Vintage razors

I'm looking to buy a slim or fatboy off of eBay or somewhere like that. I don't know what I'm looking for. How do I tell I'm not getting junk?

Hard question to answer. I buy so many razors that the post office here locally hates me. There's still no way to guarantee that whatever vintage razor is perfect. There's the obvious advice, look at all the pictures, don't bid an auction with cruddy pictures... Read the description. Buy from a reputable seller.. stuff like that.

Like I said it still won't guarantee an Ebay auction is what you want it to be. It just increases your chances.

Beyond that, ask the seller questions. If they commit to it's in great shape, everything works, etc and it doesn't you can always dispute it through Ebay. Most sellers with a decent amount of feedback will try to shoot straight with you.

Beyond that buy one from a seller outside of Ebay that deals in vintage razors, or buy one off of a forum from someone that can tell you about the condition.

I'm looking to buy a slim or fatboy off of eBay or somewhere like that. I don't know what I'm looking for. How do I tell I'm not getting junk?

Delta's advice is right on. When it comes to ebay, buy only from sellers with perfect ratings. Ask the seller if the razor is fully functional. Keep in mind that the seller might not know how to tell if he or she doesn't use DE razors. They might have opened and closed the doors but maybe they didn't check the adjuster knob, for example. I bought a few razors from a seller named cedarfurnitureman, whose razors were great. Don't know if he's still on ebay. Also, check to see what else they sell. If they have a lot of razors they probably know their stuff.

You could also try stopping by a local antique shop. A lot of times they'll have old safety razors. At least that way you can hold it in your hand and decide for yourself if it's worth buying. You can usually get them pretty cheap there as well. I bought a Gillette Slim Adjustable in pretty good shape for $5.

I'm looking to buy a slim or fatboy off of eBay or somewhere like that. I don't know what I'm looking for. How do I tell I'm not getting junk?

You asked so I shall rant.

Is this for use or simply collection?

I ask because there are some things to understand.  First, if you plan on using it you have more options than just collecting.  I personally bought a couple of vintage razors off ebay cheap and then had them professionally restored or REVAMP'd (by Razor Emporium).  You can get many models cheap (meaning not shave ready, blemishes, brass showing, but mechanically sound) and then have them replated and tuned up by several well respected people cheaper than finding the perfect collectable.  Razor Emporium, RazorPlate, Sport Shaving, and I'm sure there are more members here that do some restoration on the side that you can ask for help.  What I look for in an ebay sale regardless of my intention to collect or use is this: 

Are the photos of the razor clear, sharp, and have multiple angles?

Does the written description say more than "Old Razor".  The more detailed the description the more informed you are about the purchase.  It should say "good condition" not "new" I cant tell you how many items I've seen say new and they were worn as all heck.  It should also describe any flaws with the item (with a picture to match) i.e. small scratch on handle....then look for a picture of the handle.  Can you live with that or can it be plated over?  Look for the ebay 14 day guarantee that will allow you to receive the item ensure it was accurately described and to your understanding then decide whether to return it or not.

If you are trying to get collector grade razors....eh, that's more difficult.  I have ranted on DFS about how they are becoming harder to find for acceptable prices because the wet shave community is growing rapidly and obviously everyone wants a Fatboy or a slim.  I personally have 3 collector grade razors. Original packaging no scratches, dents, original blades, original instructions still in plastic...etc.  And I paid a considerable amount for them.  My advice here is to be patient, watch ebay everyday, set a personal limit on what each item is worth TO YOU (I have seen auctions for razors go from 10$ with 2 hours remaining and then a bidding war starts and the item ends for 250$).  In short know when to bail out. 

Razors pop up on ebay everyday you will get what you want if you are informed, patient, and have a spending limit.  Go to Matt's website here:http://www.razoremporium.com/  and look at the link for razor archive here:http://www.razorarchive.com/ and get educated.  Matt also sell's replated razors that are shave ready so its another purchasing source.

Know what you want, why you want it, and post pictures when you get it....everyone loves razor porn.

huck4food, you gave a lot of great information. That's not exactly my idea of a rant.

Thanks.

I'd do a google search of local antique shops in your area. once you find a few, call them to see if they have any old razors they're selling. you can usually find razors in decent shape for less than $10 at these antique shops.

unfortunately I've never been able to find any razors at antique shops in my local area.

I concur with what Andrew said.  In my area I've found a few here and there, but when you travel outside your area, stop by an antique store and see if they have any in.  Single blade vintage is very easy for me to find most of the time, DE is getting harder and harder.  I think that was the true sign for me that DE shaving has really grown exponentially in the last 18 months... that was when I started to notice DE razors in antique stores go from being abundant to relatively scarce.  I've even stopped at antique stores when I have been on the road and asked the shop-keep "do you have any Double Edge Safety Razors"? and have been greeted numerous times with the following responses

"Wish I did, they sell fast"

'What is it these days with DE razors"

"You're the third guy whose asked me about those this week"

The hunt makes the find that much more rewarding however.  I'd rather spend 8 or 9 trips to antique stores and come up empty handed.  It's that 10th trip where you find a mint Fatboy in box for 20.00 that makes up for the empty trips and prevents you from having to pay an absurd amount on Ebay....

You could also try stopping by a local antique shop. A lot of times they'll have old safety razors. At least that way you can hold it in your hand and decide for yourself if it's worth buying. You can usually get them pretty cheap there as well. I bought a Gillette Slim Adjustable in pretty good shape for $5.

This is my suggestion too. I bought a Slim adjustable for $6. I have found a few cased razors in darn near new condition for $6.

You can still get some deals from the brick and mortar antique stores, but you kinda have to stumble onto the ones that for the most part stay away from technology and remain an island unto themselves.  I picked up a Gillette rocket in excellent condition for $18 Canadian all in.  When he realized I actually used them to shave with the light went on....not likely to get that deal again.  I have purchased tonnes of razors from eBay and rarely been disappointed.  Can you get good deals on eBay?  The odd time yes, but people know the value of their products and will often over charge.  Your safeguard is to set your limit, don't get caught up in a bidding war, dont get attached and recognize that something just as good or better will always be one post away.  The forum's buy and sell is an excellent place to start your search.