Thread: Enlighten me on Wade & Butcher

I'm particularly envious of those out there that have a SR whose story they know and that has actual meaning to them: an actual family heirloom with which they can shave.

My great grandfather shaved with a straight; when he passed I was only 8 or so and I don't know what ever happened to his razors.

I place great value on family trinkets of this sort; they bring meaning to the mundane. If you have one you should be grateful.

Originally Posted by BobH

I think hardware stores may have been a little different back then. The Marshall Well hardware chain originating in Duluth MN sold razors and strops. I'd be they were not the only ones to do so.

Bob

I guess I stand corrected. Perhaps Hardware Stores back then carried some slightly different inventory than what I think of when I make a trip to Lowes or Home Depot.

Originally Posted by Marshal

I guess I stand corrected. Perhaps Hardware Stores back then carried some slightly different inventory than what I think of when I make a trip to Lowes or Home Depot.

Yes, hardware stores were still in the General Store category. So they were more like a Grocery, pharmacy and Lowes all in one

Originally Posted by Dieseld

Yes, hardware stores were still in the General Store category. So they were more like a Grocery, pharmacy and Lowes all in one

Aren't razors and strops tools.

I still can think of many hardware stores that sell many things including groceries. Or are they grocery stores that sell hardware?

One thing I miss about little towns.

Yes they are to some of us, other people they are the things of nightmares and horror movies.

We used to have a store like that in our small town, then the big box stores opened up in near by areas................there went the mom and pop stores. They had everything you really needed, along with fresh coffee and bench inside to sit on, or stand next to and listen to the old folks talk.

Conversations like this are the reason I love coming to SRP!

There is a hardware store that is a lot like you all speak of in Jasper Indiana. Haven't been there for a while or know any details on it but it is the real deal. I remember they had some blacksmith tools & things like that.

Slawman

Originally Posted by lewbleu

Conversations like this are the reason I love coming to SRP!

I couldn't agree more! I love old small towns, antiques, history and my vintage straights. While all my straights are great shavers, one of my favorites is an all original John barber circa 1820 in excellent condition. Although it's not my oldest or most expensive straight for some reason it feels better in the hand than any of the rest. I try to stick to a rotation, but every time I'm ready to shave it's difficult not to pick it up.

I believe the date was 1881 when the country of origin had to be on the product.

Slawman

Just found this, its more of a guideline but may help. Hard to read too small small print.
Ok just found out not readable at all, 1891 is what this lists. Ill try and fix the picture