Hello all, In the next few weeks I'm going to start looking for vintage shave equipment. Gillette razors, brushes and the the like.... what are some things to look for amd hints to find it. Thanks!
Visit every antique, thrift, & resale shop, flea market, garage and estate sale near by, then expand your circle. Then go back and check again. Leave your name, number, and a description on the items you seek. Become"That Razor Guy" to the owners & sales clerks. That's how I bought a '59 Gillette FatBoy from the Mayor of a nearby town for five dollars. It's in my permanent rotation.
I would start by understanding what you are looking for. When I first started looking, I really didn't know what I was looking at. Some areas the shops are aware of what the razors go for and the pricing would be inflated. I would say look for cheap and condition. When you look at a razor, see if the knob turns, that the doors open and open evenly. Sometimes the razor is very dirty and looks crappy, don't be turned off by it, decades of build up and neglect have covered the razor. When you clean it up, you may find a gorgeous razor. When you find open comb razors, take a look at the handle . If the handle has cracks, I wouldn't bother with it. Look at the teeth, if they are bent down, or to the side, I wouldn't bother with. Sometimes the gold plating is worn off, what you may find are razors that are down to the brass . If that bothers you, I would pass. If it doesn't, I would pick them up, with some metal polish they shine up great. I like the way brass razors look when polished. Now comes pricing. Some would say "it's worth whatever you are willing to pay". Me personally, here are what I would pay for the basics: ( there are lots of razors and some I would pay more for) Flair tip razors ( very common) $1-$10 Super speed razor ( very common ) $1-$10 Slim adjustables $1-$20 Fatboy adjustable $1-$30 Open combs $1-$15 Tech razors $1-$10 There are a lot more razors out there. If you see something that catches your eye and it's cheap enough , buy it. It may be a nice razor. Good luck hunting .
That's exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks!!! Also is there a sticky or a page that goes over identifying each razor and dating them?
Get ready to bookmark some great pages! This one for Gillettes, once you get passed the German front page is full of great photos and good info. Don't overlook other makers. There are some great Schick razors, too.
Use those "next few weeks" to educate yourself just like @Jorvaljr says. I've spent some stupid money on stupid stuff. The more familiar you are with what you're looking at, the more likely you are to find that diamond in the rough. I've purchased several really gnarly looking razors that have cleaned up spectacularly.
I would also add, make sure the last 1/4 turn works to the excellent advice you've already gotten. If you can lay hands on it. It's impossible to do with photos. As for price, while I get "look for cheap" and "be That Razor Guy", I figure time and gas into my equation. If it takes me 6 months and $50 in gas to save $35 on a purchase...I just can't justify that math. For instance, I found (2) Slims on Craigslist 1500 miles away from me for $100. They came with cases and looked to be in great condition. I texted a friend, sent him $110 via PayPal, and he bought and shipped them to me the next day. On the surface, I overpaid. But it cost me very little time and 0$ in gas. My FB's were roughly $45 each off Ebay. Very little time no gas. Excellent condition. Sure I take a risk that what winds up in my hand is as described and functional. I live with that risk and I've not been burned yet. I will go in antique stores/malls if I am passing with 5 miles of them. I do it mainly because the thought of white rhino for $10 is appealing. And I try to only go alone. 100% of any razors I've found in those stores are behind glass. I can blow thru a store in no time. If I let my wife tag along...it takes me hours because for some reason she can't grasp the "only look in the glass for razors" concept. Collecting, caring for, and using these things can be lots of fun. So can the hunt. There is no right or wrong way to go about acquiring the pieces you want. Make your own path and enjoy.
I'm unable to get out, so I buy on eBay. I always know the maximum I'm willing to pay before I bid. My budget is limited, so that helps me. There have been items that I have not won but I up ended up with a better razor, for less money, only a little later. Maybe this will help. Good hunting.
Weather you shop in person or online, it's still the thrill of the hunt. Being in the field and finding items in the wild does me well. I've made low offers and gotten folks to come down off an auction site like price. That's the right time/ right place / cash in pocket shopping I prefer. If someone is mobility impaired, or has a preference to shop the interwebs that does give the time to research the item, find it's relative value as compared to others for sale. Good luck with that! I'll stick to "picking" my dusty poorly lit bargains in my small town circuit. Except for soap and DE/SE blades. And new brush knots!
Sometimes that pays off. Other times it tips off people there's a market for razors they never knew about. Suddenly they don't like talking to you anymore and you'll never see a razor on their premises again because they just got into the razor biz on eBay. But they still want you coming in the shop. Had that happen a few times, including folks lying to my face I later learned. *shrug* Point is, learning how to "read" people on this can be handy.
I see your point. I've taken a shotgun networking approach. Better to stealth snipe and scoop up the local bargains. Your advice has been noted. Thank you @gorgo2! Fumble fingers post via Kyocera / Tapatalk (subject to later editing)
Personally, I haven't had any luck in Antique shops (at least the ones I visited). For example I've seen a well used super speed for $45. I've scored a couple of Schicks and a Slim from the bay, but you have to have some discipline not to get caught up in a bidding war. Razors seem to be bringing higher prices there lately. One place that wasn't mentioned, is the classified section right here at TSD. I've found a couple of great razors from the members here, from guys that can be trusted (for the most part )
