What do you look for in a vintage S/R?

skyhorse

skyhorse

Joined
Jan 30, 2010
Messages
13,423
What do some of you S/R fans look for when buying a vintage user? Old brands to look for or avoid? Thanks for you're input!:)
 
I think that would depend on if you plan to shave with it or just collect it- or both. I personally don't collect SR's so I don't care how ugly they may look. I'm looking for how well they may shave. The first item would be general condition. Corrosion, straightness, general condition. Is the steel and grind the type that I prefer? Is it or can it be honed to BBS condition? I also tend to avoid stainless steel blades. They are a bit harder to hone (the degree of difference though is often exaggerated)
 
when I'm looking at a potential to buy, I'm looking for a bunch of things. Cracks in the scales, especially around the pins. rust, not necessarily bad, unless it either cuts deep into the edge, or has a pattern to it other than finger prints. An example would be rust only under the scales, or in spots that match the pattern of a tortoise colored scale. cracks in the blade are a bad sign, as are creases or bends in blade (thin blades are more prone to this) just get a general impression, see if it looks like it was actually polished, or chrome plated, or lacquered. There are good lists of brands around, but every blade is a gamble. basically, if you are unsure, don't put down more than what you'd be willing to gamble, anything could be a dud.
 
Geeks pretty much spot on. Rust near the edge is bad, cracks are bad, scales can be replaced if needed, check the hone wear on the spine, frown edges aren't good, overly smiling edges can be bad too. For brands to look for, Böker, Case, Spike, and then just whatever else. Those brands are very prevelant so should be easy to find second hand, but there were litterally thousands of brands out there.


-Xander
 
Horse, I like the US made straight razors. Here is a Frank Bannister I found and later restored a high carbon blade with horn handle. A nice shaver. DM
 
Nice work DM, here is one I was rather proud of saving from the trash.

Once you find out what to really look for you can take on projects like this, chipped, missing edge, broken scales. This is a W.R. Case & Sons razor I redid a while back.

Before...

2012-08-06095227.jpg



After...

2012-08-07090644.jpg



-Xander
 
fast, Good job. Upon, seeing a razor in that condition I don't know that I would have taken it in for a re-work. It turned out nice. DM
 
DM, it was deffinitely a basket case when I bought it, but it had perfect scales until I got home. My son (then just before two) grabbed the bag on the table and dropped it, breaking the scales. Also, it was only $5 I think i paid for it.


-X
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top