The Saga of the Maximillian

Ladies and gentlemen:

The 100-degree temperature choked in a blanket of 90 percent humidity. What, was I humping the bush with the infantry in Vietnam? Enough already, because I already had had the pleasure in 1967.

I was taking my second shower of the day, this one using sweat for water. It wasn't fun, especially since much of the morning I had come up empty in the giant flea market. No vintage Gillettes, and God forbid there should be a straight razor, even a half-dead one.

I found a 4/8" Solingen-made razor produced for the Quality Barber Supply Co. of Illinois. I don't much care for the 4/8" blade, but this thing was cute with its brown handle and decorative metal caps. Besides, I had to show something for my effort. The man said $20, but I walked away with it for $5. I also spent $2 on an Old Spice soap mug — I collect shave mugs.

Despite my failure for the day half way through the flea market, I had a gut feeling I would hit gold. Then it happened. The man had a box full of dead razors, and the ugliest things you ever saw. Then I saw the massive Wade & Butcher. For a moment I thought I was reliving my adventure at another flea market several weeks ago, where I also landed a Wade & Butcher.

This one was big, 7/8" or maybe a bit larger. The scales looked as if they were crushed under a tank, and the rust and the stains on the blade made me think of a knife dug up from an ancient tomb. Again, as I had at the other flea market where I landed my first Wade & Butcher, I thought of my friend Maximillian, and that if anybody could dress this derelict in a tuxedo, he would be the one.

Maximillian did. Here is the razor, which I have named The Maximillian.

One final note: I have not clicked any buttons yet. I spent half the morning trying to load the picture Max was kind enough to send me. He even sent me instructions on how to post. If they don't show up with this post, I'm going to turn on the blasted TV and watch the news — which will really heighten my depression.

Regards,

Obie

Obie, that razor is aptly named. Truly another of Max's works of art. Use it in the best of health and please post your first shave with it in SOTD!

Respectfully,
Joe

Wow - are you sure it's the same blade? ;)

nice work by Max, congratulations on your new old toy

I have yet to see a wade and butcher wedge that did not clean up nice, all that heavy steel must be forgiving when it comes time to restore. A great find Obie and an excellent restore Max, I like the understated choice of scales a good fit for a timeless classic.

This one was actually in even worse condition as the previous W&B.

Here's another rust-bucket before/after picture I had taken.

Attachment 74358

Attachment 74357

It was re-ground on a 5 inch wheel. Got most of the pitting except a few shallow micro pits.

Enjoy in good health my friend.

Hello, Max:

Thanks for posting those two photos. In my inept wrestling with the computing machine thingy, I managed to lose the photos.

As before, my good friend, a glorious taste of talent and workmanship. Many thanks.

Regards,

Obie

Damn, Obie. I am going to have to come up north and go shopping with you. You seem to come up with some great finds. Max sure turned a sow's ear into a silk purse this time. What a gorgeous razor. Use it in good health, my friend.

That closeup photo Max posted of the lettering and associated giant rusty pits pretty much say it all. Any man who can return that old bag of bones to life is a craftsman indeed.

Max,can you tell us a bit about the scales?

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Originally Posted by JohnJ

Max,can you tell us a bit about the scales?

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I can - it's butterscotch micarta, once I let Max pick whatever he wants for scales on a razor I sent him and that's what I got :) Pretty nice, you should see it in person.

Enjoy the new toy, Obie!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnJ

Max,can you tell us a bit about the scales?

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+1 to this. It looks like Micarta.

Edit: Post above wasn't showing when I posted this. Thanks for the info.

Fantastic looking razor, I love the scales!

- Scott

The scales are almost a cool 1970s look to it. I love it.

amazing razor! looks great.

The best thing to do Obie to beat the heat is to hit Benji's deli in Shorewood for either Lox/bagel/cream cheese, or their corned beef sandwich. Any food you get there is fantastic!!! Then go next door for ice cream to celebrate!!! LOL I used to live there. UW-M!! Just wait till winter by the lake and you will be wishing for the heat!! I think we should start a different thread to find anything Max has ever made not exquisite!!!!

