If you are a collector and don't shave with a safety razor you need not continue. However if you are like me, a lover of that warm shaving lather on your face in the early morning, then this guide may be for you.

Buying safety razors can be confusing at first. The old antiques look great but they don't shave very well. Below are pictures of great old razors but they will kill your face. Leave these for shaving forum guys.

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They are beautifully made, fun to handle, but are like old pocket watches. You can buy them cheaply, but don't put them to your face! 

To make things easier here is my list of does and don'ts.

1. Don't buy non-adjustable razors unless you are collecting them for future sales. (50 years out!)

2. Don't buy straight razors. (They are beautiful, but very dangerous)

3. Do buy Gillette Adjustable 9 setting razors in good working order. (They are better than the new ones. Obviously that last longer.)

4. Don't  buy razors that only show you one or two pictures. You want to see all angles.

5. Place your bid high if you really want the razor and you will avoid the bidding wars. (They can be Fun)

6. Set up a automatic search for "Gillette Safety Razors" or just "Safety Razor. There are many manufacturers but this will get you into the bulk of what is for sale.

7. Don't buy razors that are fuzzy or poorly lighted.

8. Look at the feedback of the seller. What are other buyers saying about them?

9. Check the postage and "handling" cost before making your final bid. Don't be cheap. It takes effort to box, clean and mail these little machines. Your not usually buying from a store. It is just one guy who is running down to the post office everyday etc. Typically these are mailed via Priority Mail and you get your razor in 2-3 days.

10. Buy clean and "sterilized" razors only. It is worth the extra couple of bucks. If it doesn't say sterilized it will be filthy. Remember these razors are 40 to 50 years old. Allot of crud can accumulate over that time. Also you want to know that the seller takes pride in what they are selling. If its not clean, request a refund and mail it back. Here are a few pictures of cleaned and sterilized razors.

For more pictures, visit my EBay store: Vintage Express Shop.

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