Author of $10,000 eBay auction for Wolfman Razor admits his motive

BTW, somewhere either in this thread or its sister thread that was closed, someone asked why aren't links to eBay auctions permitted in certain forums. Per a podcast from BrushnSoapnBlade the reason is that ANY link to ANY other website permits the member to LEAVE the website. This means lost revenue for the owner. After all, you can't be buying something from the vendors that pay if you are buying on eBay or some other website.

Of course, this creates a closed society whereas the very strength of the Internet is derived from its openness and crowdsourcing. Think a history lesson from AOL. It was, fundamentally, a closed society whereas they really didn't want you to leave it and use the "real" internet. Lost revenue. Look what happened to them.

The inability to link and reference authoritative outside resources results in an atmosphere of "Its true because I say its true", which since the dawn of the Internet, is so 1955.

You are mostly correct. But, what you are missing is, some forums feel threatened by outside information. They are egotistical enough that all pertinent info can be found on the site, no need to drive forum traffic offsite. If a member feels that info is pertinent, then they are to hand jam it, or copy and paste it into their posts keeping traffic on-site. Also, there is the paranoia associated with the idea that a user could be using the shave forum to generate traffic to a particular youtube channel, or specific vendor. It happens (as seen in closed threads). Sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. With the videos, some forums are paranoid of the thought that at the 8 minute mark of a 10 min video the person could be breaking the forum rules but the mods would never know if they dont watch the whole video.

I think its obvious I am well traveled on the wetshave circuit, and know of a certain one that has an astounding database on old razors. The problem becomes reality when a forum thinks it is better than the people that it is comprised of, and the common user becomes worthless. A forums strength is in its users. Right hfrdez?

Oh the wolfman razor. They are expensive? Hadn't noticed. Besides my 37C, everything I own is vintage 1960 or older. Cant we talk about the price of a Ivory handled 7 day shave set? Rumor has it they are pricey. I have picture somewhere of a 1912 Gem in container with 130+ tag on it. The shop owner told me that since it was a single edge with a 1912 stamped in it, it must be old and worth alot. So according to this shop owner, GEMS are worth alot. I found the pic. Price gouging can be found almost anywhere, this is one of my favs.

Marko  hit the nail on the head. Since I've been involved with this community, I've dealt with wet-shaving enthusiasts from Italy, France, Denmark, and all over  

And grim ,  I wasn't upset about any of this. Of course I realize there are differing opinions, and I wanted to express my point of view-respectfully disagreeing with that fellow,

You sounded like he upset you, hence I was trying to defend your right to ignore him and take any pictures you want. "they" don't have to like it. Your camera, your pictures, your hobby.

I read the original thread now and eBay listing. I don't know the price of Wolfman razors. From his website, looks like about $175 for a head and $125 for a handle. $300 is the same price as the One Blade. I don't see the big deal. Looks like a small, one man operation. He makes them as fast as he can. So be it.  Maybe they will be worth more as a collectible or maybe for some just a tool.


Nah, I can't see anyone say in the 1950s or 1960s hanging around the bar talking about shaving. Didn't happen. Its a recent thing.  Its just a mundane task for "most" people. Not exciting. Now toothbrushes - THAT I understand.

And SHAMPOO?  Big business!

Thanks, grim for the kind words-you're exactly right, it's our hobby, and as strange as it may seem to others, to some of us, myself included, it's a wonderful way to turn a mundane task into a very pleasant experience every day.

You're right-James sells the head and baseplate for $175 and the handle for $125, another $40 for the handle. So, most of those sets on eBay are going for about a $200 premium. Then again, there are members here like celestino who sold his on BST for what he paid for it, a truly classy, gentlemanly gesture to the community.

But to each his own, and if some want to turn a profit for scarce gear, I understand it. I paid a premium because I got tired of getting shut out on the wait list and was frankly frustrated, and just wanted one. Is it a game changing razor? No, in the sense that there are plenty of razors, old and new, that with the right technique and blade can produce fantastic shaves. But is it a beautifully crafted DE razor? Absolutely.

Actually, I can understand the $300 pricing for the OneBlade, because it's got the potential to be a game changer. I gave one to a friend who just started wet shaving with an EJ razor and a Fat Boy, and was getting less-than-optimal results. The usual issues of pressure, angle, etc. But from his first shave with the OneBlade, he got exceptional shaves with no irritations, nicks, etc. I want to hate mine, but I keep returning to it because of the ease of use, the great shaves with no effort, and the beautiful workmanship.

