Just an interesting observation, and story. But, please chime in, and contribute with your thoughts. I started to use Vintage Razors, over 7 years ago, for various reasons. It was at that time, I acquired my first Gillette Fatboy Razor. It was instantly my favorite razor. Back then, I acquired a couple of user grade ones, with very very minimal wear, for under $30. I thought that was a lot, and over a couple of years, accumulated many mlre, for between $15-$30. Most I acquired for under $20, but I learned to fix, and restore them, somewhat, but never got good at plating. Soon, these good buys were few, and far between. Now, on Ebay, I see well worn, and sad looking ones, go for around $50. Ones that looked very nice, several years ago, were selling around $40, and now go for $100-$150. I would like to think we can still find them at decent prices, but it seems the word is out, and they are being snatched up. Are you fellow members finding any for a good price, online, or in the wild?? If so, please share. Pics are always welcome. Oh, and it seems the Slim Adjustable prices are on the rise too. .
Last year I bought from eBay a Gillette Slim Adjustable with the case for about $35-$40 in excellent condition. Before that I bought a Slim by itself for around $16 a year or two earlier. It’s crazy what sellers are charging for old razors these days.
Sellers almost always ask a little more, and even a lot more, than what auction prices go for. But, I am seeing some pretty hefty prices being paid for the Fatboys and some Slims at auction. These aren't even replated ones. I can understand the crazy prices for NOS, but some user grade ones are now being fought over, at auctions.
I do know part of what is driving the market is COVID bound people with too much time on their hands just looking to spend money on something anything since they don't go out. The other is foreign buyers who don't have access to these razors otherwise tend to pay more.
I don't buy on line anymore unless it's a real good price. My best places to buy is thrift , antique stores and yard,garage sales. Just bought a 30's short comb New Type with fat handle for $5 at antique store and at the same store 2 weeks ago a Fatboy for $10. I find that I get better deals off line than on.
I dont know where you live, but Thrift Stores are a No-Go. Antique stores use to be a good place, years ago, and anything around the Houston area is pretty much picked over.
While I occasionally get a good deal online it seems the only fabulous deals I get are in the wild. I tend to haunt antique stores, thrift stores, and consignment shops. Rarely have I found a particular shop to be “the place” for razors. My best deals have generally been finds that were somewhat out of place. It’s the vendor who doesn’t normally sell razors but decides to sell an acquisition for five bucks instead of throwing it in the wastebasket.
From what I've read, over the years, the older Northeast States tend to be some of the best places to pick, in the wild. .
Well, it looks like prices might have stabilized a little. Most Fatboy razors I've seen sell lately fore between $45-$60. Not pristine, not trashed, but decent condition razors.