjs-labs.com/show-picture?id=1064267240&size=FULL


Bill

 

[billbo1970]

The dispenser on the silver stars is truly unique, I wish modern companies would take up this system. Take a look at it in this vintage ad for them: http://graphic-design.tjs-labs.com/show-picture?id=1064267240&size=FULL

Nobody else thinks this packaging is very clever? I wish someone else would pick up the concept & put their blades in it!


Bill

 

[DavyRay]

I do not shave with "previously appreciated" blades. I do not shave with old DE blades at all. Modern blades, with anti-corrosion coatings, have a good chance of lasting several years without pitting from rust. Old blades did not have that protection. They would often rust after one use, or just being left in a humid environment (Florida, your bathroom, any coastal place).

This does not include the very heavy steel blades of the SE type, which were designed to be stropped. I have no experience with those.

 

[gearchow]

I have done that with some success - sellers will usually accomadate you on that score. Also, you can wear some heavy duty rubber gloves when you open the shipment and remove the blades. I always assume there's one in there, just for safety's sake.

A little late to comment on this, but I've actually told sellers that they can take out the blade and throw it away for me and they usually look at me like "what you don't want that historically important collectible used blade?" And then I discover they have no way of safely getting rid of it, I just bring it home and toss it in my blade case.

Like the time that I bought a nice handle with a loose knot. I bought it, pulled the knot out right there at the register and handed it to the store keep asking her to toss it in the garbage. She really asked me "Don't you want to keep that?" No idea of what is important in shaving gear...

-jim