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.

Yeah this is a very interesting thread. As I to have often wondered what stories some of my razors could tell.
I mean I have a razor from aprox 1850, just think of the changes in the world since it was made...........Who used it? Where was it used? Who brought it to our country...so many things to think about

I hope my two young boys will take up Straight Razor shaving when they get old enough to shave. Then I know for at least another 60-70 years the art will live on. With out hope there isn't much right?

I have thought along this line many times also. If these older razors were used everyday they would be rusted/long wore out by now.

Are the surviving ones the ones that were thrown in the back of a junk drawer or a box because I am not going to use that POS?

I do prefer the more romantic way of thinking about their history though.

That could be very true, but at the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe it was more of a special occasion razor.
And it was a treasure and then an heirloom to be cherished