Wade & Butcher Beginner Restoration

[PaulCam]

I recently purchased this Wade & Butcher for dirt cheap and decided it would be my first restoration project. The scales appear to be bone. I have no idea, I'm guessing. I sanded one side down and it appears to have a translucent quality. Perhaps tortoise shell that has be aged or abused? Again, I have no idea.




The blade had heavy patina and some pitting but nothing too serious that I could see. I want to bring it back to a mirror like finish and then I will hone this myself on my Norton 1k, 4K, 8K and finish with a Naniwa 12K. As far as pasted or sprays, I don't know much about them. Hopefully I will learn how to use them here on SRP.




I am seeking advice about buffing. I may try using a buffing wheel to try and achieve a nice shiny finish. Although the blade is very shiny, I can see the scratches. (You can't really see the scratches with this photo. I will take a photo in my lightbox to highlight the small scratches.)

My progression was: 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 wet/dry 3M. I used it wet.

It looks great but I was wondering if using a buffing wheel with the proper compound will get the scratches out? Also, can I buff out the scales once they have been sanded down and smooth?

PS- The pin holding the blade appears to have been a nail?

I believe that this razor is still capable of being a good shaver once it has been cleaned up a bit. I see no pitting or "swiss cheese" holes as one member called them on the razor's edge. This is actually a very fun project and I am getting a lot of satisfaction from bringing an old classic back to work.