Thread: W&B "M. B. Wade's Extra Hollow Ground"

Originally Posted by silverloaf

It is "M. B." Hopefully this pic shows it more clearly. I apologize for the lackluster pics

Dude that is a D. It doesn't really matter anyway, but that is not a B. That picture shows it even more clearly. It doesn't bow out as much as a the D like we normally write, but that is just the style.
When I was learning how to write some of the OEG alphabet with a calligraphy pen that is stroke for stroke how the D was done. I even posted a picture above in post #9.

Originally Posted by JP5

Dude that is a D. It doesn't really matter anyway, but that is not a B. That picture shows it even more clearly. It doesn't bow out as much as a the D like we normally write, but that is just the style.
When I was learning how to write some of the OEG alphabet with a calligraphy pen that is stroke for stroke how the D was done. I even posted a picture above in post #9.

I see what you mean more readily by comparing the D and B in the alphabet you attached thank you for that! To me it looks like two distinct bumps forming a B, not a smooth line making a D but the rest of it looks exactly like the D, nothing like the form of the B. And yes I saw you posted that pic in post #9, that's why I posted the pic showing the two bumps I'll take your word for it being you have the experience and I have only a blade in front of me and my own faulty eyes. So anyone able to find info on " M. D. Wade?" hahaha

Originally Posted by silverloaf

I see what you mean more readily by comparing the D and B in the alphabet you attached thank you for that! To me it looks like two distinct bumps forming a B, not a smooth line making a D but the rest of it looks exactly like the D, nothing like the form of the B. And yes I saw you posted that pic in post #9, that's why I posted the pic showing the two bumps I'll take your word for it being you have the experience and I have only a blade in front of me and my own faulty eyes. So anyone able to find info on " M. D. Wade?" hahaha

Yeah, I saw what you meant about how it had a slight ( to it. Hope my post didn't come off as rude.
I've seen your work (fan by the way, you do a lot of what I would WANT to do if I could build razors). Looking forward to the 'after' pictures.
Wish I had a razor with that font on it really clear. I've always loved the look of the old English gothic writing.

I was unable to turn up anything for a M. D. Wade.

Most likely, it was the name of an American merchant.

There were two Robert Wades associated with Wade & Butcher.

The first a cutler, who along with his wife Jane manufactured razors from about 1816 until his death in 1825. He was the oldest of three brothers (their father's name was also Robert Wade). He had two children, Robert Wade and Jane Elizabeth.

Next was Richard Wade, who formed a partnership with John Wingfield, John Rowbotham, and briefly John Hoult. Seems to have died childless in 1867.

The youngest was William Nettleship Wade. He was an attorney who did a lot of work for cutlers around town. At least until he died in 1833. He never even married.

No M. D.s in there.

Robert Wade (III) moved to America when he was 21 years old, in 1840. The next year he set up W. & S. Butcher Co in Philadelphia about 200 yards from the Old City Hall where the US Declaration of Independence and Constitution were hashed out.

He had three daughters by two wives, and no sons.

TL;DR

There were no M. D.s in the immediate family of the Wades of Wade & Butcher.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

There were no M. D.s in the immediate family of the Wades of Wade & Butcher.

Actually, I lied.

Jane Elizabeth married a surgeon.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Actually, I lied.

Jane Elizabeth married a surgeon.

hahahahaha, you read my mind, too funny. M. D. Wade, rather than Wade M. D. not sure that would work too well in this case but I like the post regardless.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Actually, I lied.

Jane Elizabeth married a surgeon.

He needed something to shave the incision area.

Originally Posted by JP5

He needed something to shave the incision area.

When he married Jane Elizabeth, the census said he was non-practicing... So clearly he married her for her blades!

I have read through this thread hoping to find the answer, but it seems that it is still a mystery. I agree with the merchant idea. We still see this today from TI and Dovo etching their razors on the blade for companies that sell on their behalf.

Regardless of all the mystery that is a great looking razor and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

So clearly he married her for her blades!

That just seems like asking for trouble to me