Thread: Just wondering thoughts about a W&B

Just wanted to know what you guys thought of my purchase. I'm still new to everything, but I figured one that looked to be in need of a little love wouldn't hurt. Okay so maybe I exaggerated when I said a "little" love.

I got it for $15.50, so I don't think it's that much of as waste for a Wade & Butcher.

The first picture is the one from the eBay listing, and of course the others I took were done with a webcam, so they aren't the sharpest.

The handle's pretty shot, but it still serves purpose. The blade still feels tight between the pins.

Tang reads:
Manufactured by
Wade & Butcher
Sheffield
(B) [and an arrow] [iron cross]

Blade reads:
The Celebrated
Hollow Ground Razor
(B) [and an arrow] [iron cross]

Looks pretty good, the W&B "Celebrated" line are usually very good shavers, and a classic 19th century razor. I'm not sure why you say the scales are shot, they don't look cracked at first glance and if the pivot is still tight all they probably need is some sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper. The scales on your razor look like vulcanite, which is a hardened rubber that was pretty common scale material in the second half of the 18th century. It oxidizes at the surface to turn a nasty yellowish-brown color, but this is very thin and can easily be sanded out. Oil the surface when you're done and keep it stored in a dark place to retard further oxidation..

Yeah... the pictures don't do justice. I see how you'd think they'd be vulcanite, but they're wood - chipped in places but with no cracks and obviously well used.
Would I go about sanding with the whole thing still intact (being careful, of course) or would it better to take it apart and get/make new scales? From what I can gather you're saying the blade is worthy of use and attention, so I wouldn't mind doing minor restoration on something I'll have with me for the rest of my life.

My first practice razor was about the same condition. It is a Joseph Rodgers 6/8 that I got from C Utz. It turned out to be a great shaver, and I am going to rescale it.

Matt

I love my WnBs, and I'm sure you'll enjoy that one too.

I have never met a Wade & Butcher I didn't like!!