October 2014 Acquisitions thread

[Mark1966]

Sigh - challenge accepted ...

 

[borked]

Both Mark and myself have a razor with magnets, and it improves the razor immeasurably.

I think the only possible way you could improve a razor further is

Don't say that, next thing, you will see laser guided Mach 3's and Hyrdo's...

1500 Polsilvers? You are going the monsta route. They must've cost a pretty penny all up.

Can only see the price increasing over the years and figure it's better to get in while they're readily available.

Nice work.

Welcome to 'The Grand Society' - to be a member you have to have bought more than 1000 of a single type of blade in the one transaction. You've done well.

Wow, didn't know about that.
Thank you for the welcome.

We finally have another member! It has been a while between drinks.

Not sure the old Polsilver Super Iridiums are quite as impressive as say my GBE's, or others with multi-thousand Swede/Spoiler/Schicksta caches. In any case, two thumbs up for commitment!



Where did you get them from @borked?

DCC and unfortunately I wasn't around when GBE's were available.

I think we were the only two stupid enough to be full members. I did it twice, 4K GBEs and the 2K Maltesers.

I'd also say that anyone grabbing a 500-blade Vintage lot would also qualify in our Grand Society. My 600-odd blade Spoiler lot qualifies me, as does the recent 550-blade French Wilkie purchase too!

Associate members would require a 500-blade 'current' purchase, or a 250-blade Vintage purchase.

@Mark1966 gets an associate membership, pretty sure he has at least one 250-blade Vintage purchase up his sleeve.

I do have 500+ made in Holland Schick Krona's
Associate membership as well for my recent vintage Polish blade purchase

As for stupid, if you were to sell your GBE's at the going rate, would you not be significantly in front ?
Also, we've no issue as to when it comes to running out of blades or having to endure a bad blade/push a blade one shave too far

 

[Monsta_AU]

As for stupid, if you were to sell your GBE's at the going rate, would you not be significantly in front ?

Depends what you call 'the going rate'.

I saw a box or two go up for sale YKW for USD$50 per box posted. At that rate, yes I would be in the 'multiples' of profit.

Also, we've no issue as to when it comes to running out of blades or having to endure a bad blade/push a blade one shave too far

Quite. It is a very relaxing life to lead!

 

[Mark1966]

So I should have purchased all those 'French' wilks and sold them to you - would have made me a member ...

Not sure I'm liking this new approach though

 

[borked]

...with the biggest worry being what we can extinguish in order to justify a new purchase

So I should have purchased all those 'French' wilks and sold them to you - would have made me a member ...

Not sure I'm liking this new approach though

I get the distinct impression @Monsta_AU and indeed I am not taking this too seriously and it's just a bit of light hearted fun
Shit, if it comes to taking collections of others seriously, we should bow to you considering your hardware collection mate

 

[Nick the Knife]

I think we were the only two stupid enough to be full members. I did it twice, 4K GBEs and the 2K Maltesers.

@Mark1966 gets an associate membership, pretty sure he has at least one 250-blade Vintage purchase up his sleeve.

Wow you bought 4 THOOOOOOOOOOOUSAND of the GBE's. What a crazy, idiotic and ultimately BLOODY BRILLIANT move that was - I didn't know you got that many. And that for was day zero and the birthday of 'Razor Monster' etc. I'd imagine at the time you prolly had only a handful of different blades so forking out for 4,000 must have seemed like a "Hmmmm this seems like a good idea but I'm not sure" moment. Haha and of course we all know that metamorphosis lead to you buying up as much of the world's quality vintage blades as your overdraft would allow and launching Australia's leading wetshaving website where you lord over the Serfs who come to nibble the scraps that fall from your table. Ah sliding doors eh.

I have to say SENSATIONAL work with the 'Grand Society' banners - they look fantastic - haha feel like a prize cow at the local show with a big 1st place sash on me! But seriously they look great so well done.

