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I just recieved my first vintage straight razor as a gift from a friend because they knew i was looking to get away from crappy plastic razors. I have no information about it and im sure there are quite a few members here that could fill me in. Thanks in advance!
Welcome to SRP! While I can't tell you anything about the razor, it looks to be in good condition and will only need a good hone job to get you started. Check out the various wikis about straight shaving here, here's a good start: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Get it honed professionally and have fun learning to shave for real. :)
You have an awesome friend.:) That's a beautiful Wade & Butcher straight. The scales look to me like horn dyed to look like tortoise. Probably late 1800's.
That's a nice quality razor -- Wade and Butcher, Sheffield, England -- tough to date it without a better look at the tang. 1890's might be a starting point. Scales are tortoise shell or horn dyed to look like tortoise. I'm leaning toward real tortoise, maybe someone brighter can jump in here and say for sure. It needs a little polishing and proper honing. I'm sure this will be a beautiful shaver when it's done. Check the classifieds for someone to set this up for you.
By the way -- that's an excellent friend -- probable keeper.
That's a nice looking razor. Congrats!
As previously noted, make sure that you get it honed. That will insure that you get some great shaves from that beautiful vintage razor. You can find individuals who offer honing in the SRP Classifieds.
You may also want to inquire about getting some light restoration work (ie. polishing) done on that blade too.
thanks for the replies and here is a pic of the tang.
You have a real keeper , there . It doesn't appear to be much , if any hone wear on that blade . You can clean it up yourself , easy enough . I use Flitz polish , it will clean up your blade , and scales , without damaging them . Unless you've honed a few razors , and really know what you're doing , send it to a pro to get it honed . This isn't the razor you want to learn to hone , on .
Careful with the metal polish, it will remove the etching on the blade in an instant. Welcome to SRP. Nice razor. Check the classifieds to find someone that honed a lot of razors for a while and have that person hone this one for you. Good luck.
That is one aweseom W&B!
I hope you treat that beautiful piece of history with great respect.
My first vintage razor was a W&B as well. I donīt think I will ever part with it.
Congrats :D
Awsome friend dude, hold on to both. A good vintage razor is hard to find, a good friend is even harder.
Well , there's another clue -- for dating -- says "England", not just Sheffield -- therefore at least later than 1890.
Thanks to everybody that replied. Its amazing the quality of the products from back then. I am not going to attempt to do any honing/polishing/cleaning myself in fear of ruining the blade and scales. I am going to have it sent out and professionally done. I will be sure to post before and after pics. Thanks again.
Congratulations on your new razor, and a true Friend! I have a pre-1890 W&B I am currently restoring. I think you will love that razor!
Welcome to your new Adventure!
Jon
Make sure to check out this thread, The Butcher Shop , and feel free to post the pics of your razor over there.
Gorgeous razor. I think the correct year for the addtn. of the country of origin is 1891 (though I may be incorrect as well) Before that, if it just said Wade & Butcher and Sheffield, it would be more difficult to date.