Wade & Butcher - Chipped edge, where to get it fixed?

I was given an old Wade and Butcher straight razor, and am interested in learning to shave with it, but first thing first, it is not in usable condition.The edge is chipped, and while I might eventually be interested in learning how to restore a blade, at the moment, I'd rather get a qualified professional to get this razor into a ready to shave state.I am near San Jose, California, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on who to get to restore this razor to working condition, wither locally or by mail.

Just trying to get an idea of what my options are, how much a repair might cost, and who will do a good job. Also, since this is in the "Good manufacturers list", I was thinking of getting a decent cheap blade from Whipped Dog to learn with, and then switching to this in restored condition after I have made my learning mistakes stroping with the "Sight Unseen" deal razor... Good idea?

Anyways, large images of the blade and stamp are linked, with smaller attached, in case anyone would like to see the damage more clearly.


Thanks! Looking forward to ditching disposables!

There a lot of chips but definately repairable, i would look in the classifields here to get that fixed up and honed correctly. It is a beautiful razors and after a little TLC will be a wonderful shaver.

Tis nawt but a flesh wound!!!

One of the more than capable honemeisters here at SRP can make that thing a razor again. I've seen 'em buggered up worse than that and been brought back around.

Larry at Whipped Dog is a real good place to start for a good shaver to learn on. Never hurts to have an extra razor or 50 laying around in case one gets dull. ;)

Just noticed the blade etch is OUR VERY BEST. That was used by Hibbard, Spencer, & Bartlett as well, but theirs were usually marked OVB.

Nice razor, get her fixed up and enjoy it.

To quote the obvious for services ~ Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

If you buy a sight unseen razor I'd suggest you request one that doesn't have chunky rust all over the spine . You wouldn't want that getting into your strop.
If it's just for stropping practice why not just use a toothbrush or butterknife, it's even cheaper than buying a sacrificial razor if you only need it to develop dexterity.

Well, as Wullie mentioned above, it never hurts to have a spare razor either... not really planning on screwing up a cheap but functional razor, but if I make mistakes learning, seems like a better to do with a cheap razor. Sure, I could stand there stropping a butter knife for two hours, but just in the day-to-day experience of learning, mistakes happen, and it seems that since I won't actually be shaving with a butter knife, and I will have to strop whatever I am shaving with, that is the thing that will have to take the brunt of poor technique or stupid early morning half-awake mistakes.... anyways, that is my reasoning.

Here's a way to make mistakes without wrecking a razor or strop & learn the right pressure.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...technique.html