Community Authentication, Validation & Valuation Thread

As the subject of BST safeguards has come up a few times, I thought I would mention that the Reddit Shave_Bazaar subreddit is re-evaluating its approach to assisting members in evaluating reputation of other members, as an outcome of the recent API pricing model changes from Reddit.

In addition to instituting a confirmed trade feedback system, I assume something along the lines that DFS offers, they are looking at some type of reputation scoring system. The reputation system would be based off multiple independent shaving related subreddits (forums), and attempt to measure engagement (presumably post count etc) and karma points (likes). It seems that the Shave_Bazaar may be more focused on outright drive by scammers.

They are also asking for more moderators, which is somewhat interesting as the subreddit is dedicated to BST transactions. So I presume this is to expand coverage of suspicious or non compliant descriptions. They are also losing one of their key moderators.

we've seen some pretty ridiculous things over the years. 

1 scammer would put a small slice in the padded envelopes he'd use to ship out stuff to make it look like the item 'fell out' during transit, when the item was never even shipped in the 1st place.

another scammer tried to sell a straight razor to two different people when only 1 of those items even exists in the entire world, as confirmed by the maker of said straight razor....

etc., etc..

aside from bst feedback, which we used since this forum was opened up, I can't really think of any type of 'good' system that might help weed out bad actors.  we're all basically volunteers on here so it'd be tough to ask someone to commit more free time to help someone else out with their purchase.  we need people participating in the transactions to be honest and let us know when someone is asking for F&F payments and such...it's a two-way street!

I have never had to fulfill the duties of a moderator but I have a friend who did at one point. It seemed to largely be a thankless job with everything that went on behind the scenes. To all the moderators: Thank you!

Ideally, in a perfect world, "trustless" systems like blockchain and digital escrow and contracts could address a number of issues and replace more centralized versions like PayPal G&S. But those concepts don't always lend themselves to physical objects vs digital assets. In a real world high value transaction you would probably have representations and warranties by both the buyer and the seller, a defined contract with terms, a legal or mediation system for disputes, etc. But of course that isn't practical or cost effective for a shaving transaction.

One of the ideas I have considered, and others have as well, is a decentralized escrow system. Essentially each party would engage a trusted escrow "agent" for a small fee and would transfer the money and basic terms of the transaction to them. Funds would be held for an agreed upon term until either both parties agree the transaction was fulfilled or the agent steps into mediate a dispute that both agree to the outcome, whose time is covered by the escrow fee. So you might have a trusted network of shaving experts who can resolve authenticity or just confirm the package was really delivered etc. I think it could result in a more fair outcome than a faceless paypal algorithm or customer service rep. All of the terms and details would be publicly visible similar to how you would see details on the BST listing, along with dispute details, and effectively a clear history of reputation including for the escrow agent. You might end up with escrow agents incentivized to do the member vetting to minimize expending their fee on mediating risky transactions. Or maybe you pay higher fees for risker transactions and reputation. We are not there yet on decentralized adoption, but I could see this down the road.

As an aside, I always using PayPal G&S unless it is someone I have an extremely close and trusted relationship with or the dollar value is de minimus. And it was well worth the fee in a few cases. I also always purchase insurance when shipping items of higher value, within the limits of provable worth.

Can anyone give me a valuation for the Charcoal Goods SS Stinger V1 handle ONLY on the far left? 

Although pre-owned it’s in its original condition and like new.  Thank You!

If anyone can remember what the offering price was at CG that would be a help to me too.

Thank You!

That handle is worthless. You can send it to me for disposal. I'll cover shipping of course 

I think I have a couple more CG handles that can be added to your scrap metal recycling program, appreciate your help Sir!

Can anyone help me with a valuation on this item?

New Old Stock, Unused, Original Packaging.

Thank You for your time!

Recently one sold for 650 on badger n blade if I remember correctly. That one has what looks like a water spot below the head so it was probably used and there was only one run of that particular razor. That is also the original packaging and retailed for 395usd.

Can anyone give me a valuation for the Charcoal Goods SS Stinger V1 handle ONLY on the far left? 

Although pre-owned it’s in its original condition and like new.  Thank You!

If anyone can remember what the offering price was at CG that would be a help to me too.

Thank You!

That handle is worthless. You can send it to me for disposal. I'll cover shipping of course 

I think I have a couple more CG handles that can be added to your scrap metal recycling program, appreciate your help Sir!

Any time! I'm always glad to help.

<snip>

Here’s another question-why polish those surfaces that are not seen on the assembled razor? Isn’t that like painting/finishing the underbody of a car to the same level as the visible surfaces?

Can't be a functional reason. I think it is simply an artisan who wants to create the best, shiniest finish he can, cost be damned. Some guys can do it, some ruin pieces to try and replicate. I've seen a lot of "ruint" pieces on this site, CK89 posted pics of the only factory pieces I've seen that had a great variance (sorry friend). I can't tell who's plates they are tho. I will say, I've owned a lot of mirror polished Wolfman razors in SS, Bronze, and Ti and they have all had very sharp edges on the caps especially. I've seen pictures of James at a large buffing wheel, maybe that is the key ILO a small rotary bit or pad (dremel)?

<snip>

Here’s another question-why polish those surfaces that are not seen on the assembled razor? Isn’t that like painting/finishing the underbody of a car to the same level as the visible surfaces?

Can't be a functional reason.  I think it is simply an artisan who wants to create the best, shiniest finish he can, cost be damned.  Some guys can do it, some ruin pieces to try and replicate.  I've seen a lot of "ruint" pieces on this site, CK89 posted pics of the only factory pieces I've seen that had a great variance (sorry friend).  I can't tell who's plates they are tho.  I will say, I've owned a lot of mirror polished Wolfman razors in SS, Bronze, and Ti and they have all had very sharp edges on the caps especially.  I've seen pictures of James at a large buffing wheel, maybe that is the key ILO a  small rotary bit or pad (dremel)?

Yes, they are factory items that came from the same drop and were sold as polished razors (no aftermarket polishing). They lost accuracy while being polished by an unskilled person. Actually, it no longer matters whether the razors were CNC-machined or not. How aggressive the razors are depends on how much material has been taken excessively off by polishing.

Does anyone here know if this 3d printed charcoal goods razor is common or uncommon in the history of all charcoal razors? I feel like I bought this early in the short life of charcoal razors. I don't remember any machined razors available at that time just this 3d printed one in ur choice of metal. I believe this was bronze. Any help to identify what I have would be appreciated. Thanks
Z

May be like this one:

Oh yes does look very similar. Other then the dual comb. Maybe mine is stainless steel also just in a bronze color? Interesting

Can anyone help me with a valuation on this item?

New Old Stock, Unused, Original Packaging.

Thank You for your time!

It’s in excellent shape.  Value 650-750 dollars is real.  Could you get more, maybe.  You shouldn’t have to consider less than 650.

I know a few fans here of this one.