Thread: Noob question

I'm still in the learning all I can phase of straights. I have however collected "vintage" pocket knives and sharp stuff for a number of years. I recognize many of the makers of knives as makers of razors as well.

One issue that has arisen especially since "the bay" got so big, is counterfeiting. There are gents out there with remarkable talent that excel in remaking knives into something they never were and getting BIG $$ from less than knowledgeable buyers.

I have about quit buying from folks at that place unless I know them. I've been smoked a couple of times on a poorly photographed knife, that was less than adequately described. I've also gotten some great knives the same way for nowhere near what they would have brought if presented correctly.

Where I'm going with this thread is that I'm wondering if fake's/counterfeits/reworks etc is an issue in the field of straight razor collecting.

I'm sure that dealing with reputable members will prevent anything like that happening and I don't expect to be plowing BIG bucks into any one razor any time soon.

I appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Willie

I think it's an issue Willie. But I sure don't know how a person could avoid it, other than just dealing with competent people you know. Even then, since there's a "custom" straight razor market, which is made up of a mix mash of old razors and newly forged razors, it all kind of gets confusing. I tend to only consider something in it's original package, or restored to a condition that truly represents it's original manufacture, a collectible item. Then again, you know I don't have a single razor that meets that standard. I'd ask you, what sort of things do you look for with knives? And do you think any of it's transferable to straights? Is it a matter of knowing which blades came with which scales in which years, etc.?

Hey Joe,

It's pretty much the same in the pocket knife collecting. The bigger the name or the rarer the model, the more you have to watch what you're doing. I don't mess with any Case knives anymore. Case is probably the hottest market for doctored stuff. It appears that some of the more competent "knife mechanics/forgers" are spreading out into the old names Like Catteraugus, Challenge, Nappanoch, New York Knife, etc.

I don't have a problem with restoring an old knife IF the right parts of the same vintage are used and the fact that it has been apart is disclosed. I realize a lot of folks here use their razors and I don't have any issue with making one serviceable so that it can be enjoyed. Heck, I carry an old Challenge Cutlery "tear drop" jack every day. It's a HELL of a knife and they went out of business in 1928. The knife is no where near mint. It's solid and the blades are full. Snaps like an alligator.It still has some of the glazing visible on the backs of the blades. Collectible? Yes. Usable? DEFINITELY in my book.

Like I said, I'm just trying to get look from as many different directions as I can and I don't expect to invest near as much into razors as I have in knives but I do enjoy owning what I consider history and appreciate the craftmanship that went into this type stuff.

I wish my knives could talk. I'm sure I'll wish my razors could too. In a way they do, but they don't really get into details.

Counterfeit vintage razors are not a big problem AFAIK. Always check the seller's feedback. I have had razors that were nicer than pictured and razors that disappointed. On average I am quite happy with the razors I got off ebay. Make sure you get adequate pix, don't hesitate to ask for additional pix if you're not happy and if in doubt: don't buy.

What, Kees said (+1). Also, hit flea markets and estate clearances and what have you in your area. You might be surprised.

From what I've seen, no one has ever shown any tangible evidence that any razors have been counterfeited. There are cetainly razor shaped objects being passed off as real, working straight razors. There are also sellers who are either unknowledgable or who fudge the details of a razor in order to try to get the best possible price, even at risk of having to give a refund, hoping that the buyer is unknowledgable or at least unwilling to open a claim. In my opinion, the best way to avoid getting suckered in to buying from these sellers is to read and research all you can on this site.

I guess in order for a counterfeiter to spend the time to fabricate something he needs a large enough customer base. In general the public knows little or nothing about straights and the user base is still minuscule so until this becomes much more widespread I don't think you'll see any counterfeit razors. If there are any they are so good no one recognizes them. I'm sure if any turn up we'll hear about here.

That thought crossed my mind as it seems there are a LOT of very nice vintage razors out there yet.

I'd have say that knowledge is your best friend and there is a wealth of it to be gleaned at this site.

Thanks gents,
Willie