Thread: Is it worth it?

There is no magic in any razor (except the Chronik of course-har har) so just get something you like and can afford and you will be fine. American razors are very underrated and can be had for a great price.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There is no magic in any razor

I guess a year from now I will be thinking give me any razor and I will get a good shave from it. I hope.

Originally Posted by animalwithin

From what I've heard, Joseph Rodgers are amazing and they look beautiful and beastly, look into getting one of those. Also, Geo Wostenholm has made some very nice vintage sheffield razors.

I totally agree. I want a big W&B chopper, but I LOVE my George(Geo) Wostenholm and my 5/8 Joseph Rodgers. I have a 7/8 Wostenholm on the way from the bay as it was a little more in my range price wise, and I know it'll be a good shaver.

I just got one :Tang imprinted with Wade & Butcher Sheffield England, the letter B in a circle laying on it's side, an arrow, and a Maltese cross on one side, no imprint on the other side. it's a 5/8.
Cleaned it, honed it this week. Used it. It's in nice shape. Got it for <20$us on eBay. It's a nice handling and shaving razor. Glade I got it. Would do it again.

Originally Posted by Cove5440

I totally agree. I want a big W&B chopper, but I LOVE my George(Geo) Wostenholm and my 5/8 Joseph Rodgers. I have a 7/8 Wostenholm on the way from the bay as it was a little more in my range price wise, and I know it'll be a good shaver.

There was a beastly Wostenholm IXL Double Concave on ebay I wanted sooooooo bad, but it had a pretty big notch close to the center of the blade, too bad. Several people still bid on it though.

Originally Posted by Mephisto

Ok, so I have been thinking of getting a Wade and Butcher. I have not been fortunate to find one locally so I am looking on ebay. However, I know with bidding the prices can get jacked up. In the end, is it worth it? What makes Sheffield steel so magical? How much of the reputation is hype? I was thinking of saving up to get another TI but I guess I do not want to deny myself a chance to try a WB.

Wade and Butcher razors are a very common brand of straight razor. There are lots of them around for sale. I have found that patience has a great impact on the price you will pay for one.

Here are some statistics from my razor collection database. Do note that prices fluctuate and these razors were purchased over several years.

Wade and Butcher straight razors:

Count: 25
Average Price: $16.95

Size Count Avg-Cost
11/16 1 $20.00
13/16 1 $8.00
5/8 10 $18.63
6/8 3 $5.00
7/8 9 $20.93
8/8 1 $6.00

Vendor Count Avg-Cost
EBay 4 $16.52
Local 21 $17.03

Hi Mephisto,

to be fair, most guy love their sheffields. You may well be one of them. I sent one to a member that had the hots for a sheffield chopper, and it turns out he liked other blades better. I don't have one ready to roll or I'd be glad to let you try it. If another member had one they didn't mind you trying - that would be ideal. I have 4 on the sidelines, but they tend to be the ones I work on last.

It may well be the case that there are members that would let you try one of their in your area. Perhaps a thread asking if there are members in your area. There used to be a google map page that showed member in your area, but the last few times I tried it - it was broke. If your travels take you near the Portland (OR) metro area, give me a yell & you can try my stuff (wackers, Williams, and a cast of dozens you've likely never heard of that shave wonderfully).

With most razor brands you'll find 90 percent of it is hype. Just about any vintage razor you get will be made of good quality. I think the reason for W+B's going up in price on bidding is because they look big enough to hack through a log and look awesome. It all depends on how badly you want something in the end.