Thread: Wade & Butcher or J.A. Henckels?

I am looking to get my second str8 and I want it to be vintage and shave ready.

I have narrowed the choices down to either a Wade & Butcher or a J.A. Henckels?

Yes I would love to buy both right now but the ol' lady would probably use one of them on me for spending the money. I'm sure I'll get some grief for just buying a second razor. They both seem to be going for around the same price on the Bay from what I've seen (1 to 1.5).

I'm looking for any input before I commit to one or the other. I'm sure I'll eventually have both so maybe an opinion on which one I should get first.

Thanks!

This is a question of personal preference for steel and grind.
I personally like solingen steel better than sheffield steel.

From my admittedly small sample, I love them both. Check out the classifieds and other vintage vendors as well as e-bay though.

what is your current razor and how have you narrowed your choices to those two?

without knowing what went into your consideration it's really impossible to tell what factors are important to you and give you a suggestion.

i'd personally get henckels, but that's irrelevant since you're not me.

Gugi - I have a Dovo Micarta purchased brand new.

I have narrowed it to these two choices solely based on reviews, looks and name. The name of the razor is like picking baby names for me, is it cool sounding? And I really like the look of the spike point razors. The price is a factor too of course.

It's probably not the best way to choose a razor but it's all trial and error anyways, right?

I must add that value/collectability also plays a role in my thought process.

I've seen more shiny Henckels, than I have W&B. If "blade condition" is important to you, that might matter.

I have one of each, and they're each fine shavers. So it comes down to blade shape, scales, etc.

Charles

I think Henckels are usually better to buy (besides the platinums..To light and small)..You can't go wrong with a 410 Henkels or a new grind. WB's seem clunky to me...THat is just my opinion though... huge majority like them..They just don' fit my face very well..I have several henckels in my rotation, and one WB in a drawer...

Originally Posted by Wintchase

I think Henckels are usually better to buy (besides the platinums..To light and small)..You can't go wrong with a 410 Henkels or a new grind. WB's seem clunky to me...THat is just my opinion though... huge majority like them..They just don' fit my face very well..I have several henckels in my rotation, and one WB in a drawer...

One of my W&B razors is a pretty thin grind (maybe 3/4 hollow) -- lighter than a Dovo "Best Quality". a little heavier than a Henckels 80.

W&B made _a lot_ of razors, over decades. Some of them might be "clunky", and some will be elegant full-hollow grinds.

You need to see (and feel) the razor to really know.<g>

Charles

They are both great razors. I love them. What size are you looking for. Do you have any antique stores near you?

It doesn't really matter which you buy now, because you'll likely end up buying the other shortly.

In your first post, wheny you said 1 to 1.5, are you talking about hundreds of dollars? There is really no need to spend that much to get a really nice example from either brand.