Which kind of collector are you?

I love the look of your wooden soap container. What's the story behind it??

 

I acquired some razors from a fellow forum-member (another site). Two of them were this 1955 President and 1948-50 Aristocrat. Guaranteed never used. The Aristocrat still has the cardboard mailer! I didn't hesitate to take them for a shave. I treat all of my equipment with respect and am grateful that I am lucky enough to own and use these pieces of shaving history.

 

I have only one razor I consider 'For Display Only.' All others are fair game for restoration, sale or day-to-day use.

 

I do have all of my razor on display, but I use all of them. My favourite is my Pils razor.

 

Thanks, I just read your thread.

 

Somewhere in the process of acquiring just over 100 vintage single edge razors over the past couple of years I seem to have crossed the line between "user" and "collector."

I definitely look for complete sets in pristine condition, ideally with all accessories and instructions.

That being said, with the exception of a couple of NOS sets I have shaved at least once with every razor in my collection.

I like every razor in my collection, but if I were forced to pick a favorite it would be this mint C. V. Heljestrand wedge blade set:



And yes, it is a part of my regular rotation.

--Bob

 

I buy them to use them. Hey, if they begin to look worn, I'll get them replated.

 

I have one of those Swedes laying around - It's missing a little bit of the (silver?) plating inside the head though. Does it say KINDAL FABRIQUE EN SUEDE on the other side?
I wanted to see if it takes a SE blade, but never got around to it

 

My passion is vintage Gillettes, the more complete the better. Correct case and blade pack, and in as perfect condition as I can find. For instance I have 4 Gillette adjustables and they are very nice. They are all nicely cased, with correct blade packs, with instructions, except for my toggle. I use every razor I own, not on a regular rotation, but when I feel like it. I keep them is perfectly cleaned and stored shape, ready for a SOTD photo and shave. The toggle only comes out on special occasions, and it is my "White Whale". I got lucky and got it at an estate sale awhile ago, and the gent that owned it must have unwrapped it and put it away. I have no proof, but based on its perfect condition, I believe I was the first person to shave with it. He missed out big time in my opinion, which will not happen to me. You can see photos on my Jedi Den post, just click on the link below.

 

I shave with all the razors I have. I mostly collect soaps and aftershave, so I only have a few razors. I like to rotate, but I use my tech when experimenting with new blades, because I have used this razor more than any of them, so I know what to expect. IMO when you get a new razor you should use it and see how it goes, vintage razors are pieces of history and it is cool to think of where the razor has been and who it belonged to before. I mostly use vintage razors because they can be found for a decent price and will last the test of time. The only modern razor I have is a Maggard 18c which is a nice razor, but there is something about the vintage Gillette's that I prefer over new ones.

 

Kindal is a large cutlery shop in Paris that had been around since 1898 and is still in business. In the 1930's they sold the C. V. Heljestrand sets as well as their straight razors. Apparently they thought highly enough of the product to have models produced for them with their name on them.

Mine is not one of the Kindal sets.

A Gem style SE blade can be used in the C. V. Heljestrand, but it really comes into its own when used with one of its wedge blades, properly honed and stropped. These blades are made from some of the finest steel on earth.

--Bob

 

Fantastic Plisson bowl. That's one of my favs!

 

Both.

90% of the razors I own are being used.
10% are either really rare/hard to find in boxes and/or I have duplicates out-of-box so some do stay boxed up.
Part of that is because I really like the vintage design and look of these packages.

 

I've got around 50 razors now: DE, SE, injectors. I use them all.

 

Wow, just wow. If I had thees razors I'd keep them under watch of armed guards.

 

If Ihave them I use them.

 

Mine are all on display, just like my coffee pot collection...but I'm the only one that's lucky enough to see them (well, my landylady, too, but I digress). But, like my coffee pots, I use them. I get the best I can find and/or afford, but have my limits. My most expensive was the Fatboy for $40. The cheapest, at $5.50 (plus 5 bucks S&H) was the fatty post-war gold Tech. If I can't use it, I won't buy it.

 

I like minty boxed razors and have a few. I'll shave with any of them and have except for a injector I have that is still in the package one of those Olympics razors. I want to get a cool display going after I remodel the den this spring. Otherwise my users are in a drawer and the rest are in boxes in my closet.