As many of you predicted, my AD is growing by the minute. I've amassed a nice collection of stuff over the past few months, but I've only got my one razor, a Merkur 41. I started browsing ebay tonight looking for the typical stuff, super speeds, micromatics, etc. What do you guys look for when picking up a vintage razor, especially one from ebay.
What to look for in a good vintage razor
- Thread starter MikeyAces
- Start date
With e-bay, you never know. Perhaps a poor photo is concealing a defect in the razor, or it may be the thing that keeps folks from driving the price up, and some lucky person scores a jewel in disguise at a dirt cheap price. OTOH, good looking desirable razors (like the much coveted FatBoy bring what seems to me to be outrageous prices. Look carefully, because I frequently find razors in the wrong cases. I would advise you to check our own B/S/T threads, because most of the Gents here are scrupulous about describing even the most minute defects, the prices are pretty much in line, and newbies are not likely to get burned with high prices or poor quality.
Great advice. If you do look to ebay for razors, remember: the more pictures the better. And ask the seller questions. Also, look at the seller's feedback. Really hit or miss on the bay, but here on B/S/T, as Gray Wolf has pointed out, is a solid place to purchase shaving items.
If you have any junk or antique stores nearby, go out on the hunt. You never know wha will turn up and there are bargains still out there. Best of all, you'll ge a chance to handle and inspect the razor.
Also, chat up the store owners. Let them know that you're looking for razors and shaving gear, then leave your name and number. Most of them will buy stuff they know they can resell, so they'll pick up shaving gear they find. Even if they get stuff you don't want, you can pick up the nice examples and put them on BST.
Also, chat up the store owners. Let them know that you're looking for razors and shaving gear, then leave your name and number. Most of them will buy stuff they know they can resell, so they'll pick up shaving gear they find. Even if they get stuff you don't want, you can pick up the nice examples and put them on BST.
1. As the guys say Ebay is hit and miss
2. Try using BST here on B&B. Normally full disclosure about the condition and any faults
3. In the wild at least you get to see and feel them before you buy. It's really hard to advise what to look for. For a TTO make sure that the doors open and close properly and evenly though in many cases even if they don't a good soaking may fix it or it may not effect shave quality.
Look for plating lose, bent teeth, safety bars, dings, dents.
Don't be put off by a dirty razor though, you have to look beneath for the "inner beauty" . See this thread of what can be done with a bit of elbow grease.
2. Try using BST here on B&B. Normally full disclosure about the condition and any faults
3. In the wild at least you get to see and feel them before you buy. It's really hard to advise what to look for. For a TTO make sure that the doors open and close properly and evenly though in many cases even if they don't a good soaking may fix it or it may not effect shave quality.
Look for plating lose, bent teeth, safety bars, dings, dents.
Don't be put off by a dirty razor though, you have to look beneath for the "inner beauty" . See this thread of what can be done with a bit of elbow grease.
Its far better, if possible to see them in the flesh so to speak and e bay is a bit hit and miss, i never worry to much about the cleanliness as this is easily overcome but do check the parts are working well, no missing teeth on a open comb, the twist to open does actually open etc, good luck with the hunting.
The above are all good points. However, it IS possible to buy nice razors on ebay at reasonable prices...even to get some hidden jewels that have been hidden in blurry pics. However, be sensible...have a look at BST first to get an idea of a fair price, then set yourself a strict maximum bid that you're willing to pay. Look for the listings with several photos and a detailed description, then if you do have problems you'll have better grounds for raising an "item not as described" dispute. However, don't ignore the ones with just a single, blurry photo and a vague description...you can get lucky! Just don't get carried away when bidding...and don't do it when you're intoxicated 
Most of the above posts have covered everything, but I'll add a few things that I try to do....
When buying on here, I can usually feel confident that how it is described is accurate. Reputation on here is important. Most will be brutally honest to make sure you know what you're getting into.
On ebay, it's a different story. When I look at an Ebay item I usually bid with several things in mind. I bid looking to buy at cheaper price than here, because you may end up with a cosmetic or a hidden defect. Most Ebay sells are 'as is' on razors, so that leaves you little recourse. If they say it 'works fine' then I still bid pretty low. Some of these turn out to be great razors, some not so good cosmetically, some were complete duds ( I got a New Type with a handle that's stripped). You also have to figure in the labor/materials of cleaning ebay razors, which most BST people have already done.
My main goal is that, if the razor turns out to be cosmetically less than desireable, I can PIF or sell it at cost to a member wanting to try a different razor that doesn't mind it being user grade. It you pay $20 shipped for a SS with a blurry pic, then it arrives with pitting and unremoveable stains, you'll be stuck with it or lose your butt. This hobby is not about making money, but it's also not about losing money due to poor planning.
When buying on here, I can usually feel confident that how it is described is accurate. Reputation on here is important. Most will be brutally honest to make sure you know what you're getting into.
On ebay, it's a different story. When I look at an Ebay item I usually bid with several things in mind. I bid looking to buy at cheaper price than here, because you may end up with a cosmetic or a hidden defect. Most Ebay sells are 'as is' on razors, so that leaves you little recourse. If they say it 'works fine' then I still bid pretty low. Some of these turn out to be great razors, some not so good cosmetically, some were complete duds ( I got a New Type with a handle that's stripped). You also have to figure in the labor/materials of cleaning ebay razors, which most BST people have already done.
My main goal is that, if the razor turns out to be cosmetically less than desireable, I can PIF or sell it at cost to a member wanting to try a different razor that doesn't mind it being user grade. It you pay $20 shipped for a SS with a blurry pic, then it arrives with pitting and unremoveable stains, you'll be stuck with it or lose your butt. This hobby is not about making money, but it's also not about losing money due to poor planning.
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