Thread: Finally! my first wade and Butcher!

Like the Title says, i finally got one!
But it was in really horrible shape when i got it. So much that i think most of you would have discarded it... Rust had eaten very deep into it, esspecially around the heel (as youll see in the pic) so the heel isnt much good for shaving, but the front 3/4 of the blade is good.
Its a near Wedge in 6/8 with that nice W&B humpback and curly monkey tail that we all love!

If any one could give me a rough dating for this razor from the shape of tail and shank it would be much appreciated!
its just got "manurfactured by wade and butcher Sheffield" without any logo.

Like in a few other posts ive seen on here ive been having trouble getting it proper sharp... I can see the tiny light reflections at the very edge when held properly in the light. so i went back down to 4k with 2 layers of tape and did the last two stones replacing the outer layer of tape very freequently. i can generaly say i have a pretty good feel with a razor on a stone, and did enough strokes with extra 2 layers of tape to know that both bevels meet. but can still see the reflections and it doesnt pop hairs as i can usually achieve... im kinda stuck.

Also i have another general question about those old chunky sheffield razors...
Are they generaly softer than newer razors? or German steel? Because it felt kind of soft to me while sanding out alot of the pitting.. i am kind of worried that it might have been softened somehow at some point. It had a very thick layer of dark petina over it if that has anything to do with anything.

Well anyway, i made up some nice walnut burl scales with CA glue finish, made a lead wedge for it.
So it looks very nice but still isnt totaly ready for shaving unfortunately.

Nice! I don't have one myself. Have you considered buying a loupe? They're pretty cheap & will help you see what's going on with the bevel. Another option is to mark the edges with a sharpie & see how much of the ink is being removed.

It's difficult to tell just from a description, but I'd wager a guess that either the bevels haven't quite met all the way across or they're uneven, big bevel in one side & little bevel on the other side. A loupe would really help you make sure you've gone past the pitting.

Nice scales, by the way. Really pretty.

Older Sheffield blades are generally softer than later German, English, and American blades. That being said, About all I use is older Sheffield stuff and they hold an edge remarkably well. I've been using a Lockwood Brothers pretty much exclusively for over a year now and it still does an excellent job.

Appears your razor has some pretty good hone wear. I'd advise reading up on using tape on the spine and setting a new bevel. A loupe is very handy as well as is a "sharpy" to mark the edge and see where you are actually removing steel.

Once you get that old blade right, you'll enjoy it.

I have a couple wedges both W&B, they have been a entirely different animal to hone for me. One is a 7/8 IIRC and I had to use 4 layers of tape to get the bevel in on that blade if finally shaves but it took me a lot of work and sticktoitiveness to get it there. I am not going to advice you on how many layers to use because I don't have the experience to make that call. Just wanted to share my experience honing a wedge or a couple with you. I still have the other one that needs to go back to the stones it is so close but not there yet. Best of luck just take your time and you will get it.

According to Voidmonster, the famous logo wasn't used a lot before 1865 so it's an old razor you have there.
The pitting is also a sure sign of not just neglect of previous owners but also of it's age.
Nice find & congrats! [emoji6][emoji1360]


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I would say 1820-1840, i'm no expert but that's what i think.
Again, good find! [emoji6][emoji1360]


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Thats a nice looking razor, and I love those scales.

Thanks for the advice and nice words! And thanks "GabrialMartin" for the aproximate date. Nice to have an idea.

I Tried again with bevel setting, thistime with 3 layers of tape. and looks quite alright i think...
What do you guys think?

Originally Posted by JakobD

Thanks for the advice and nice words! And thanks "GabrialMartin" for the aproximate date. Nice to have an idea.

I Tried again with bevel setting, thistime with 3 layers of tape. and looks quite alright i think...
What do you guys think?

Your welcome! Looks good, cutting edge looks clear of pitting.
Good job! [emoji6][emoji1360]


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