Thread: I just bought my first straight razors!

Yes, razors. Plural. More than one. I'm in trouble!

I went to the local antique mall and found a couple that I found attractive and within budget. And one of them even reflects some of the advice I got here and from Bill Ellis. The other, well, it's a huge chunk of steel. I couldn't resist. I managed to wheel and deal pretty well and got 15% off the purchase price. The total for the two was $63.25 before tax. Did I do alright on prices?

Kindly take a look at these photos. There are no cracks or chips on the blades and the wear overall is quite minimal. There's more crud on them than anything, which can sometimes make things look worse than they are. Can anyone give me more information about these or their manufacturers? Maybe how old they are?

Picture 1
The razor on the top was listed as having scales of horn. I'm not sure what material was used for the scales on the other razor.

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4
GENEVA CUTLERY
GENEVA, N.Y.

Picture 5
MANUFACTURED BY
WADE & BUTCHER
SHEFFIELD

Picture 6
A profile shot of the W&B razor. It's a cleaver!!!

Looks like a nice score to me -- congratulations. No kidding that W&B is a cleaver! The handles look like [the stated] horn and probably celluloid(?) for the other.

Those look pretty good to me and not too bad a price at all, but you need to
STOP BITING YOUR NAILS!

X

Both of those are very nice. Every Geneva (are they the same as Genco? ) I have are very good shavers, and the W&Bs....they're way beyond superior, IMO. Good start! (And welcome to the club).


Biting your fingernails (I read in a recent psychology text) is actually a sign of stubbornness, not nervousness. He's gonna need it when he's learning to hone.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Both of those are very nice. Every Geneva (are they the same as Genco? ) I have are very good shavers, and the W&Bs....they're way beyond superior, IMO. Good start! (And welcome to the club).

Thanks, Joe. I've done a little research and found that Geneva used the GENCO trademark after 1928. I also learned that blades made under the Wade & Butcher name are from 1818-1890.

And xman: I don't bite my nails. I use a clipper. Thanks for looking out, coach.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Biting your fingernails (I read in a recent psychology text) is actually a sign of stubbornness, not nervousness. He's gonna need it when he's learning to hone.

He's gonna need it!

you guys trying to scare away a new member? Shame on you.

Persistance is the key here.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Persistance is the key here.

And Patience, not to mention Poncentration and Pocus.

Ben...

The top one has horn scales... bottom is celluloid. They look to be in decent shape, with the wb worth the most. It's from the mid to late 1800's. The horn scales need to come off, then back on for a good restore.

And Ben.... Bill (urleebird) is just the man to do that for you. He does excellent work.