Otto Deutsch 'Hans' Razor for $10? There's a catch....

Discussion in 'Straight Razors' started by HolyRollah, Jun 1, 2016.

  1. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    Otto Deutsch Hans (ODH) razors, dating from the 1930s-1940s, are spectacular razors, but finding one in decent shape is no easy chore. The beautiful green scales are precariously prone to celluloid rot and virtually every example one finds has either tell-tale signs of early rot on the blade or complete breakdown of the scale material. Once the degenerative process has begun, there is no redemption of the scales. No turning back. Mike @entropy1049 wrote a lengthy description about the whole degradation process of celluloid Click Here to read. Scroll down the page to find Mike's post.

    Finding an ODH in near-new shape is a rarity. I stumbled across one several years ago. The razor wasn't in NOS condition, but the closest thing to new I've ever found to one in primo shape.
    odh_nice.jpg

    They still can pop up occasionally and be had at a reasonable price from antique stores. Brian @mrchick came across this nice ODH and landed it at a terrific price—so they can be found!
    SafariScreenSnapz344.jpg

    You can still find them popping up on eBay but be forewarned: the overwhelming majority of vintage ODH razors found on that auction site are usually compromised by cell rot. Those ODHs found in decent condition have incredibly high asking prices.

    The particular ODH (shown below) for sale on eBay caught my eye for two reasons:
    1. No one had bid on it for $10.
    2. It is a prime example of what cell-rot looks like on an ODH when it has completely taken over.

    There are some things one could buy at a great price and there are some things one should NOT buy—no matter the cost!

    Anybody up for a restoration challenge?
    odh_ouch.jpg
     
  2. Mr. Oldschool

    Mr. Oldschool Johnny Dangerously

    I think I'm going to be sick...

    That looks like it was dredged up from a shipwreck!
     
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  3. entropy1049

    entropy1049 Well-Known Member

    HR, YOU Sir win the prize. That is officially the nastiest ODH I've ever seen. More blade-shaped-rust-formation than some, but general funk and "patina" carries it to a new level. Well Done!
     
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  4. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    Mike, the fact that this nasty ODH was actually up for auction by a seller defines either the term, 'hubris' or 'psychotic.'
    The fact that no one bid on it gives me new hope for the future of the human race.... :D
     
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  5. entropy1049

    entropy1049 Well-Known Member

    :happy097::happy102::happy097::happy102::happy097::happy102: Nailed it my friend, couldn't have summed it up better.
     
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  6. mrchick

    mrchick Odd, Terrible Avatar

    You found a razor I would have passed on
     
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  7. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    Please tell me this isn't soley because you already own the model...:eek:
     
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  8. battle.munky

    battle.munky Has the menthol.munky on his back!

    Psht....just needs a good stroppin'.....
     
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  9. mrchick

    mrchick Odd, Terrible Avatar

    No, I've actually learned a few things from you guys
     
  10. DaltonGang

    DaltonGang Ol' Itchy Whiskers

    Are there any chemists out there that know how to stop the rot, or seal it?
     
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  11. entropy1049

    entropy1049 Well-Known Member

    I'm a chemist. As HolyRollah stated in the OP, you can take steps to try to prevent celluloid rot, but once it starts, it's just a matter of time before the reaction completes. He's also provided this thread which goes into some detail:

    http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/another-buyer-beware-auction.47214/#post-902341
     
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  12. Drygulch

    Drygulch Snowballs

    Someone was asking me for information on thier ODH. Here's another example of cell rot.
    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg
     
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  13. Eeyore

    Eeyore Well-Known Member

    If there were, the fountain pen guys would be all over it.

    Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
     
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  14. nunhgrader

    nunhgrader Member

    So sad!
     
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  15. Billyfergie

    Billyfergie The Scottish Ninja

    [​IMG]
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    Just Sniped this Mint NOS Otto Deutsch's Hans Solingen 6/8th Full Hollow..I Paid through the Nose for it But Hey..This is a Very Rare Find an NOS Minter Like this One...$185.00 Bucks for the Winning Bid + Postage Costs to Good Auld Scotland..:D

    This is the Most I Have Spent on a Razor by Far..Now I Am Anticipating on Getting this Factory Fresh Beauty on the Hones..:git:

    Billy..:chores016:
     
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  16. Bird Lives

    Bird Lives Future Root Beer King of Turkey

    Oh My...what a beaute!
    Can't wait for your review!


    Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
     
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  17. Billyfergie

    Billyfergie The Scottish Ninja

    :thanks:Jazz Man..:git:

    Billy..:chores016:
     
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  18. Keithmax

    Keithmax Breeds Pet Rocks

    :love055: :eatdrink047: Congratulations!
     
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  19. Billyfergie

    Billyfergie The Scottish Ninja

    :thanks:Keith..:happy088:

    Billy..:chores016:
     
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  20. Steve56

    Steve56 Hone Hoarder

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