The price of vintage

So, as of late I have been pursuing Ebay in the search for vintage razors, and while I have seen some for, what I think, are decent prices, some are, well, well outside of my price range.

For example, I found Gillette Aristocrat with the case and in "mint' condition for $269 US!    AND now!  I find one that is in even worse condition and is prices at $400 US!

This got me thinking; what do people here think are good prices for different vintage razors?  I know a few of you have some, and I have one in the mail, but for those who are new to buying vintage razors(myself included), perhaps we can help them out when they are looking for one online?

So, as of late I have been pursuing Ebay in the search for vintage razors, and while I have seen some for, what I think, are decent prices, some are, well, well outside of my price range.

For example, I found Gillette Aristocrat with the case and in "mint' condition for $269 US!    AND now!  I find one that is in even worse condition and is prices at $400 US!

This got me thinking; what do people here think are good prices for different vintage razors?  I know a few of you have some, and I have one in the mail, but for those who are new to buying vintage razors(myself included), perhaps we can help them out when they are looking for one online?

honestly, I think most people who sell some of the vintage razors have absolutely no idea what they have an automatically assume it's valuable because it's old and no longer in production. I think most vintage razors in good working order that are cleaned up will go for $15-$30.

I think the most I have paid for a "vintage" razor was my Gillette New Short Comb. I bought it, and then sold it, for $30. I have been getting lucky at the antique stores and online auctions lately. I have bought for $7 EACH a cased lady Gillette, Cased Gillette Slim, Schick Krona, Cased PAL adjustable, Cased Superspeed TV Special, 2 40's style Superspeeds, Milford, and a Flairtip. Also bought a Wostenholm and Sons Pipe razor for $5.

Deals are out there. Do not spend more than you want.

I think the most I have paid for a "vintage" razor was my Gillette New Short Comb. I bought it, and then sold it, for $30. I have been getting lucky at the antique stores and online auctions lately. I have bought for $7 EACH a cased lady Gillette, Cased Gillette Slim, Schick Krona, Cased PAL adjustable, Cased Superspeed TV Special, 2 40's style Superspeeds, Milford, and a Flairtip. Also bought a Wostenholm and Sons Pipe razor for $5.

Deals are out there. Do not spend more than you want.

yeah, buying in bulk when they're all dirty and grungy is where you're going to get the best bang for your buck.

about 2-3 years ago, I went into an antique shop in Gettysburg and scored a whole bunch of DE razors for like $5/razor...slims, fatboys, superspeeds, black tips, etc.

My luck runs hot and cold. I only buy from antique shops except for a New LC which came to me through a coworker. I have paid as much as $25 for a cased pre-WWII Aristocrat. And a low as $3 for a 1956 Red Tip. I recently passed on a group of eight various models that the seller wanted $173 for the entire lot. I've never seen that many in one place but there was no way I was going to pay that much for them in the terrible condition that they were in. I spend more money in gas driving to shops than I would spend if I just bought them from EBay, but I like the thrill of the hunt and also being able to inspect the razor firsthand.

My luck runs hot and cold. I only buy from antique shops except for a New LC which came to me through a coworker. I have paid as much as $25 for a cased pre-WWII Aristocrat. And a low as $3 for a 1956 Red Tip. I recently passed on a group of eight various models that the seller wanted $173 for the entire lot. I've never seen that many in one place but there was no way I was going to pay that much for them in the terrible condition that they were in. I spend more money in gas driving to shops than I would spend if I just bought them from EBay, but I like the thrill of the hunt and also being able to inspect the razor firsthand.

I'll usually look for the razor I want in a lot so I get more for my money.

The thing is, I bought them individually for that price. But, I was in those stores half a dozen times with bupkiss to show for it.

Not very many years ago Fatboys were selling for hundreds of dollars; unjustifiably so IMO. What you're seeing could be tied to that in the hopes that the seller has something similar. The fact that the razors actually sold for hundreds is amazing, but others see that and want to cash in as well.

The most I ever paid for a razor was in fact a Fatboy. I paid $44 for it, but it's a very nice Fatboy in a case. Then after using it 2-3 times I put it away. I actually didn't think it was as good as the Slim I was using at the time.

I'm extremely wary of ebay; or even the b/s/t, especially if the pictures aren't in focus. If someone doesn't have enough whatever it takes to post a clear picture, I want no part in the sale. Everyone knows what an in focus picture is and what an out of focus picture is. I can only think that it's deliberately done on the part of the seller to hide flaws. As other have written I got my best deals when I bought razor "lots".

There is a search function under the advanced tab on ebay where you can see the price that items have actually sold for rather than the asking prices which are often quite high.

Pay what you feel it's worth - Personally I wouldn't pay much for a Gillette Psycho as they don't appeal to me but there's plenty who'll pay a small fortune for one.

As a newer shaver who has ventured into the Vintage Razor waters I think there is some contradictory information that flies around the shaving boards.

As with most non essential goods, value and price point are widely different.  Value is subjective and what "value" is created or held is different for each.  Price is driven by market forces.  Supply, demand, and/or assigned value by the consumer.

Why are Fatboys, Slims, and Super Adjustables etc. going for higher than perceived value...because people are paying for them.  I personally waited and watched etsy, ebay, local antique shops for razors that I wanted for my personal collection.  Many walked away because I felt the price was over inflated, but in the end I bought one at the inflated price (I will not say how much but it was on the higher end of what I was comfortable with) to get my collectors item.  I later asked a more experienced collector what its real value was.  I overpaid by $50 what its fair market value was.  I don't care.  It's now in my collection, safe, and cozy.  I pray to it every night....confess my shaving sins....

So what is my point.  I read a lot of comments that say these razors are over priced, but I would say the only reason a razor is on ebay for 200 or 300 dollars is because most sellers watch other auctions for similar items and use that information to price point their item. 

The only place I have seen a shave ready Gillette adjustable (or any other vintage razor for that matter) go for a gentlemen's price is on one of the shave forums, outside our community you are going to mortgage your house to get a near mint specimen in case with original blades and instructions...I know I have three...my kids didn't want to go to college anyway.

Bottom line as wet shaving becomes more popular, more people want vintage razors, with less and less of them out there in a condition to shave with price goes up.  I personally love my $40 Merkur and my Gillette collection sits on the shelf....I think these inflated prices are here for a while, and I don't mind.  I think it is an indicator of the health of a growing community.  Its pure economics...here ends the lesson.