Thread: W/B Razor on ebay shave-able, or just a show piece?

Hello! I was wondering if one of the more experienced members could tell me if this razor is more of a collectors item as opposed to usable for actual shaving. Personally I do want a 7/8 wedge razor and Im aware that this razor does need some heavy restoration. Is this also an unreasonable price for this razor?

Thank you so much! My search for a cool wedge pursues! I really want a vintage razor....

Nathaniel

EDIT: Awkward... forgot the link...:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-1800s-...item3cbbb97cff

EDIT 2:
**the following is for any new coming people joining this very helpful conversation, thank you so much for everybodies feedback***
Can somebody tell me what they are looking at for the hone wear? If i didnt ask you guys first, i would have guessed that the spine was fine, to me the corner of spine looks crisp on both sides, and the 'scratched' bit below it to me looks like it would have just happened anyways.. And looking at the branding the letters closest to the shoulder still look easily readable, and that to my inexperienced eyes, not much metal has been taken off.

So if any of you were to see this razor out in the Wild, what would be the maximum price you would pay? I would like to know how to make good life choices!

This will make a wonderful shaver when you get it sharpened.

It's always a gamble getting a razor like this. Some hairline cracks can be really difficult to spot, especially in a razor that's been sanded as that one has. It seems very unlikely that this razor has had its temper ruined by buffing or belt-sanding -- those things would leave it with a different surface -- bit it could have been held over a fire and had the discoloration sanded off.

Really though, those two scenarios, while possible, don't seem likely in this case.

It should clean up and hone fine. Old Sheffield razors are fantastic workhorses.

That said, unless there's something that's throwing my sense of scale, there's no way on earth that razor is 7/8. MAYBE it's 6/8, but it looks more like a very generous 5/8 (or, what I suppose some folks would describe as 11/16).

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

That said, unless there's something that's throwing my sense of scale, there's no way on earth that razor is 7/8. MAYBE it's 6/8, but it looks more like a very generous 5/8 (or, what I suppose some folks would describe as 11/16).

I did some rudimentary image analysis and I was under-evaluating slightly. It's on the generous side of 6/8 (or roughly 13/16).

Still not 7/8, though.

The seller states no rust, chips or nicks. (forgot to sand the tang tip) :<0) Also says "Horn Scales in Good condition with vintage wear including a small missing corner by the pivot pin," . Now, I see a lot more than that wrong with the scales. 2 big bug bites and a crack 3/4 of the way down one side. Not to mention the flaking. I didn't see any cracks in the blade but would ask for a specific guarantee on that. I would also make an offer first. You have to decide how much it's worth to you in the end.

It could be a nice razor but it needs a lot of work.

Yeah i did notice that the scales do not look good, but im inclined to believe that the seller looks like he is about customer service, based on his description.. I shall ask him! Thanks For all the input, keep it coming. Also I see what voidmaster said about the blade, But It does look like its bigger than my 6/8....

I would pass. Way too much restoration required for that price.

Yeah, you can find better deals if you wait for them

I recently got a W&B at an antique shop for $28 that was a 6/8 wedge I've been restoring. It was a fine India steel razor. ( I will post a restoration of it soon ). That price looks high to me for its condition.

My view on this razor seems very different then everybody, its not early 1800's at all, the scales are cracked, bug bitten but more importantly the blade is not 7/8, the spine hone wear is very evident and lots of it, the bevel is huge and very uneven.

For that kind of money, you can get a wedge shave ready in good condition, that doesnt need any restoration whatsoever, please pass......