I'm thinking about checking out some local antique shops this upcoming weekend. The little I know about vintage razors I picked up here and I'm curious about what to look for. The biggies I'd be looking for would be a Superspeed, a Tech, a Gem or a cheap straight that I could practice honing before making a real investment. What other shave items are good to keep an eye out for? Brassing, pitting, rust, alignment...Anything else I should keep in mind while shopping? And now for the sensitive issue: How much is too much to pay for a vintage razor in decent condition? I understand there are some years and models with higher value, and personal value, and etc. but I'm talking about a run of the mill razor in fair to good condition. Or is this too difficult to make a generalization about?
Great question! I am anxious to see some replies...there are numerous flea markets near me, and I could write all that I know inside a matchbook cover with a grease pencil. Dave :ashamed001
I can only give advice on DE razors. This is only basic advice as I'm not qualified to give anything more. Big Problems (reasons not to buy): missing parts, bad alignment, non-working TTO mechanisms, severe pitting Medium Problems (don't pay much): severe brassing, a rusted blade left in the razor (which damages the finish and clogs TTOs), minor pitting Minor (won't affect the shave): razors that need cleaning, minor brassing, paint missing on adjustable numbers Price is what it's worth to you. My opinion is that a common model razor that shows some use, but has none of the problems I've list above and comes in a case is worth at most $30. That would be for an adjustable TTO, subtract about $5 each for no case, non-adjustable, and a minor problem. So a lightly used superspeed without a case and minor brassing would be worth at most $15 IMHO. You can usually do a little better or at least bargain down a little lower.
I pay anywhere from 5 dollars (no case, used condition, common SS) to 10 (older, decent condition, might have badly damaged case), but no more unless the razor is in very good condition, comes with all the bells and whistles, or is rare or sought after.
for an SR i pay from 20$ to 35$. so far i havent paid 35$ yet. but i mostly look at the bevel of the SR, how much rust is on it, how much hone wear, and so on. if it feels like its not a bad price to pay 20$ (or in my case the only ones aval. were 20$ razors) then get it. my thinking is that new razors are at least around 100$....so paying 20$ for a "new" one to play with....thats fine with me.
