I really want to find a Wade & Butcher wedge project razor. I would like to make my own scales and find a blade that is functionally sound, but doesn't have to be pretty. I've bid on a couple of promising razors on the auction site, but am somewhat confused about descriptions and prices. I bought what turned out to be a very nice mostly hollow older 8/8 with decent original scales for a modest price.
I got carried away with an auction that ended today for what appeared to be a wedge or near wedge with the "For Barbers Use" on the tang. The description clearly stated that the scales were in poor shape. I was embarrassed by my max. bid, but was beaten in the final seconds. This razor went for almost 3 times my last purchase. Recognizing that this does not mean much, value and winning bid do not always match, but am curious for future attempts, is the For Barbers Use designation meaningful? I've seen a few of these go for quite a bit, and other similar looking W&Bs sell for a lot less?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.