Thread: Wade & Butcher. I'm new and don't know much else about it.

I found three Wade & Butcher Sheffield straights this weekend at a flea market. This is the second one I found.

Wade & Butcher Sheffield that has some tarnish on the blade that I'm going to pick up some Maas and see if I can clean up. The handle is in pretty good condition with only a brown discolored spot and some rust on the pins.I picked it up for $20.

I'm trying to resist the urge to hone these. I was a scout and know how to sharpen knives but I doubt I could ever get it shave ready sharp. My Dad thinks I can but I think sending it to be honed so I have a good base line would be best. Is it worth honing? I don't know how to look at a blade and tell if its been over-honed etc.

There was another with it but one of the scales was cracked clean through near the butt pin. It had a more intricate design so i wish I picked it up but I was low on cash and didn't expect to see anymore.

I don't see anything that raises an alarm, but I'm far from an expert. I would contact one of the honemeisters who are members here; I'm pretty sure at least one of them has the policy that if you send him a razor and it's too far gone to hone, or needs more restoration than you're prepared to finance, he'll return it to you with no charge other than shipping.

Rich

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll probably send two of them to someone to hone and see which they think is worth it. Any advice on who to contact for honing?

There are many who hone. Do some reading or post in the buy/sell/trade forum or look under the Vendor's corner forum. Read the signature of some posters. They say they hone many times. Then send them a message by clicking on their name and select PM

Hi - I have honed up a Wade or two in my time and yours looks a good candidate for treatment. It's a classic, full swept blade, dreadnought point and by the looks of it full-wedge. They do take a bit of doing due to the blade sweep but are well worth it, giving - in my opinion - one of the best shaves you'll get. I'd date it C. 1870 - 1880. Nice one!

Great info, I'll definitely look into getting this one restored and honed...not necessarily in that order. I'm trying to select one of the three I bought for a shaver and will probably restore the other two.