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Going through some of dad's old stuff and came across a Marples & Co cut-throat razor.
It's not something I'd use so is there a market for these sorts of things?
Guessing they're not allowed on eBay?
Yes. New ones are still being made and good quality old ones still sell, although probably not for loads of money. I have bought a few on Ebay, I've not looked recently so I'm not aware if they've changed their policy. There are also some dedicated shaving forums (careful when googling 😆). Search for "straight" not "cut throat" razors.
There are also a few shops in London that specialise in shaving kit, such as Trumpers.
Be careful you don't get ripped off... it's a cut throat business...
IGMC
there are plenty of straight razors that take a disposable blade, sometimes called shavettes, so there's a hipster market out there. I guess a proper cut-throat with its own blade is a desirable next step.
They do sell on eBay and yes there is a considerable market for them. They go from a few pounds to lots for the right ones. It is a very long time since I dabbled though and cannot remember the desirable ones.
To sell on eBay you need lots of caveats; for display/collector purposes only, not sterile, don't know where it's been kind of thing. Look for some listings and you'll see the kind of thing.
Sounds nice can you send some photos as I'd be interested.
My surname is Marples so I’d definitely be interested too!
Here's some pics:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pTdDUccE28C37rQA6
''Marples of Sheffield had a Beehive logo and made razors. Founded in 1901 by Alfred Marples, a razor-grinder. First called "Alfred Marples & Co" then "Marples & Co" before WW1. The Beehive trade mark dates to 1911 - it belonged to another company (Slater Bros) before this time. Marples operated out of the Beehive Works in Mary Street Sheffield. Also made the "Warmer" brand razors. So not made before 1911 - this part of the firm ceased trading in the 1920s.''
That’s a nice looking thing, and with its case, as well. A bit of work on the edge, there’s another century of use left in that.
Used to be the tool for a Glasgow smile so stick them on gumtree up there, the neds can then save their Stanley's for plasterboard
If it was me I'd clean it up and keep it as a nice letter opener/garage knife or something like that.
Alternatively, learn how to sharpen and strop it and how to use it? Plenty of tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere on the web. It would be a great connection with your dad. I briefly flirted with straight razors via double edged razors. I bought a couple on Ebay, learned how to sharpen them and had a go at shaving with them for a while.
It was a bit nerve wracking and difficult to start, but I didn't die and it isn't quite as lethal as folklore would have you believe if you take it steady. The worst bit was learning to shave with both hands, to do it properly you shave the left side of your face with your right hand and vice versa. Running a scarily sharp blade across your skin with your weak hand is... interesting!
Ultimately it's quite a lot of faff. I have a beard now but when I shave my neck it's a DE razor not a straight razor!
If it's not likely to raise much money I'd be reluctant to part with a historic bit of engineering like that. I'd also be iffy about sharpening it, stropping maybe. It'd look good in a picture frame and the next generation might have the chance of making a killing with it.
My mum used to use one like that to cut our hair when we were kids.
the next generation might have the chance of making a killing with it.
😳