Very nice........The first time I looked at it, I was impressed with the job on the blade, but thought that I would have chosen different scales. I have gone back and looked at it again, and I couldn't have been more wrong, sublime, Bravo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

The best thing to do Obie to beat the heat is to hit Benji's deli in Shorewood for either Lox/bagel/cream cheese, or their corned beef sandwich. Any food you get there is fantastic!!! Then go next door for ice cream to celebrate!!! LOL I used to live there. UW-M!! Just wait till winter by the lake and you will be wishing for the heat!! I think we should start a different thread to find anything Max has ever made not exquisite!!!!

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Hello, Str8Shooter:

Indeed, I admire talent and Max won the lottery there. To take what in essence is a scrap of rusty and stained metal encased in a broken plastic handle and turn it into a majestic straight razor is something to behold. I am grateful for his creation of my first Wade & Butcher, The Max, and now the second, The Maximillian. I am happy.

On another note, you lived in Shorewood, eh? Great place. Benji's is still there, but the ice cream place is gone. Later today I'll send you a personal message about Shorewood. Thanks for the memories.

Regards,

Obie

Thats just magic, congratulations

Obie one,
That is one beautiful transformation. But then again, consider who did the transformation, it is not at all surprising. Congratulations on inheriting a Maxterpiece:tu

Max: You never cease to amaze folks with your magic. Well done maestro :bow

Obie, you got it bad!!!! Congratulations! A very nice job on the razor, Max!
Respectfully
~Richard

that is beautiful........ truly... very very nice....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Geezer

Obie, you got it bad!!!! Congratulations! A very nice job on the razor, Max!
Respectfully
~Richard

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Hello, Richard:

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, it is a gorgeous razor. I have always fancied those swayback razors with the barber's notch. What's more, I love the way these Wade & Butcher swayback lovelies hug my Hollywood face. In addition, I prefer the heavier grinds to the full hollows. As for the workmanship, my friend Max is in his own class.

Regards,

Obie

Gentlemen:

The Maximillian arrived and the photos don't do it justice. The razor is magnificent. It's a big blade, a sleek swayback, I'd say a 7/8" in width. The caramel color scales paint the Wade & Butcher with teasing sophistication.

Indeed, I am ecstatic. What's more, the razor is the perfect fit for my hands. The shave will come on Sunday, when I will throw away the clock and put on a show for myself. Barring any changes, here is the menu:

Music: The unaccompanied cello suites by Johan Sebastian Bach, with Yo-Yo-Ma
Brush: Thater 24 mm. silvertip
Pre-shave: Castle Forbes
Cream: Castle Forbes lavender
Aftershave: Spanish Leather by Truefitt & Hill

A breakfast of chopped green peppers and tomatoes sauteed in butter and then topped with two eggs will follow. This an Assyrian specialty. Coffee, of course.

Oh, yes!

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:

The Maximillian arrived and the photos don't do it justice. The razor is magnificent. It's a big blade, a sleek swayback, I'd say a 7/8" in width. The caramel color scales paint the Wade & Butcher with teasing sophistication.

Indeed, I am ecstatic. What's more, the razor is the perfect fit for my hands. The shave will come on Sunday, when I will throw away the clock and put on a show for myself. Barring any changes, here is the menu:

Music: The unaccompanied cello suites by Johan Sebastian Bach, with Yo-Yo-Ma
Brush: Thater 24 mm. silvertip
Pre-shave: Castle Forbes
Cream: Castle Forbes lavender
Aftershave: Spanish Leather by Truefitt & Hill

A breakfast of chopped green peppers and tomatoes sauteed in butter and then topped with two eggs will follow. This an Assyrian specialty. Coffee, of course.

Oh, yes!

Regards,

Obie

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PICTURES Obie, PICTURES!!!

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Originally Posted by JoeSomebody

PICTURES Obie, PICTURES!!!

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Hello, Joe:

The original pictures are on page one of this thread. I don't think I can do better than the original pictures Max took.

Regards,

Obie