BTW, I belonged to a group back in the '70s where we would get into spirited debates over toothbrushes, pastes, powders, etc. It's so interesting the things one can get into. In the macrobiotic diet community, we'd use a 'toothpaste' from Japan made of charred eggplant and sea salt. I kid you not. It was jet black and not very pleasant to use. But it was a sign that you were really 'in the know' and a 'committed' member of the group. I can only laugh when I think about it!

Holy cow. How did I miss this thread.


hrfdez let the haters hate. The rest of us who call you a friend still likes the honestly of your thoughts.

Here's a copy of a post I made on another forum regarding this topic.

Hi Folks,

I'm writing this from the perspective of a regular member here. I don't purport to speak for the admin/mod group in any way.

I've noticed over the last few weeks that our collective behavior has been starting to skew downhill with regards to certain 'premium' brands/products.

I think we all can agree that in the world of consumerism money talks and BS walks and I understand the frustration that surrounds wanting to purchase a product that is unavailable for whatever reason. But I assure you, our artisans are first and foremost business people who have an awesome product that they want to share with the world. And as a business person they have every incentive to do what they think it best for their business. If you think you can do better, you are very welcome to try (and I would LOVE to help beta test what you're bringing to market). Attacking the folks that are bringing us these amazing products does nothing but discourage our artisans and pushes them toward the 'this isn't worth it anymore' category. I don't think anyone wants that.

All the anger over various artisans' practices (and the lucky folk who seem to 'always' be able to get said product) seem to me to be thinly veiled jealousy. Jealousy unbecoming of fine gentlemen such as yourself.

It seems lately we have lost the focus of our hobby that is wet shaving and all the joy that brings us. This hobby is and always will be something we enjoy alone in our private time for ourselves. The hobby was never about who had the 'best' or 'most expensive' thing; it was never about the product themselves at all but rather the moment of calm when we get a chance to focus on ourselves.

So let's all take a step back and evaluate he skills we've learned along the way and get back to the enjoyment of a moment in time when you get to take care of you. Let's let go all the animosity that 'keeping up with the Jones' have brought.

In the end it was never about the razor or soap or brush anyway and it was always about you.

Shave on!

Michael P, thank you for starting this thread.  I checked out the $10,000 Wolfman auction when you first posted the link and got a good chuckle out of it.  I think most of us knew it was a joke.  As to the "seller's" latest post to the auction, I don't know, I feel like he said more by posting the original auction.  Whatever.  

Anyway, it's good to have you here Michael!  You are an old MSer who is like a kid let loose in the candy shop with all of the "new" experiences you are having after being "forced" to use all of these different shaving soaps and things.  Your enthusiasm is contagious! Awesome!

Hector hrfdez, as said before, let the haters hate.  I'm not one of the haters and I enjoy your contributions here.  

 DFS, mods, admin: page 5 and this thread hasn't devolved too terribly. Ain't DFS great?!?!?!

... some forums feel threatened by outside information.

I summarized what Rick DeWise wrote in his podcast Brushnsoapnblade, episode 53, 9/11/14, after he was "banned" from a certain forum and his rant about about the financial model of shaving forums. I don't agree with everything he said but most of what he said was spot on, certainly in respect to one forum.

Closed societies eventually fail. Members find the rest of the world just as in the case of AOL. Proof by assertion fails in the end.

They are egotistical enough that all pertinent info can be found on the site, no need to drive forum traffic offsite.

Do not discount the financial aspect. EVERY time you click to another link, you are no longer on their website and finances drive the model. Unless the owner is truly altruistic, somebody has to pay the bills and supporting vendors pay the bills. The problem is when they become obsession and overreaching. Its only shaving forums (except this one) where I have seen that you can't link to another web page. This is something Rick DeWise hit upon and explained well. However, I have only seen this in shaving forums, no where else. I don't know why they are so overly obsessive about it.

... some forums feel threatened by outside information.

I summarized what Rick DeWise wrote in his podcast Brushnsoapnblade, episode 53, 9/11/14, after he was "banned" from a certain forum and his rant about about the financial model of shaving forums. I don't agree with everything he said but most of what he said was spot on, certainly in respect to one forum.

