Thread: Hello, can I ask for some advice?

Hi, my name is Karen. I am new to this forum, and have no knowledge of razors. What brings me here is that we have been given a set of razors, very old, in a lovely box and I was wondering if someone could give me some advice. Apologies for the pictures, I only have my mobile phone, but I think I got enough detail. Thank you for your time

Hi Karen

It would help if you give us all the info stamped on the razors.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Hi Karen

It would help if you give us all the info stamped on the razors.

Of course lol, apologies, they both have Sheffield Ground in ornate writing on the main part of the blade, then on the thinner bit near the handle, they have ' Manufactured by Wade & Butcher, Sheffield ' then they have a little sideway 'B' with an arrow and what i think is a celtic cross symbol? The box is also lined with Wade & Butcher in the middle and 'corporate' then 'mark' on the other side

What kind of advice are you looking for?

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

What kind of advice are you looking for?

Just anything really, like are they a good make? How old are they? Are they worth keeping for the future? Do they gain in value the older they get? They belonged to my partner's uncle, and he had them for many years. They have been passed down so we are just wondering if they are the kind of thing to keep in the family. They are a bit rusty in places, so is this something I can deal with or would a professional be better off doing it, are they even worth restoring? I just have a feeling they are valuable, other than the sentimental value. I don't know why, maybe I've watched too much Cash in the Attic lol

As has been said, this is a very nice set from one of the best known manufacturers.

My advice is send them to one of the pro restorers listed in the classified. Upon return you will have a mantle piece to enjoy or you could shave with them.

The rust must be stopped.

Originally Posted by Kazmcc74

Just anything really, like are they a good make? How old are they? Are they worth keeping for the future? Do they gain in value the older they get? They belonged to my partner's uncle, and he had them for many years. They have been passed down so we are just wondering if they are the kind of thing to keep in the family. They are a bit rusty in places, so is this something I can deal with or would a professional be better off doing it, are they even worth restoring? I just have a feeling they are valuable, other than the sentimental value. I don't know why, maybe I've watched too much Cash in the Attic lol

Valuations are not allowed on the site.

I will tell you that they are a premier straight razor manufacturer, one of the most famous there is. They are a matched pair, still in their original case it seems. While they are not rare, they are still a very nice boxed pair.

If there is an "England" stamp on the tang of the razor, they were manufactured after 1891, no "England" stamp, they were made before 1891. They are absolutely heirloom razors - I would advise having them restored ie., cleaned up, pins tightened, and honed if they are to be used.

Monetary valuations are against the forum rules. That said, personally I would keep them as they are family heirlooms and from a well respected maker, certainly not junk. If they were mine I would have them professionally restored and use them, alternately just keep them safe after restoration.

If the blades are just stamped Sheffield and not Sheffield England chances are the pre date 1890/91. I'd be willing to bet the scales are ivory not bone but a better photo would help.

It is anyone's guess what will gain value over time so no bets there. I do not imagine that if sold them now you would get enough to retire on or even make a mortgage payment with so in that respect to that extent not terribly valuable if that is what you are wondering.

Bob

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

What kind of advice are you looking for?

When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.

Marquis de la Grange (1639 - 1692)

More detailed photos would be helpful, but working with what we have, it looks like a nice, very restorable matched pair ow Wade & Butcher square point, hollow ground 5 or 6/8's straights. Spine wear appears to be minimal. Scales are bone or ivory, hard to say without very close and detailed photos (when they're this thin, they're typically ivory). Box is very nice as well and in pretty good shape. DO keep the two razors and the box together, they're much more desirable as a set.

A nice pair of straights with promise, and again, very restorable.