Vintage Gillette DE's - the 'bay: okay or stay away?

[Brandon P K]

I have been wet shaving about a year, and have predominantly used a like-new Merkur HD (got it in a nice starter kit from steveshaver - thanks, man!). In the beginning I was overwhelmed and confused by all the Gillette models, ages, date codes, etc. And for some reason I figured newer would be better...

But now I'm finally starting to see the appeal of the vintage Gillettes (even though I also recently snagged a 37C off BST). So, I'm starting to think about looking for maybe my birth year/quarter (Nov'77), or my dad's (Nov'57), or both.

The question - I see quite a few out there on the 'bay. Is there any advice any of you could offer (or a wiki somewhere) on what to look for, what to avoid, how to know a "bad" razor when you see one? Or is it generally recommended to avoid the 'bay unless you have an experienced eye...?



Thanks in advance, gents!

 

[Haggises]

In 20 something razors I only got burned once - a GEM micromatic with a dodgy opening mechanism and no blade stops.
Focus on what you want then be patient. Good quality photos will let you see more but command a higher price because they're more coveted and the risk is less.

 

[amishmotorboat]

If you want to find something fast, the bay is the place to go.
If you're patient, you'll probably find it on the BST for less.

 

[Haggises]

or wait 5 minutes, there'll be some vintage gillettes on the BST at regular intervals

 

[Shutterbug57]

I bought a birth quarter (C4 - same as your dad) off e-bay. Like everything else, it is up to you to separate the wheat from the chaff. I got a near mint to mint condition razor for just under $30. I did not buy the first thing I saw and I skipped many vendors based on the quality of the descriptions and photos. Take your time and use your head. Don't get emotionally attached to any deal and figure out your BAFO prior to bidding and stick with it. Place your bid with less than 10 seconds to go and you may keep down the final price. Good luck.

 

[Super Speed 1953]

Ebay is always a gamble when it comes to razors. Most people selling no little or nothing about what they are selling. There are deals to be had there but risks may out way the deals. There are a few reputable razor sellers on ebay but they usually ask a premium price.
Your best bet is probably figure out what vintage you want and post a wanted ad on B/S/T.

 

[tacchini]

ebay is a bit hit or miss, some of the prices are a bit crazy at the moment for vintage gillettes and the like, you can still find a bargain if you look hard enough, or are lucky.

 

[maxman]

Part of the thrill of eBay is finding the diamond in the rough.
The deals are still out there, but not as easy to find anymore.
The BST activity moves pretty fast. I've gone and bought things on eBay only to find out in a day or so the same thing only better has been posted on the BST.

 

[shavefreak]

You will only get what you want on the bay unless you look often here and are first. Out in the wild is still the ultimate score
.
The problem with ebay is it seems like nothing is really rare. There is almost always the razor you want at some price point with the exception of the ultimate razor the "everyready streamline or gem jewel" which are on there but not as often cause it is the ultimate razor but I digress. Getting the cheaper one is a race. I think many are sold over and over again. I mean there is a fatboy for $299.00 I think I saw? give me a break. As DE popularity grows the deals (based on a sellers ignorance) are getting fewer and far between.

 

[seattleshaver]

I've had no problem buying Gillettes on Ebay. Most have plenty of pictures and if the seller says that it works it generally does. Regarding price, you can find reasonable prices as well unless you are a collector and have to have a certain model mint with box.

 

[Hodari D.]

It seems to be tougher and tougher to get good deals on the bay these days. I just missed out on a very nice looking 1954 40s style SS. It ended up going for $21 including shipping, so not a bad price at all. I was willing to pay up to $20. If there is something specific that you want, I'd recommend posting a wtb thread. People around here take care of each other pretty well, generally.

 

[SteveWY]

BST is better on every level except maybe quantity. If you are cruising around the bay you have to know what you are looking at, know what you want to pay (view completed listings and set you own max), beware of bad photos or not enough info, be willing to ask the seller questions. Stick to your guns. I've been burned there but it is my fault. "Let the buyer beware" and all that.

All this said, I've had only good experiences with members on B&B and BST.

 

[Jess]

BST is more trustworthy in any forum, but I haven't been burned(knock on wood)when buying off eBay.

 

[mikelz777]

I agree with those who've recommended patience and buying something here on the B/S/T thread. I had been looking for razors on Ebay for weeks/months and ended up finding 2 of the razors I was looking for here on B/S/T. In each case, I got them for $20-$30 less than what I was seeing they were selling for on Ebay.

 

[wscottb7862]

Narrow your choices down and just look for those particular razors. Are you gonna shave with it or collect it? If your gonna shave with it then you don't necessarily need a case(that'll knock off a few bucks). Cosmetics of razors change drastically when cleaned...to the good. Mechanics matter.. On the 'bay look for a return policy, if it's a dud, then u can return it. I just won a ragged 1941 Gillette Cased Ranger Tech for $12 shipped.. The case is shot.. the razor cleaned up like new... I don't shave with the case!!
Looking in the wild is good experience also.. it may not be what you want but you can trade for it for what you want later!!
The only way to gain experience is to jump in!!

 

[redbike]

Some sellers here will sell for less than their items could get on eBay because they want to give members a good deal. That rationale doesn't exist on eBay. You can do well on eBay if you know what you want, look carefully, ask questions when descriptions or pictures aren't clear, and buy from well rated vendors. Highly desirable razors go very quickly on the B/S/T, while more common ones are on for several days. Good luck.

 

[Graybeard57]

I've bought a Slim and Red Tip on eBay, 'buy it now.' Some of the auction prices get a bit out of hand IMO, and the prices seem to shoot up with just a couple minutes left. I think if you shop carefully there, you won't lose your shirt. I paid less than most of the final auction prices I was watching.

 

[dillon_b12]

If you have any friends/relatives that frequent yard sales/antique stores, let them know you are looking. My cousin picked up a Fatboy, Super Adjustable, and 2 Ball End Techs for me at $2 a piece at a yard sale.

 

[tacchini]

I've bought a Slim and Red Tip on eBay, 'buy it now.' Some of the auction prices get a bit out of hand IMO, and the prices seem to shoot up with just a couple minutes left. I think if you shop carefully there, you won't lose your shirt. I paid less than most of the final auction prices I was watching.

you can get a right good deal on some of the bin razors, it avoids the bidding war scenario,i have seen a good example of a razor $25 bin, a grungy example of same razor go for $40-$50 in a bidding war, some people do not use their head when bidding,you see this with a lot of items on ebay, not just razors.

 

[mikelz777]

Some sellers here will sell for less than their items could get on eBay because they want to give members a good deal. That rationale doesn't exist on eBay. You can do well on eBay if you know what you want, look carefully, ask questions when descriptions or pictures aren't clear, and buy from well rated vendors. Highly desirable razors go very quickly on the B/S/T, while more common ones are on for several days. Good luck.

That is so true. I missed out on several chances here on B/S/T for that very reason. With my last purchase here, (should be in today's mail) I was able to get the exact razor I had my eye on for months just 4 minutes after it was listed. An hour later, there was another poster who was disappointed that they had missed out on it. If I hadn't bought it, I'm pretty certain it would have sold in less than an hour.