Thread: Sky high prices for 17/16 Wade and Butchers

I was watching some auctions this weekend, and I could not help but notice two 17/16 Wade and Butchers fetching some outlandish prices.

First, a 17/16 Magnum Bonum, in good, though not excellent conditions (listed as needed work and certainly not shave ready) went for $510 on Sunday evening. There were 3 bidders going above $400. Here's the razor:




See Wade Butcher Chopper Straight Razor Magnum Bonum | eBay

Second, there is a 17/16 Wade and Butcher FBU that is at $600, with 3 bidders above $500, with more than 2.5 days to go. The blade looks pretty good, but the scales are cracked:




Straight Razor Wade Butcher for Barbers Use Wide 17 16" Blade | eBay



I find this bidding pretty overheated considering that this razors are not in mint condition. I know auction prices are not driven by some inherent or intrinsic value of the razors, but rather, the subjective value that a few bidders place on the razor at a given moment. However, it seems that at the $500 price point, a lot of big, NOS or excellent condition razors open up. At that price point, razors in ivory or tortoise could be bought. This also starts to approach custom territory. Plus, it does not seem, from watching months of auctions, that 17/16 blades are necessarily all that scarce. I suppose here we just have a case of enthusiastic demand driving up prices.

From the Wade and Butcher and big chopper collectors, any thoughts on these recent prices?

Well........They ain't making any more!

Originally Posted by Bordee

I was watching some auctions this weekend, and I could not help but notice two 17/16 Wade and Butchers fetching some outlandish prices.

First, a 17/16 Magnum Bonum, in good, though not excellent conditions (listed as needed work and certainly not shave ready) went for $510 on Sunday evening. There were 3 bidders going above $400. Here's the razor:

See Wade Butcher Chopper Straight Razor Magnum Bonum | eBay

Second, there is a 17/16 Wade and Butcher FBU that is at $600, with 3 bidders above $500, with more than 2.5 days to go. The blade looks pretty good, but the scales are cracked:



Straight Razor Wade Butcher for Barbers Use Wide 17 16" Blade | eBay



I find this bidding pretty overheated considering that this razors are not in mint condition. I know auction prices are not driven by some inherent or intrinsic value of the razors, but rather, the subjective value that a few bidders place on the razor at a given moment. However, it seems that at the $500 price point, a lot of big, NOS or excellent condition razors open up. At that price point, razors in ivory or tortoise could be bought. This also starts to approach custom territory. Plus, it does not seem, from watching months of auctions, that 17/16 blades are necessarily all that scarce. I suppose here we just have a case of enthusiastic demand driving up prices.

From the Wade and Butcher and big chopper collectors, any thoughts on these recent prices?

Not shocked at all once shaved with the bigger razors very enjoyable very manly. And not noise when hair gets cut.
It could be some people also have seriously money to blow on the stuff they want. I was at a bar sunday night a person asked me
did I eat dinner yet I was like no so the person asked if could buy me dinner I was like sure he or somewhere else some else I said.
Moral of the story some people in life have money to spend simply as that.

Because they are known far and wide to be the greatest shavers ever manufactured by mankind ! Whisker tremble when they hear W&B FBU 10/8

I've got mine, saving them to finance my retirement on the coast of France ......

Seriously, They did make a fine razor in those FBU's. Every one I ever had, in decent shape, could be brought to splendid fruition!
Stropped right, sharp for a long, long time!

I have to be honest that I don't get it at all. I have had and recently sold 4 WB 8/8 plus choppers. They are certainly nice to have and collect but in my opinion do not warrant those prices. The market will support it so it is what it is. That said, for me, there are other blades that are more desirable to me for less money. It's all in preferences I guess.

They've always brought inflated prices on ebay. I've been lucky with two out of three @ less than $100, but paid over $200 for the FBO. Minty though. I guess it is one of those things that a lot of straight razor collectors/shavers feel they need to have in their accumulation. Nice but just another wedge when you come right down to it.

They are just good. Condition is everything. From the wedges with no visible stabilizer, to the hollow grounds with the blade etch and double-stabilizers. Then to my faves. The ones which have been reground from wedges. Obvious newer stabilizers, not ground too much, and not honed much after. Best of the best, IMO!
Seriously, These cleavers are not for beginners in any form/fashion.
LOTS easier things to use, esp as new to the game!

500 is not sky high yet, 1k I may sell.
It's true they don't make them anymore (well the ones in poor condition are apparently still being reground as restoration), so if you want a big chunk of steel from mid 19th century those are by far the most plentiful ones.
And the brand name has a decent sound too for all who want something that sounds 'manly', although Savage evokes a whole different level of violence.

I don't mean to suggest that the Wade and Butchers are not good shavers. I own a 7/8 Celebrated Hollow Ground and it is right up there as one of my best shavers. I would love to get my hands on a Celebrated Hollow Ground for Barber's Use, but those things are too pricey for me (I'm still waiting to snipe a good deal, though, if one comes along). I imagine that it must give a nice shave.