Opening NOS items

who will just stick it in a a drawer in their bathroom I mean "den" for whose benefit it's not at all clear ("I'll pass it on to my son who will stick it in a drawer in his bathroom if I'm lucky and it doesn't end up in a yard sale").

Or you might end up on an episode of 'Hoarders'

To myself, it depends on the object and rarity. I have opened and used several NOS Old Spice soap and Aftershave. Many different NOS blades have come and gone over the years. Even a few NIB Gillette's have been used. I have several things that remains unopened, a Dubl Duck straight razor, countertop display of Gillette Redtips and a Belgium Coticule with ink stamping on the surface. I consider myself the caretaker until I pass it on. Something are a tool and are meant to be used. Something need to be preserved and saved.

My first razor was a NOS Schick Krona. Didn’t think twice about opening it. I buy my items for use, but understand why some people choose to keep such items in their packaging.

I have a few items that worth a lot of money. I don't use them that often knowing that I won't be able to replace them in case anything happens.
I have no problem using any NOS item, as long as it is a common item and relatively easy for me to find it again.
If I have to choose between a NOS and a used one of the same model, only the latter will be used. I think it makes sense.

Probably depends. For most cases, I say use it. If you find an absolutely one of a kind find that has potential for serious growth in value over time, then maybe consider leaving it. For the most part, these razors just don't gain value fast enough to bother making them investments. I found a NOS Super 109 and did a bit of research. Un opened NOS were going for as little as $30 on eBay. That's not much growth over 35 years. I opened it and use it.

I would say first get a user grade and use it. It would be kind of a waste to open something a little rare and not like it.

unless specifically leaving the original packaging in tact for collector value, i see no reason to keep that razor from being used for what it was meant for. Personally, I like an item that has been used as that adds to its history.

Does anyone question themselves about opening NOS items?  Why or why not?

On one hand, I feel the item has been packaged for 40 to 60 years and should be left alone (a bit of a nostalgic aspect).  Other on the hand, I feel the item was manufactured to be used and who cares if it’s been sitting around for fifty years.  Obviously, there are also times when it’s a collector item and, for value reasons, it should be left unopened.  Some items, despite being NOS, may be more plentiful and opening the item is not a big deal.  But there are times I struggle with the decision.

I’m with you on this, HoosierShave.  That is, I see both points and can go back and forth.  It’s not just shaving gear, either.  I love fountain pens and use many, both vintage and new.  However, an unused, in original packaging, NOS would probably give me pause.  Sometimes, it isn’t even something that is NOS.  Many years ago, my late father gave me the pocket watch he was given for his bar mitzvah.  In just seven years it will be 100 years since he received it.  However, long before he passed it on to me, he broke the original crystal and just had an inexpensive plastic crystal put on the watch as a replacement.  I have gone ‘round and ‘round on whether to put in a good glass crystal or leave the watch as my father gave it to me.  I’m probably answering my own question as I have not replaced the plastic one.  Even so, I still go back and forth between bringing this gorgeous timepiece back to all its glory or keeping it just as my father gave it to me all those years ago.

Thinking about what I just wrote, I think if I had a pristine new-in-packaging razor I would probably look for a user grade one to use and hold onto the NOS one as is.  This is just my 2¢ and obviously there is no one definitive answer.  I’m just glad to know that I’m not the only one who thinks like this.

I wonder if your father would not have had it repaired if he could have either time or money.
I suggest he probably would opt for the repair.
I am very reluctant about repairing and or restoring old/antique items. They then lose that special patina and atmosphere that the many caring hands have imparted.
I used to repair old cameras and always strove to retain their aged appearance. If I had to make them look new, usually due to unobtainable parts, I always left a note in the camera saying what I had done. There is a dignity in age that can not be manufactured.

Mickey

I feel the pain. Having NOS items are cool, but for me using and enjoying are much better.

I have a new AOS tallow sandlewood puck everybody raves about but I'm afraid if I use it I won't find another one. There's not a lot of monetary value in it but I think the allure to this nos stuff is the fact that you can't readily get it and not really the item it self. I think I'll open it and enjoy it.