Came here for this, thanks. Found all the stuff on amazon, the mircomesh kit is perfect. I have a magnet slot cut into my workbench, I will mount the rare earth magnet wrapped in cloth and use it to secure the razor while I work on it. Finally put on some Miles Davis and get to work.

Okay I’ll heed your warning. I just purchased a 5/8 Boker King Cutter with the original box and the original paper sleeve that the razor was placed in inside the box. It has some coroding/rust and a darker pateena. The cutting edge is in perfect condition and the scales are also in great shape. I think they are plastic but the seller said they may be bakalite or celluloid(?). I purchased this razor because my grand father used a king cutter. I was hoping to restore it and put it into service but if I can sell it and purchase a new shave ready Boker I would be happy to do that instead.

The problem is I don’t know where to start as far as it goes for an appraisal and sale. Do you have any pointers?

@ Allen P,
Matt’s right. The price is highly dependent upon the quality of the razor itself. Factors that go into the price point include, but are not limited to: overall condition, scales, shave ready-ness, and manufacturer. Straight Razor collectors value the razor’s scales more than they do the blades in many cases. They especially love art noveau or extremely rare scales. People will pay a premium for rare material such as ivory, tortoise shell, or horn in pristine condition. The same goes for the maker. Some makers carry a higher premium because of brand name recognition even after a hundred years! Now that’s how to keep your customers happy.

@ Todd,
Great story, love to hear SR success stories.

I got lucky. I’ve always been interested in the traditional ways of doing things. Back in my early twenties I attended an estate auction and purchased a box of “old junk” in order to get an old tractor owners manual. In the bottom of the box was a bunch of shaving stuff. several razors both used and brand new, two strops, and a pile of stones. If my memory is right I paid four bucks plus tax for that box. Turns out the estate sale was for a guy who had been a hotel barber in Rochester, NY in the late 30′s. I can still remember the look of disbelief on my grandfathers face when I asked him to show me the ropes and the look of pride when I managed to actually shave with only one minor nick. I gave grandpa one of the new ones and kept another for myself. Unfortunately when grandpa passed away, my parents tossed out all “that old junk”. I did manage to get all grandpa’s stuff from WWII including his shaving kit he carried during the war. There was an old Gillette Tech razor in there. I don’t shave often with my straight razor. But, when I get to missing grandpa, I dig either it out or the old wartime Tech and give myself a nice shave.

BTW, my daily use razor is a Gillette “fatboy” adjustable made in 1963, the same year I was born.

John