It continues to amaze me how much people are asking (and getting) for old DE razors. I might, though I never have, pay $15-20 for a real stunner, but certainly no more than that. And it would have to be perfect. Just thought I'd show you an example of what is available in hopes that some of you will see that you don't HAVE to drop $50 / $75 / $100...or even $20 for a nice old DE. Below are a few items I've picked up at antique shops. In the first pic, an early 1900's gold Single Ring with display case and blade safe, a 1949 Superspeed (included the case, but the hinge is cracked) and a Gillette NEW. The NEW is in rough shape and I've never cleaned or used it. The others are quite nice. I paid $20 for what you see in this photo...ALL of what you see (plus the cracked case). I have several other old DEs (pic 2); another '49 Superspeed, a Super Adjustable and a Fat Boy that cost about the same...$5-$7 each. All but the second SS and the New are in very good condition. Not excellent, but very good. If you have antique shops, flea markets or even yard sales nearby, check 'em out. There ARE some "Hot Deals" out there!
If it wasn't such a beautiful piece in my cabinet, you could have it for $10. I rarely use it - but damn, ain't it purty?!
Wow, Those are some nice DE Razors... That is what good quality is... People put more effort in building good things... I see now there is a huge difference between old and new... WOW!.. Dark
Nice razrs, Michael! Too bad I don't have any antique stores, yard sales or the likes nearby. One has to be VERY lucky to come across a crappy, broken straight in flea markets here
So if the old ones were built better, yet apparently there are suggested ones to get (new) these days, how does a Merkur HD stack up beside those oldies in as far as finish and machining? Would it have been considered a 'lower end' model back then? (I'm asking in part out of curiosity, but more to know if I should be on the look-out for an antique DE razor deal, or if I should be content with what I have if I don't feel like collecting them at the moment.)
no luck in the antique stores When I first decided to purchase a vintage Gillette I spent two weekends scouring various antique malls and thrift stores. I was disappointed since the few razors I saw were old straights and the occasional Gem. While my experience is extremely limited, it leads me to being surprised when other members find many nice Gillettes for under $10 all on the same trip. At some point this summer I will need to go on another razor hunt.
Well, they're not making any more vintage razors, the stock available on the market is slowly shrinking as time goes by. It's only natural that prices go up.
I can't speak for the Merkur, but I know that my EJ has a much better finish than any of the old gillettes I have, and they are in pretty good shape. It also feels a lot more substantial. But its also true that looking around locally, you can get a decent antique razor for 1/3 the price.
You should try a Vintage razor.., you can get a representative model cheap and see for yourself.. I personally like the older and will not buy a newer one. Then again I am kinda strange that way. Fuzzy
This applies for US members. In USA you have antique stores, and they sell DE razor very cheap. But what can you do, if you live in Eastern Europe? There`s not much choices.