Associate membership???? *hold nose and pulls a face of displeasure* Oh my goodness, next we'll be putting out guest passes and all manner of riffraff will slip in. Goodness me.... standards old boy! Nah but that is a good idea, that way they can press their faces to the glass and look in at the FULL MEMBERS with our smoking jackets and table service - just need to make sure there's a nice velvet rope and exceedingly large man by the door lest they forget their place.

 

[Monsta_AU]

Wow you bought 4 THOOOOOOOOOOOUSAND of the GBE's.

It's been posted a million times before, but here we go again:

I actually had a single 100-blade box to try on the way, but then 2 of the 3 available cases went from eBay and I had to act fast. So I just jumped in and decided that I could trade or sell them if they were horrible.

I purchased a single case, plus 20x 100-packs. Turns out that there were two cases set aside for single box sales so I got the case instead!

What a crazy, idiotic and ultimately BLOODY BRILLIANT move that was - I didn't know you got that many. And that for was day zero and the birthday of 'Razor Monster' etc. I'd imagine at the time you prolly had only a handful of different blades so forking out for 4,000 must have seemed like a "Hmmmm this seems like a good idea but I'm not sure" moment. Haha and of course we all know that metamorphosis lead to you buying up as much of the world's quality vintage blades as your overdraft would allow and launching Australia's leading wetshaving website where you lord over the Serfs who come to nibble the scraps that fall from your table. Ah sliding doors eh.

That was rather amusing to read. But yes, it was a good move even in hindsight and it is part of the reason that I am not adverse to just grabbing. Part of the reason I got this lot very cheaply on eBay:

There was ~640 blades by memory, and I paid just over 61c/blade delivered. It was a BIN now so I needed to hit the button and ask questions later.

I have to say SENSATIONAL work with the 'Grand Society' banners - they look fantastic - haha feel like a prize cow at the local show with a big 1st place sash on me! But seriously they look great so well done.

It is just a additional user class with a banner added. Nothing else. XenForo makes it easy!

Associate membership???? *hold nose and pulls a face of displeasure* Oh my goodness, next we'll be putting out guest passes and all manner of riffraff will slip in. Goodness me.... standards old boy! Nah but that is a good idea, that way they can press their faces to the glass and look in at the FULL MEMBERS with our smoking jackets and table service - just need to make sure there's a nice velvet rope and exceedingly large man by the door lest they forget their place.

No good being in an exclusive club if the plebs do not want to be members. They need to know what they are missing out on!

 

[Nick the Knife]

Well it may have been posted many times before (and I now recall seeing the pix) but thats brilliant to hear all over again - like I said I'd just forgotten it was 4k of the suckers. I do recall chatting with you over at OCAU when you were sweating on whether to pull the trigger on the buy. My my - there's been MANY a forum user thats seen your posts and been VERY envious - easy to say now but was a ballsy move at the time.

I wonder who bought up the other two 2k cases? Ever come across them on forums or see a shop you thought a likely candidate?

Well I did 3k of the Malties (which was infinitely stupider than your effort as they weren't a well documented blade AND I did it without even trying one first as you did with your 100 pack!) - also got 1k of PSS's via a Turkish friend. However your GBE buy was the gold standard of all blade hauls. Nuf said.

--------------

Well considering I've been wearing a beard for the past few months it was a reasonably busy October on the acquisitions front. CBF'd posting pix right now but in total acquired:
- 3 x N.O.S Gillette Black Handled Super Speeds (W4, 1976) all in mint condition and never used
- 2 x Slims, 2 x Techs + 1 x Empire Razor Co #2 - all were in one Ebay lot - looked very bad/tarnished but they came up very well. The Techs are IMHO unused NOS. One of the Slims was a bit better than the other, who due to the tarnishing on the handle now has a very slight blackening to the nickel on it's handle. But they've in 7/10 and 8/10 condition. The brass Empire Razor Co is a butt ugly toss in but as with brass came up ok.
- Puck of Kent (MWF)
- Virginia Sheng synth (steal of a brush at ~$15).
- Several Plisson/L'Occitane syths (ETA DEC/JAN)
- Muhle Kosmo Silvertip (detailed earlier - still haven't used the bloody thing believe it or not!)
- And just for amusement one of the Rimei razors (same ones as Mark freebied to 3 members) - just wanted to see what it was like. Again I haven't used it yet but the blade gap on it seemed quite significant!

