Vintage Straight

Vintage Straight

Collection and Modern Use Of Straight Razors

Modern straight razor users are known to favor them for a variety of reasons. Some are attracted to the nostalgia of using old and traditional methods ofshaving . It is a masculine ritual comparable to pipe smoking.

Others profess an interest in reducing the waste of disposable blades. Still others agree that straightrazors provide a superior shave through a sharper blade and greater control of the blade angle. Others simply like the good results and the satisfaction of maintaining the blade themselves. For all these reasons, devotees of the straight razor make for an active market.

Many barbers who provide straight-razor shaving now must use a version that employs a disposable blade system, as required by law in some areas. This eliminates the need for sharpening and provides greater assurance of good hygiene. (It is possible for ablade to pass infection if it cuts two customers in a row, but this is unlikely: a good barber rarely cuts a customer.) Still other jurisdictions ban the use of all straightrazors and barbers use modern triple blade razors instead.

There is also an active market for antique razors in many countries, especially those in Europe and North America. Some collectors use their antique razors for shaving, but many simply collect them as memorabilia.

If you think you might enjoy this unique area of collecting, I recommend the book Straight Razor Collecting by Roy Ritchie and Ron Stewart. I have found it to be an invaluable tool, and I go back to it frequently even though I've been collecting for many years now. In many ways it's timeless, especially the formula used to calculate the fair market value of a straight razor. This softcover book is small and easy to carry, and worth every penny and an invaluable resource for those who are new to straight razor collecting.

About the Author

At the Straight Razor Collector you will find the latest contemporary, antique and vintage straight razors for you to collect, restore and enjoy.

I have a Vintage straight edge razor that was my granfathers. How do I find out if its worth anything?

I have a vintage straight edge razor that ws my grandfathers I need to find out if its worth anything. It is called "Rattler" on ther yellow handle, the blade says "EL Toro" on one side and "Los Angeles Barbewrs & beauty Sup. Co. under that Germany. Can anyone help?

I was considering taking up shaving with an open (cut throat) razor a year or so ago and went into it quite deeply.

I went to a barber and had one and he even gave me advice on how best to do it.

Although it was a good shave, I didn't think it was worth all the effort and expense.

But to answer you question, unless the handle is made of something precious it' wouldn't be worth very much, you often see them on antique counters and on Ebay for £20 - £30.

I would think it's sentimental value is worth much more personally.

Vintage Hot Rod Straight 6 [S3 Ep.11-1]