Thread: Wade & Sheffield - For Barber Use

Hi, new guy here so I hope I'm posting in the appropriate forum. I bought this razor many years ago at a garage sale and am thinking about trying to use it. I think it needs to be honed, as there is a small roll at the tip of the rounded corner/end that can be felt with a fingernail. Also, I think I might want to replace the scales with something a but stiffer. There is a part of the horn by the wedge that catches the blade if it's not closed very carefully. Does this razor appear to just need a good honing done to get rid of the rolled bevel at the tip? Thanks for having me here!

It'll definitely need to be honed, and I would suggest sending it out if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. The chip should be honed out, but I would definitely NOT recommend honing it with the intent of removing the rolled bevel at the tip as you put it. That's something that happens to many razors when the very tip gets worked more than the rest of the blade (could be from lifting the back of the blade when the toe is on the hone or something like that).

I also would suggest not replacing the scales if it can be avoided. Those are the original scales and pins/washers, and IMO add to the value (non-monetary as well as monetary). Tightening the pivot pin could fix the issue (don't recommend you attempt it if you don't know how). But it's your razor to do with as you like.

As it sits, what kind of value does it hold? I've never used a straight razor, so would I be better off selling this one as-is and purchasing a new decent user? This razor holds no sentimental value from me. I've watched a few videos on honing a straight razor, and it doesn't look to complicated. I'm used to sharpening hunting/skinning knives, so the concept isn't terrible far off from those methods, just a bit more refined.

If I try honing it and mess it up, what kind of money would I be out instead of selling as is?

Originally Posted by lazyMlazyK

As it sits, what kind of value does it hold? I've never used a straight razor, so would I be better off selling this one as-is and purchasing a new decent user? This razor holds no sentimental value from me. I've watched a few videos on honing a straight razor, and it doesn't look to complicated. I'm used to sharpening hunting/skinning knives, so the concept isn't terrible far off from those methods, just a bit more refined.

If I try honing it and mess it up, what kind of money would I be out instead of selling as is?

Sorry but monetary values aren't allowed here.

Honing isn't for the weak of heart. I would suggest to send it out for honing.

It is a desirable razor and deserves a pro to hone it for you.

Nice razor. The old wedges are a bit tricky to hone so as advised, send it out.
Sharpening a knife is a lot different to honing a razor.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Sorry but monetary values aren't allowed here.

Honing isn't for the weak of heart. I would suggest to send it out for honing.

Sorry about that, I still need to go through the forum rules and stickys. Maybe once my boys are in bed for the night I can look them over some.

I would love to have a old wedge like what the OP posted but all the ones I’ve seen are way past my skills for restoration.

Nice razor. The old wedges are a bit tricky to hone so as advised, send it out.
Sharpening a knife is a lot different to honing a razor.




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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Sorry but monetary values aren't allowed here.

Honing isn't for the weak of heart. I would suggest to send it out for honing.

While your razor is out getting honed, get a strop and learn to use it with a butter knife. Then you won't wreck the razor and your strop when you get it back.