How'd I do?

[Sweeney Todd]

Having told myself I've got all the Wade and Butchers I'm interested in, I sifted through the latest ebay offerings Thursday morning and came across this:


"19th Century English Shaving Razor in Lined Box.

A wonderful piece of English history as potrayed by an everyday object. A single folding straight razor marked "Wade & Butcher - Sheffield" Also on the handle is "Celebrate Fine India Steel Set Ready For Use" Steel blade folds into a black shell or bone handle. The razor is fitted into one of 4 slots in a fine old box lined in blue velvet, with the words "Benetfink & Company Cheapside, London E.C."

At one time there were 4 razors in this set, but only the one at this point. The box is 7.5" long x 3" wide, and the fully extended razor measures 10.5" long.

Overall Good condition, as there are wear marks on the blade, and the copper highlights on the box itself show wear and spotting.

A fine collectible piece of British manufacturing history, priced reasonably due to condition."

It had a buy it now of $30, had been viewed once the first time I looked at it, and had been visited 6 times when I rechecked it an hour later at the office (at least 4 of the visits were me.) I was most interested in the box, and thought the razor was interesting because of the notch where the shank meets the stabilizing piece. Anyone ever come across a W&B with this detail? Opinions on the razor itself are also welcome.

[superfly]

Anyone ever come across a W&B with this detail?

Only razor with this notch I have ever seen was a Swedish one...

Nenad

[garythepenman]

Nice buy for $30. I would say a steal.

I have a razor with this notch. A "Hand forged razor Co Sheffield"

pic below for reference. I am restoring this and fitting heart rimu scales to it. Blade is pretty minty.

Gary

[shavethebadger]

I havent' seen too many with that notch, which I assume is for the thumbnail, sort of like a mini grip, but WTF do I know. I don't think I've ever seen an english blade with this notch. I do know that the notch is on all of my C.V. Heljestrand's, and I've got 11 of them, including a seven day set. I believe these may be the Swedish type that Nenad is referring to?

The blade looks a little pitted, but it could clean up into a real champ.

[harold]

I also have a C.V. Heljestrand (MK32) here with a similar notch, it's ribbed so I figured it was meant to have better/tighter finger placement.

[C utz]

Harold, that might just be ribbed for your pleasure

I've seen that notch by the heel on a number of 'waterville cutlery' blades.

Fantastic eBay grab! Great razor (blade might need a polish or two...but she'll come around), great 4day box!!!

C utz

[Evin]

A Box marked with the name Benetfink & Co Cheapside!!!! Maybe the W&B is in the wrong box and that it may have had one of these in it



All I know about this company is it was a department store that ceased trading under that name in the 1930's but they did get there name stamped on the razor. The razor pictured is waiting for restoration.