Thread: How to approach a regrind..

One of the three dozen razors my father left me is a Wade & Butcher Celebrated. It has an amazing feel and balance.. ergonomics that are simply an extension of the hand. I really want to get this razor shave ready and put it in rotation. I scoured the Razor Database and can't find anything similar, though there is one with similar markings that is dated 1860 - 1880. Any information would be appreciated.

I am guessing the scales are stag antler, it's only a best guess. The spacer is lead.

Having said this, I am hoping to determine the next step in this razors life. If the scales are original, I may leave them as they are and put time and energy into the blade only. If not, then new scales would be in order as the back side is missing a piece across the top.

The real concern, and possibly the factor that kills this project is that it is clearly a regrind and nearly all of the blades etching has been removed. It's replaced by obvious grind marks. What's left that can be read is CELEBRATED FINE INDIA on the top line and below I can just make out the word STEEL for the first word and nothing after that.

So, I'd like to figure out the history and can make a decision on the direction.

It appears the blade was made shave ready with the grind marks, but it needs some attention. Other than aesthetics, is there a strong compelling reason to have the grind marks removed? I don't mind them, and if it were made shave ready, I could be just fine with the blade looking like it does. The scales are another matter... I really don't like them but would leave them if there were historical value to them.

The pictures don't adequately display the grind marks.. They are consistent and even and not too displeasing...

Before I got into anything I would make sure you can hone it. Run it on a hone a few passes and see where you are.

Polish it, use it. I don't think the scales are original but I could be wrong. Only been at this a year and nothing would surprise me. Of course those that have been at this for 10 years say the same thing :<0)

What makes you think it is a re-grind??

Scales are Sambar Stag. Doubt they are "original, as issued". Most of the razors I've seen with stag scales were German.

You do see that material used in a LOT of older Sheffield Bowie knife handles as well as pocket knife scales so it is quite possible they are original to the razor.

That being said, it is a very nice and unique razor. If it feels good and will hone up and shave, I'd leave it as is if it were mine.

first find a dead flat surface, not your counter top...but true, like w/in 0.001 of flat, with the spine laying flat. Shine a light from the otherside and see how much passes through. That should give you a decent idea of how many pieces of tape you may or may not need to try to set a pre-bevel to see if it is going to take a true bevel at all, and what or how you may need to correct the wear if you want

oh, and the sharpie on the edge trick will help to show which parts of the edge are being sharpened at what point, and which are missing so you can focus on evening the edge out.

Good thing about the old wedges is that they can be reground or restored if needed due to the bulk of steel but as mentioned before see where you're at with the bevel first.

Originally Posted by Wullie

That being said, it is a very nice and unique razor. If it feels good and will hone up and shave, I'd leave it as is if it were mine.

I like this quote of Wullie's. Perhaps a light polish and then hone ?
A truly beautiful straight !!....whatever you decide, keep us informed please

Bongo

Originally Posted by Wullie

Scales are Sambar Stag. Doubt they are "original, as issued". Most of the razors I've seen with stag scales were German.

You do see that material used in a LOT of older Sheffield Bowie knife handles as well as pocket knife scales so it is quite possible they are original to the razor.

That being said, it is a very nice and unique razor. If it feels good and will hone up and shave, I'd leave it as is if it were mine.

Thanks.. I thought it was some kind of stag. I'll agree the it feels good, but I hate the scales. I would live with them as they are, if they presented some historical value. The pivot pin needs to be tightened.

Originally Posted by bill3152

Before I got into anything I would make sure you can hone it. Run it on a hone a few passes and see where you are.

I'm sure it has and will again take a bevel. It's got a decent bevel now.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

What makes you think it is a re-grind??

Oh, it's dead obvious. I'll take another picture of it from a different angle.. You'll agree for sure.

Originally Posted by bongo

I like this quote of Wullie's. Perhaps a light polish and then hone ?
A truly beautiful straight !!....whatever you decide, keep us informed please

Bongo

I am thinking barely a light a polish. It's charm is in the patina...