Thread: Noob Question

hi everyone,

i apologize if this question has been beaten to death (which I am sure it has been). I would love hear opinions on wade and butchers for newbies. i am getting a w&b 11/16 improved tang razor for $140 ish. i am new to the world of straight shaving. tried shaving with a straight razor once and i love the experience. i want to go headlong into the world of SE shaving and would love to ease in with the proper tools.

thanks in advance.
pk.

It'll be a great razor once properly honed, so make sure you send it to a pro for honing. You'll also need a strop for use before each shave, and a brush and soap as well.

Oh, and welcome to the site!

Hello, Pacchi:

Wade & Butcher is a great name in straight razors; however, some questions one would ask for starters:

1. Where are you buying the razor?
2. What shape is it in?
3. Is it shave ready?
4. Do you have photographs of it?

Regards,
Obie

I really don't think someone starting out has to worry about one brand being more or less suitable than another. It's more about staying with a middle of the road as far as size and grind go and of course as others have said making sure the razor is shave ready. Personally I wouldn't want to start out with a huge near wedge. It's harder to manipulate around your face and can be a bear to hone. Not an issue for an experienced shaver but for a rookie I'd start with a hollow grind 5/8s or 6/8s.

Really, just buy what you like you'll adapt but it's more a matter of making your life easier at the start.

@Stubear : Thanks for the welcome. I am looking for a strop..might go for this one. 3" Artisan Synthetic Vegan Friendly Strop - The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company

I am currently DE shaving. My tools for the biz re a nice AoS Finest badger hair brush, Gillette British Aristocrat and Astra Superior platinum.

@Obie : I have 2 Wade and Butchers I am looking at. One is this : Beautiful Wade and Butcher w/ Thiers Issard Pouch!! - eBay (item 220689355368 end time Nov-07-10 19:41:39 PST)

The other one is : FS: Wade and Butcher 5/8 Celebrated Damascus Razor - Badger & Blade

Once again appreciate all the feedback.

Thanks,
Pk.

On the face of it, both look like good razors. As to 4 free honings, it will take years and years to get all of those. I've had my 4 razors for over two years, and other than refreshing the edges with a pasted strop and a Norton 4K/8K on occasion I haven't had to rehone any of them...