It seems the '40s style TTO razors are relatively inexpensive, too. The last one I got (the Z1) was $25 (plus $5.85 Priority shipping), and my black-tip cost $25.38 (free shipping). Post-war Techs are going for good prices, too. And there's a ton of flare-tips at reasonable prices.
Interesting. I remember when black tips were the unwanted black sheep of the Gillette razors. You practically couldn't give them away. $5 was the average price on eBay. Nobody wanted a razor with a plastic tip.
Different subject altogether. The OP was in regards to razor prices, not how much it costs to be a seller.
I have to second that observation about the Black Tips. Most of the ones I have sold went for $10-15. The coated aluminum handles are cheap and oxidize over time. I personally think Black Beauties are in the same class. Neither of them will hold up over time like the plated brass razors.
Regarding the black handled super speeds, the later the date (1980 onwards) the more expensive and desirable they are, simply because most wet shavers would like to own a birth year razor, and for people 30 and older, that is generally obtainable. The supply dwindles drastically towards 1989.
Adjustable is the perfect all around razor, I gave my buddy a slim to start out with. If your PAA DOC needs a new home, please let me know!
At this point I don't have any razors I don't enjoy. That's why it was honestly difficult to come up with a razor I'd be willing to part with.
People are tightening spending due to concerns with the economy. Just theory in practice here - but that could seriously slow down demand.
I'm not sure if there is a better place to post this question - please let me know, for future reference. I've been searching for a good quality 40s super speed, or a rocket. I'm not sure now which I should target. Generally I'm a minimalist and keep my RAD in check. Which do you recommend if you could only have one. And what is a good price target? I'm leaning towards the rocket, but can't find any right now. I generally only buy good quality razor at what I deem a good price. So j tend to let a lot of razors pass me by before finding my deal to strike on.
A racket is a British made SS. They were made before the US SS actually. There are a few mechanical differences for how the TTO works. They were sold in a red case that said rocker on top.
My last purchase was a Z1 (first quarter '54), and it's turning out to be an excellent shaver. I've got a '51 steel black-tip and a '57 blue-tip that are also nice. I prefer milder razors, though (keeping my four adjustables set at "3").
I sometimes wonder how the black tip went over back when it was introduced. Guys probably really didn't care back then. So how often does the Shaky get your love?
Sold the one I kept back for personal use to a member here who didn't believe that a DE blade could provide an acceptable SE type shave. The other second gen and my first gen versions are enjoying an extended stay with @ShaneS as part of my master plan to get a SE DE razor. He is/was using them as templates for his ongoing study of blade angles, gaps, etc. He unfortunately didn't think the demand was there for a DE single edge design. I hope that Rocnel's 4,000+ pre-orders for their DE SE design will cause him to reconsider that choice. *hint, hint* I enjoy the shave the Shake Sharp razors give, but I've never been a fan of the short handles. I may even work out a trade with Shane if he decides he'd like to keep them, since I was already planning to get his OC Blackbird plates and the future SE design.
