Thread: Wade & Butcher Medium Size Hollow Ground 5/8

Hey guys... let me start off by saying I am fairly new to this, but i was strolling through town and stopped into the local antique shop and found this little guy... It wasn't in the best shape (spine has some uneven wear), but i figured it would be fun to see what you guys thought and maybe have it restored to original! I cleaned it up a bit and i looks pretty good in my opinion.. I always had a thing for the barber notch. Let me know what you guys think! here are some before and after of me just cleaning it up with some polish and elbow grease

I tend to look at old razors through "rose-coloured glasses" -- I usually see how good I think they can be. I'd love to see your fully restored. That being said, you've already done a much better job than I could!

hahah thanks a lot!

Nice job, I just finished my first true restoration which was also a Wade and Butcher. And I think you did a better job than I did. Im going to post a thread here too so let me know what you think!

Never underestimate the polishing power of elbow grease. Looks nicely done, although as you said, the spine wear is worrisome. I probably would have passed on it, but it looks like you've done a fine job with it, and if you get an edge on it, you should be quite proud!

Thanks guys... I am going to have it honed... I've tried to read up on the spine wear... Why is it so worrisome? Is it just a cosmetic worry or does it effect the shave and or the structure of the blade?

Originally Posted by mvacca7

Thanks guys... I am going to have it honed... I've tried to read up on the spine wear... Why is it so worrisome? Is it just a cosmetic worry or does it effect the shave and or the structure of the blade?

Spine wear makes it difficult to justify a full and perhaps expensive restoration.

Spine wear can make it difficult to hone. In some cases an old razor and hone
grooved old together. Thus It can be difficult to match that old pairing with a
modern/ different hone. But with a slightly coarser than 1K DMT (or equivalent) and some
care with a magic marker the bevel can be reset and the razor finished
on a stack of water hones.

With blades like yours I always tell myself that if it ends up being a fine shaver I will take it a couple steps
further and have it fully restored but I never do. I happen to enjoy the big polished bevels. They
are easy to maintain once well set. The good shavers always get an extra good rub with polish before honing.

I suspect you will have a fine shaver when you get it back. Your shave test will tell.

Enjoy it.

thanks! that was a good answer! I definitely didnt think i was getting anything super fancy. i liked the look of it and thought it would neat to pick up and see if it could be brought back to shaving... or just look cool sitting on my dresser haha. hopefully i will have it sent out tomorrow for it to be honed.

I think you did a great job!! How's the other side look, were the hone wear is uneven??

BTW, I think it will be a great shaver once a nice edge has been gotten.

You have anyone in mind to send it to?? IMO, you should let Glen (gssixgun) have a shot at it. He's awfully good at it. (making edges on difficult blades that is.)

GL Mate,

M

I thought I posted of a backside picture after i polished it. I guess I forgot that one. I don't think the backs as uneven as the front. I believe I sent him a PM. I just really like the look of it and if I can get it to shave then that would be a plus. Thanks for the input! I just got my daily shaver today That I picked up from the classifieds. (Top Flight) thinking about getting new scales so maybe I can send both to glen!