Opening NOS items

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.

It's funny you should bring this up. I recently purchased a NOS Micromatic open comb Gem Razor in the bakelite case with original box and directions. I opened the case and not only is the shipping cardboard still in place but the razor is in plastic wrap with the tag and insert.

I didn't want to pay for a restored razor so I was just trying to get one in good enough shape. I keep going back and forth between you only live once so use it and realizing all the previous owners kept it as is. The struggle is real.

Maybe I should just buy another one so I can be carefree when I use it.

Personally, I have never understood the concept of not opening and using something that was, originally, manufactured for that purpose. There is no way I could have something in my house and not use it, especially, shaving gear.

When I buy a NOS item it's the same as buying a brand new item offered for sale from any store. It's to be used. Period. Now if I was an avid collector it's a different story as it would end on the shelf or display with my other collector items. Just for looks. So to answer your question, NO, I don't question myself when opening a NOS item as I bought it with the intention of using it.

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.

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.

In my opinion if you bought it, you most likely bought it to use it. Right?! Lol if I spent 400+ dollars filarmonica or bartmann. Unless my intention is to resell it I’m going to open and use it. Even if I wanted to resell it no one is going to give me 6-700 unless I keep it for another 20 yrs.


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Perhaps the better way to look at it is the purpose for which it was purchased. If one is a collector/curator then not opening NOS makes the most sense. If one is a user then leaving it in the package is counterintuitive. i collect vintage axes because I like the ring of an axe on wood. If I found a NOS Kelly Flint edge head it'd be biting wood the same day it arrived. Same with any vintage razor. My pleasure in the item comes from using it, not from owning it. I sure understand your conundrum though.

Personally, I have never understood the concept of not opening and using something that was, originally, manufactured for that purpose. There is no way I could have something in my house and not use it, especially, shaving gear.

I feel the same way, for the most part.

Personally, if I get a NOS toggle, I am not opening it. I'll save it. If I want to use a toggle, I'd buy another one that isn't NOS to use.

Personally, if I get a NOS toggle, I am not opening it. I'll save it. If I want to use a toggle, I'd buy another one that isn't NOS to use.

Exactly...I had an NOS D1 Toggle complete with the shipper. I kept it for a year or so and eventually sold it. Just as I did an NOS D3 Executive Fatboy and an NOS Aristocrat slim. There was no way I'd ever, ever use them. I just wanted them a part of a collection. As I moved away from vintage razors to modern pieces I just couldn't justify having expensive pieces laying around that I had no intention of using. So...I moved them and converted the $$$ to expensive pieces I actually use. And I'm so glad I did...I get to use with the best of the best.

Now...if the NOS piece is not worth a lot of money and it was the only one I owned...I'd break it open without hesitation.

That was a long way to go to get it "it depends".