Thread: Enlighten me on Wade & Butcher

I bought this several years ago and occasionally shave with it. It is a fine razor; it and my bengall are my favorites.

How old is it? What is its value? Are they rare?

I have seen a few other people post about them recently.

Well since it has only Sheffield on the tang and not Sheffield, England that puts it prior to 1891 I can not narrow it down any closer than that really. Far as value it is subjective really and due to forum rules we can not estimate or give out values. Search ebay find ended auctions that match your razor and see what they are going for.
It looks like a decent size razor close to an inch im guessing. Is it rare? Well they don't make them any more Hope this helps, good looking Razor by the way.

Thanks and I didn't know that rule. I'll make sure to not ask for estimates in the future.


I don't know if its the shape, or the weight, or what. But it gives a really comfortable shave. I didn't know its age...it's crazy to think I'm shaving with something that is that old!

Really makes me think about modern manufacturing...does anyone think people will be using GD razors in 130 years? Maybe Dovo.

No worries on the value deal My guess is it is the weight that you are noticing. Also the grind, it is not a full hollow so it has heft to it. I have a W&B For Barbers Use its a hollow ground but still a lot of weight to it and it just wipes stubble away with no effort. I always think to myself with these old blades, what was the first person whom used this well over 100 yrs ago thinking that day, was he getting ready for work? Pretty neat I think I can not see GD being here that long, dovo maybe. I actually like my vintage blades better than my Dovo, I have not shaved with my Dovo for quite some time now.
Thanks for sharing you blade has tons of character and patina. Looks great : )

Originally Posted by apamburn

Thanks and I didn't know that rule. I'll make sure to not ask for estimates in the future.


I don't know if its the shape, or the weight, or what. But it gives a really comfortable shave. I didn't know its age...it's crazy to think I'm shaving with something that is that old!

Really makes me think about modern manufacturing...does anyone think people will be using GD razors in 130 years? Maybe Dovo.

I've often pondered the same thing. It does make you wonder. I've got a hardware store straight that I can only imagine was handed out as an advertising gimmick. I can't imagine the hardware store as a go-to for grooming apparel.

But I'm still shaving with it over 50 years later, and the doors of the hardware store closed about 25 years before I was born. I've got a couple of Germania Cutlery Works razors, that company was closed during WWII when the factory was commandeered by the Nazis. I imagine the men that made those blades had much larger things to worry about than if they would last 80 to 90 years or who would be using them.

The ones that will last will be the ones that are taken care of, and most widely distributed. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if someone somewhere was using a Gold Dollar in 130 years. What would surprise me would be if I lived long enough to know one way or the other.

Originally Posted by Marshal

I've often pondered the same thing. It does make you wonder. I've got a hardware store straight that I can only imagine was handed out as an advertising gimmick. I can't imagine the hardware store as a go-to for grooming apparel.

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

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 have a "Palace Special", made by Henckels. Palace Hardware was in San Fran. The last record I saw of it was 1913.

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.

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