Closed societies eventually fail. Members find the rest of the world just as in the case of AOL. Proof by assertion fails in the end.

They are egotistical enough that all pertinent info can be found on the site, no need to drive forum traffic offsite.

Do not discount the financial aspect. EVERY time you click to another link, you are no longer on their website and finances drive the model. Unless the owner is truly altruistic, somebody has to pay the bills and supporting vendors pay the bills. The problem is when they become obsession and overreaching. Its only shaving forums (except this one) where I have seen that you can't link to another web page. This is something Rick DeWise hit upon and explained well. However, I have only seen this in shaving forums, no where else. I don't know why they are so overly obsessive about it.

They are overly obsessive on shaving forums because deep down they know, for a fact, that it's just shaving, and there is absolutely NOTHING special that they offer that cannot be found elsewhere.

All of those fancy date codes and razor listings found in a certain "wiki" were all taken from other sources.

All of the tips and tricks, with photos and guides...taken from outside sources.

Every single piece of information found on the "big forums" is readily available and easily accesible without ANY of the negativity or bias outside of those forums.

The owners and admins know this. The intelligent and diligent membership know this. Because of this, the administrators and owners are very careful to keep their money-train flowing.

How many new shavers get stuck in the loop of "The Big One", and become thoroughly convinced that they have found the be-all/end-all of wet shaving information? There are 2 specific forums that I once participated on(but no longer)that run like this, and both are filled with good information, and a LOT of arrogance and condescension...I'm sure there are others, but I forgot to look since I found DFS...

25 years of wet shaving and a cheap puck of Haslinger, a best badger, and a Mach 3/Schick Hydro shave me just as well or better than the Wolfman, Blackbird, Mongoose, Cobra, or the upcoming RX with SdM, Saponificio Varesino, or LPL.

We got into it because we love it. Not this nonsense.

We all know who the few arrogant and condescending types are. They stand out like a sore thumb.

These nouveau riche are easy to find. It's not a house in Bermuda, just tools to shave.

God bless them.

The owners and admins know this. The intelligent and diligent membership know this. Because of this, the administrators and owners are very careful to keep their money-train flowing.

Agree.  But more telling are the analytics. I don't know what google analytics show but Alex public info is interesting. The "one" has dropped ~70% in the last 9 months in worldwide ranking. Time spent on site has dropped > 25%.

In the same time period DFS has DOUBLED its world wide rank and time on site is ~85% greater of another site, or put another way, the average user spends 185% as much time HERE as in other forum.  So despite the closed society, an open society is MORE successful at keeping members interested in the site.

This is very interesting information. This is easy to find out. go to Alex. com and just enter the website of your choice.

Good job DFS!

The owners and admins know this. The intelligent and diligent membership know this. Because of this, the administrators and owners are very careful to keep their money-train flowing.

Agree.  But more telling are the analytics. I don't know what google analytics show but Alex public info is interesting. The "one" has dropped ~70% in the last 9 months in worldwide ranking. Time spent on site has dropped > 25%.

In the same time period DFS has DOUBLED its world wide rank and time on site is ~85% greater of another site, or put another way, the average user spends 185% as much time HERE as in other forum.  So despite the closed society, an open society is MORE successful at keeping members interested in the site.

This is very interesting information. This is easy to find out. go to Alex. com and just enter the website of your choice.

Good job DFS!

I think it speaks volumes for the non-business atmosphere here.

Think about it...what other large shave forum actually have 1-1 interaction with the artisans? What other shave forum will allow a truly open and free discussion of ideas and opinions with such a minimalistic set of rules?

I have visited and read through all of the "major players" in the shave forum world. I have left all of them except DFS, and I miss none of them. Just the simplicity of the requirements placed on the membership, and the abilioty for artisans and users to itneract so closely and personally with each other is enough to convince me that this place is better.

When you couple that with the fantastic people that frequent this forum such as Hector, Freddy, kwsher, NeoXerxes, Mickey, Celestino, CHSeifer, wyzeone, caleb13, and so many other fantastic individuals with great attitudes and nothing more than a desire to share and discuss this hobby of ours...this is really a special place. None of the pseudo-gentlemanly behavior around here, just true gentlemen, all around, even in the midst of a heated discussion...

Meh...let me stop before I get too sappy...I dig this place. It works for me.

BadDad   Don't cut yourself short buddy, you are a great asset to this community, both as a contributor and a human being.