I may have gotten hosed, (i.e. another razor identification thread)

[pezhore]

I've been lurking around ebay for improperly labeled auctions - ones that sell "Gilllette" or just plain "vintage" razors. I've been DE shaving for the better part of a year and I thought I'd branch into SR shaving.

I stumbled upon an ebay auction for a "Antique / Vintage Straight Razor Made in England" with no description. I was happy to see that the box in the second photo said Wade & Butcher and was in pretty good shape. The razor itself looked promising as well - larger blade width, black scales, no frowning, cracked scales, or pitting. I promptly bid and won the auction.

Fast forward a few days to today.

It turns out that the box is missing it's end cap (no biggie), but the razor isn't a Wade & Butcher. It's a Davis & Wheeler from Worchester. Upon reviewing the ebay pictures, I can see now that he didn't really put a clear shot of the razor on the auction.

The razor is in good condition. Scales are great, it opens & closes smoothly with a minuscule amount of effort. It feels hefty as well, weighing in at 1 3/4 oz.

Does anyone know the history behind Davis & Wheeler razors? (Googling didn't really result in anything useful). I'm sure it'll need honing prior to use - is it worth the cost of the razor to get it honed?

I've attached a few pictures to this thread, and many more on imgur.

Thoughts? Did I manage to snag something awesome?

[syslight]

well on the bay the boxes to not always belong to the razors you have to read what is on the razor... let's face it we all know WB and that is what he was capitalizing on... it looks like a nice piece of Sheffield steel so the price should not make you too upset, clean it up with just some polish and hone it up if it shaves nice then you can decide on further restoration. or simply pm me your paypal address and I'll give you the price you paid and shipping. i think you will like it and it might actually be WB just branded for a retailer.

enjoy,
jim

[stimpy52]

That's a perfectly nice razor even though I can't comment on the price. It would take very little effort to make it an attractive and very functional shaving tool. Really -- very nice.

[Cove5440]

Pricing isn't usually discussed on here, as it puts too much emphasis on the cost rather than the enjoyment. If you feel you are ok with the price, then it's good. I've made the mistake of talking pricing before as well, so not complaining, just a reminder.

Personally, I like the blade, but I'm not a fan of the square tips. They are good and a lot of people like them, so I'm not telling you that it's bad, just my personal preference. Other than that it looks to be ok. Check out the vendor section and have someone hone it for you. IMO, getting a decent vintage blade and having it properly honed is better than putting out the money for a new blade that could cost you a minimum of $80 - 100 and up, and most of those still need to be honed, unless you buy it from a vendor that offers honing as a service.

[onimaru55]

I'm curious if I got a decent deal. Is this particular razor worth $30?

- is it worth the cost of the razor to get it honed?
Did I get hosed or did I managed to snag something awesome?

Valuations are purely subjective & also against SRP rules :
SRP rules of conduct - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Your other questions can only really be answered by having it honed. I can't see a reason to not go ahead with the job but once in hand it is easier to assess than from pics..

[jhenry]

I agree with the previous posts. You didn't get hosed. You just didn't get the razor you expected to get based on the razor coffin it was in. What you got was a serviceable, though not well-known, brand of razor

Polish the blade and get it honed. You may even want to consider finding a member in the SRP Classifieds who will both restore and hone it for you.

[johnmrson]

Worcester was inhabited by a number of pretty good straight razor makers. Torrey and Worcester Cutlery come to mind.

[jhenry]

Worcester was inhabited by a number of pretty good straight razor makers. Torrey and Worcester Cutlery come to mind.

It appears that this particular razor was made in England, not Worcester, MA. Davis & Wheeler was most likely a U. S. reseller.

[rodb]

So far I've never met an English razor I didn't like, that one should be fine

[Wintchase]

I would be happy wiith that razor at that price..