$8 Wade and Butcher Wedge

http://i54.tinypic.com/mhq4xd.jpg

Alright! She needs a little work! There's actually an etching on the blade, but I don't think there's any chance of saving it, too much is rusted over to badly. I know its a pre-1890 (or is it 1892?) but it would be nice to get an idea of how much older it is. Still the original washers on the pins, but one of the scales is broken off at the bottom pin. There's no wedge, or rather its built into the scales. Not sure what the scales are made of, the razor is 20 years too old to be bakelite, but after rubbing them with a dab of Simichrome the cloth comes away yellow, so I would guess it to be celluloid or Shellac maybe?

Can't tell from the pic, but could it be horn? I just snagged a W&B 4/8 hollow that has horn scales that look similar to yours, but I can't tell from the pic. Mine are pictured here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post777924

By looking at the break, I can say that the scales on mine are deffinately plastic of some sort. Horn cracks along the grain, plastic breaks off.

I haven't decided whether or not to re-scale, or to try to build up the broken area with epoxy or the like. Also, I just got done honing it a few min ago.. That's what, 3 hours? I think my poor 1000 grit Naniwa hates me now. (No, I didn't spend the whole time on the Naniwa!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cevulirn

By looking at the break, I can say that the scales on mine are deffinately plastic of some sort. Horn cracks along the grain, plastic breaks off.

I haven't decided whether or not to re-scale, or to try to build up the broken area with epoxy or the like. Also, I just got done honing it a few min ago.. That's what, 3 hours? I think my poor 1000 grit Naniwa hates me now. (No, I didn't spend the whole time on the Naniwa!)

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I was looking at where the light hit the scales wondering if that was grain or just scuffs. That said, I've had a razor with horn scales (faux turtle) that broke off just like your razor here.

So...how does she shave? I just got mine and haven't had a chance to hone it up yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about how W&B razors shave.

You got it, that one will take a little work, but after it will shave great I'm sure. Best of luck with it, and grats on the buy, that's an old beauty.

BTW, the year is 1891 afaik, but I don't know if it is very precise.

The wear on the spine looks minimal. If the rust doesn't go to deep near the edge I would think it would restore nicely.