Trimmed cards

XanaduNow

Does anyone have any close-up pictures of what a trimmed card's edge looks like? Are there any consistent characteristics that one could look for when determining whether a card has been trimmed or not?

Thanks

Arthur

tennesseebanker

Arthur, It can depend a lot on how the card was trimmed. Of course a card trimmed with scissors is going to have uneven edges, possibly showing the classic stop and go pattern you see with a scissor cut on a piece of cardboard.
Cards trimmed with larger paper cutters and or exacto knives can be very difficult to even tell if they have been trimmed or not.

I think if you go to E-bay and look at any vintage card graded by PRO you will have a good idea of what to look for.

XanaduNow

T-Bank, I would but as we all know the scans on eBay are usually lacking. I was hoping someone would have a detailed, blown-up focus picture of a trimmed edge to see what happens to it.

With older cards is it just having an edge that has to aging to it? What does PSA use as red flags to look for when they see evidence of trimming?

Thanks

Arthur

tennesseebanker

Arthur, I found this article that may help you some...........


Trimmed cards

Boopotts

If the trimmer is at all competent you aren't going to be able to detect his work from a scan. In fact, you proably won't be able to detect it without a loupe, and even then it can be exceptionally difficult--- particularly if the trimmer is smart enough to make is cut at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees from the surface of the card.

XanaduNow

Thanks T-Bank, that does help.

I just got a card the other day and upon close inspection there's something funky going on with the edge on the back of the card. Almost looks like someone trimmed and the cutting implement wasn't sharp enough and snagged some extra paper on its way through. Of course, my scan is giving me grief right now so I can't post a picture of it.

Stupid $50 scanner

Arthur

Bosox1976

Doesn't help when buying on ebay, but by simply running your finger lightly along the suspect edge you can tell an awful lot.

Stone193

I have two cards stacked on top of each other so you can see the edges - which one has been trimmed? Look for the button to increase the size of the scan.

Top or bottom card?

mike

diamondman

The top one

Kurtman9

I would say the bottom card because it's thinner.

Onlypsahockey

Bottom = factory miscut?

Top = trimmed with a not so sharp razor?


Bob C.

Stone193

<< <i>Bottom = factory miscut?

Top = trimmed with a not so sharp razor?


Bob C. >>


Bob

I won't tell which yet - just in case a few want to guess.

But on the sharpness. Trimming a card is harder than it looks.

I have never tried this before - I used a metal straight edge and a brand new blade.

This is one job that requires a little practice. Then again, no one is gonna accuse me of being a surgeon!

mike