Don't really no what's causing pics to not show the finish, but this has the original gold finish that is almost mint ! Came with case, blade holder and strop, the only piece that is not this clean is the metal case, strop doesn't look to have ever been used, and the blade that was in the razor has no name but is in mint condition also, its a factory looking blade with two notches, and fairly thick. I'm really enjoying these AS Razors, I've seen where people talk down about these razors, all I can say is install a Feather SE blade and shave with one and then they wouldn't talk bad about em !
Cool. Just don't start restoring them! Otherwise the prices will go from pennies apiece to hundred! Just like the Rolls did after Greg posted his restore thread!
The biggest problem with the Valet Autostrop is Blades - or lack of them, they take a unique size blade and unless I'm missing something are just about impossible to find. For this reason I doubt whether the Valet will become a sought after shaving razor - much like the Wardonia. Fine for novely value but impractical as a shaver. Now someone will chirp up and say - enternamehere does a great range of Valet Autostrop blades - if so, I'll be on it like a bonnet
I have heard (here: http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23908 ) that you can remove the spine from GEM type SEs and then use them in the Valet.
There is a thread around here explaining that razorbladesandmore carries the Feather blade that has the appropriate cut out for many of the Valet models.
Onotoman Dude, you can use a Gem PTFE Stainless Steel blade and peel the aluminum spine off the back, snip the notches out and they work fantastic. Very easy to do ! Or you can buy Feather SE Blades that cost quite a bit more, but will fit all Auto Strop Razors, they are great blades. The only AS Razors you have to use a Feather Blade in are the ones with the swing out blade holder, cause of the tits on the door that have to go thru the holes in the blade. Here are links to the blades, and if ya got an Auto Strop Razor, you don't know what your missin till you try one, there fantastic razors ! Feather Blades http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/content/feather-single-edge-blades-5pcs You can buy both here or you can get your Gems AKA Ted Pella's here http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/dissect.htm#_121_20_pal Try em, you need to shave with that AS you won't be sorry !
As mentioned you have the choice of the 2 blades to use, with the model shown above anyway. I have both the model above that can use the altered blades and one of the models that require the cut outs. Personally I find the Feather blades to work best. They are pricy (regardless of where/how you get them...form $0.50 - $1+ per blade) but well worth it IMO...just sharper and thicker. I have to vouch for the razor too, I get my best/longest lasting shaves from this razor.
I picked up a 5-pack of auto strop blades on fleabay.. I'll have to see how they work, but they're Valet brand, so they should fit, right? hehe...
Blugill, you should really look into getting an original AutoStrop, before the company became Valet. Models A1, A2. I like the weight and feel of the AutoStrops.
This is true. Just ordered three packs for my new Valet. Early one made in Toronto. Blades: http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/content/feather-single-edge-blades-5pcs
