Thread: worthy of a 1st str8 razor?

I was emailed this by a site seller..$75 for it to be honed and shipped free...item details..(made about 1840) Wade & Butcher with "Silver Combined with Silver Steel". Silver steel was invented in the 1820s. This one has a buffalo horn handle. The shape of the tang is very rare and it has hand filed gimps on the bottom of the shank. It also comes with an old box.

what I find weird is its pretty cheap and if you look 2 the blade it says India steel...looks like a thicker blade than latter ones...any thoughts/suggestions always appreciated!


Eric

W&B makes a good razor. If you're going to get it honed and shipped, go for it. Provided you don't mind spending $75 on your first razor. That's up to you. It's hard to tell the shape the scales are in, seem fine from that pic. I imagine this would prove to be a great shaver.

as long as the person can hone it well and verify that it shaves well after that, why not.

hard to see the stamp, but it doesn't look like w&b to me, although to me that doesn't matter at all anyways.

If $75 for that is cheap to you, you should buy it for sure. Value of razors is relative, so do what feels right.

I highly recommend you peruse the classifieds. You will find very nice razors at attractive prices. Although finding a good bargain somewhere is a laudable goal, it probably isn't worth it for your first few razors. Get a known quantity then start branching out on your own, unless you already possess the keen eye to know what to look for and have the requisite honing and restoration skills. Also, Kenrup and SRD have great buys for first razor sets. Yeah, you'll also need a strop, brush and some shaving soap/cream.

Looks like a very tired wedge- one with a huge bevel and very little hollow remaining.