Wapienica scales?

Dear SRP,

I know that I am a good few years from even seeing the dust from the bandwagon, but I recently picked up a Wapienica NOS, as I was interested and it was a reasonably inexpensive straight razor (even factoring in a professional hone).

I got it in the post this morning, and it looks pretty good - it is one of the unstamped versions.

The most noticeable problem with it was the scales!!! They do not fit the length of the razor! Opening the razor was rather difficult and required a lot of time and patience, and obviously someone has done so less carefully in the past, and there are scratch marks (or more like longitudinal ridges) down the toe of the razor.

Now, this isnt something I am too worried about, since I had been planning on rescaling it anyway. But, as a junior member of this forum, I just wondered if someone could ease my mind about this razor. There are no other perceptible flaws to my (inexperienced) eye. Has anyone else had a similar problem with a Wapi?

Best
D

I haven't had that issue, sorry. I bought all my wapis ages ago, and they were all the stamped versions. The only problem, if you can call it that, with the scales was weight really.

I've heard the quality of the newer NOS wapis can be a little below par. That hasn't been my experience with the older ones I have. I think the best thing you can do at this stage is send it out for a pro hone and assessment, and move on from there if they say it is worth a rescale.

Good luck.

James.

I also have a few Wapi razors. I have to say that the scales that are on them are the worst ever. Send it out for a hone and rescale, if you get someone from the classifieds here they will give you an honest assessment when they receive it.

Thanks guys, I've contacted Neil here in the UK who I've heard is brilliant all round, and he has kindly agreed to have a look at it for me. Will post a pic up in this thread of the problem for interest/cataloging sake tomorrow when I'm back at home to get the camera

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Hello, here is the pic as promised. Sorry the camera doesn't get great focussing power on the toe. I'm guessing it wont matter much to the functioning of the razor, but I'll get it to Neil and see what it says.

Thanks for the info guys.