It also had a few scratchy bits on the top guard/cap's edge that I had to remove with a diamond file. Also I suspect the lower guard is unprotected stamped steel and will be prone to rusting. Otherwise feels good in the hand and seems a very good razor if you've only got $2.50 to get one delivered to your door! Maybe a good idea as a 'lender' to give to pals to try and move them onto safety razors etc. Will share thoughts once I use, havent seen others reviews yet - bloody hell and Mark outlayed all that hard earned cashfor theirs! Tsk tsk tsk.

 

[Monsta_AU]

Well it may have been posted many times before (and I now recall seeing the pix) but thats brilliant to hear all over again - like I said I'd just forgotten it was 4k of the suckers. I do recall chatting with you over at OCAU when you were sweating on whether to pull the trigger on the buy. My my - there's been MANY a forum user thats seen your posts and been VERY envious - easy to say now but was a ballsy move at the time.

Yes, I was really agonising over it, but seeing 2 of the 3 available cases disappear pushed me to act. I didn't think there was ever a downside - at worst trade them for Spoilers, Schickstas or those super sharp Personna Super Stainless Ultra Chrome. And what really gave me the impetus was that enough people liked them so if I sat on them for a while, I should be able to make my money back.

Well it has been a few years but I think I paid about 15c/blade delivered, should easily get $45/box now so that's a 200% clear profit.

I wonder who bought up the other two 2k cases? Ever come across them on forums or see a shop you thought a likely candidate?

Of the cases? Either WCS or Shaving.ie - both were selling the blades. A few people bought 2-3 boxes of them, but never in case lots.

Well I did 3k of the Malties (which was infinitely stupider than your effort as they weren't a well documented blade AND I did it without even trying one first as you did with your 100 pack!) - also got 1k of PSS's via a Turkish friend. However your GBE buy was the gold standard of all blade hauls. Nuf said.

They were a good blade, still are. I think our Maltesers are better than the newer versions. I went in for 2K of them myself, and if that is all I had I would be happy. I thought you got double the amount than I did at the time, so 4K is what I had in my head. You did sell a few off at one stage.

I still think the Permasharps are a great modern blade and they are all that most people will ever need. The pricing is very decent.

 

[filobiblic]

Will share thoughts once I use, havent seen others reviews yet - bloody hell and Mark outlayed all that hard earned cashfor theirs! Tsk tsk tsk.

Funnily enough I shaved with the $2.16 ReMei* bought by Mark this morning with the review on the way. I just had a travelling box and then BloodLetter to get out of the way...
My review will come later today, but for now I'll nickname it: FacePeeler.

(*I'd say you were ripped off mate...)

Seems pathetic really compared to 4k or even 1.5k of blades... But I recently came into possession of 100 Personna Supers (aka "Lab Blues"). Came in new packaging (plain white) but on KYW it's corroborated to be the same blade. It differs to the Med Preps by having no additional cleaning process. So it's meant to be the same blade- which I plan to test out shortly...

 

[Nonick]

Ok you blade hoarders this is my humble acquisition for October.

Just got back to a few things waiting for me. Much much better than Christmas presents.

Razorock caprifoglio edt & Zi peppino balm

Also inc EJ aloe Vera sample

But the REAL treasure was phils samples he's sent me. See pic!





Can't wait to try the occams! And the, and the and the..

Now two questions remain

What to try first tonight?
And
Do we nominate filobiblic for knighthood, sainthood, or both?

