One more thing. If a seller can prove that negative feedback was vindictive or unjustified, Ebay will remove it. I have had to go through that process.
After I had the removed feedback I had started to look at what some of the negative feedback and decide from there.
I've never had a problem. I suspect the problems come from Fat Boy Gillettes and one inch wide SR blades. These are the most sought after and the most likely be pawned off from a seller who got burned or seeks to capitalize on buyer ignorance.
Seems to make sense to me. Not all negative feedback disappears, just the ones that “age out”when they become more than a year old. Same for positive feedback. Old reviews drop out of the picture so the ratings reflect transactions in the past year.
I almost listed one, that I bought from, recently. An F.W.Engels Lafayette. It was listed as new. Once in hand, it was clear the thing had moderate hone wear, the scales were badly warped, and the blade was hitting bad on the scales. I brought it up to his attention, and basically it was too bad, no refunds. I pointed out all the problems, as well as the listing it as new. He didn't care. I inserted photos, and got ebay involved. Suddenly a change of heart. Now he delayed it further, with a payment by Echeck. It already is relisted, even before I have the money back. Doesn't worry me. Ebay will back it, even if his payment doesn't clear.
I just checked out the listing...it was the only F.W.Engels Lafayette there. He is now listing it as "used vintage" and with photos showing the defective scales. He also states: “SOLD AS IS NO RETURNS”