Sir saint filo from now on

The big mistake for me was buying the EDT smell unsmelt... It's 'honeysuckle' which = florist shop smell. Very rich jasmine and flowers. Does anyone like this? I'm happy to post it to you if so... I'm unlikely to use this scent before my upcoming gender change operation

 

[filobiblic]

The big mistake for me was buying the EDT smell unsmelt... It's 'honeysuckle' which = florist shop smell. Very rich jasmine and flowers. Does anyone like this? I'm happy to post it to you if so... I'm unlikely to use this scent before my upcoming gender change operation

I'll pass on the knighting but I'll take up your offer. My SWMBO loves Jasmine flowers and I'm happy smell like that for her...
I'll PM you.

 

[Mark1966]

I think I tried the GBEs early on and didn't like them - glad I didn't buy 4k of them

Now, what can I corner the blade market on...

 

[Mark1966]

On the advice of @Nonick I went to their MEL store and grabbed a pair of these

and these

and these

and these for good measure (they are different)

So now my travel pants issue is well and truly sorted!

I owe you mate

 

[Drubbing]

Do you ever buy just one of anything?

 

[borked]

Do you ever buy just one of anything?

Well he didn't purchase her, yet for what we know, he has only the one wife!

 

[Nonick]

Good one mark glad it worked for you! I've enjoyed wearing mine for a year or so.

Looks like you started collecting them?

 

[Mark1966]

Do you ever buy just one of anything?

Probably rarely! Why would you?

Socks - buy the same basic black in bulk. Cheaper and when the sock monster takes one you have a spare for the NEXT time one is claimed. Much better option than different colours

Jocks - again - but in bulk and save

Sunglasses - purchased one pair - wish I'd gotten two so I could have one for each car

Shoes - often the second is discounted and once again, you are better off rotating them and not wearing the same more than one day in a row.

Shirts - buy 5 -6 work shirts at a time to give a refresh and optimise postage costs. Casual shirts - buy at sales and only go shopping once etc...

Do I need to continue?

In this case these four pairs will do be my trousers for the trip all sorted. Lightweight but fashionable enough to be smart casual especially with a nice shirt and jacket.

Well he didn't purchase her, yet for what we know, he has only the one wife!

True enough this - definitely would only recommend getting one of these

Good one mark glad it worked for you! I've enjoyed wearing mine for a year or so.

Looks like you started collecting them?

Thanks for the heads up! I quite like their stuff and can see them becoming a staple in the wardrobe

 

[Drubbing]

Probably rarely! Why would you?

Socks - buy the same basic black in bulk. Cheaper and when the sock monster takes one you have a spare for the NEXT time one is claimed. Much better option than different colours

Jocks - again - but in bulk and save

Sunglasses - purchased one pair - wish I'd gotten two so I could have one for each car

Shoes - often the second is discounted and once again, you are better off rotating them and not wearing the same more than one day in a row.

Shirts - buy 5 -6 work shirts at a time to give a refresh and optimise postage costs. Casual shirts - buy at sales and only go shopping once etc...

Do I need to continue?

Socks - they keep changing or deleting the ones I like when I come to buy more, then I have to start over...
Jocks - see above. Unless I get Xmas freebies from the sister in law who's husband owns Bendon. I need more of these but won't pays stupid prices for them. No wonder he's rich.
Sunnies - I have too many of these, but never buy 2 at a time
Shoes - can't remember the last time I bought a pair.Never seen a Twofer anywhere on doc martins...
Shirts - Charles Trywhitt, 4 for $100. That's still one purchase in my twisted mind.

Please...continue.

 

[Pjotr]

I go one better. I never buy a damn thing. My wife loves shopping and buys absolutely everything. She's also a clothes snob so anything I would ever buy gets firstly secretly moved to impossible to locate piles in the wardrobe and then after a few months dumped. Doesn't really bother me. I detest clothes shopping, get hopelessly lost in shopping malls and if there ever is to be a shopping mall gun rampage here in Australia it could well be me. That's only because I'll walk in to one (in fact I don't even know the difference between one shopping mall and the next, ask @JugV2 ) and spend the rest of the day trying to find an exit. Don't know my own sizes so ordering online is not on either. Ignorance is bliss