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Hello everyone,
I was very happy to recently pick up this Wade & Butcher 15/16" near-wedge. The scales are shot, so its a major project, but I just noticed that there is a blade etching--and it seems like a fairly rare one.
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I would describe the part of the etch visible near the heel as the corners of a cartouche with two pennant-type shapes visible. Any help would be much appreciated!
Aloha and welcome to SRP. It is very difficult to see any of the etching that in your posted pictures. Etching or not that is a great razor. Is there any more etching down the rest of the length of the blade or has it been sanded into oblivion?
Thanks, Ed--she will sing again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustoff003
If you can post a pic of the entire blade. How bad are the scales?
I bought this as a group of two razors. The other is a Joseph Allen Medium Size Hollow Ground from about 1890. The scale you see in this photo was plundered from the Allen and used to replace the rear scale of the Wade & Butcher that was cracked at the pivot. The original W&B are a nice blond horn and both have a lot of chips missing.
This area near the heel is the only spot where any etching is visible at all :(. Would you recommend lightly cleaning the blade and then taking a new pic?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustoff003
I can't advise you there but someone who can should be along shortly. I have yet to try my hand at restoring a razor. I have seen some threads where other members have cleaned a blade and found etching.Quote:
Originally Posted by rexcarolus
Nice W&B. Try some metal polish on a paper towel and if the etching is more easily seen holding the blade at an angle take the photo at that angle. :gl:
Thanks, JimmyHAD! Will have a go with some pencils and Flitz this evening and see what can be revealed :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
ive even put a magnifier glass in front of the lens for better clearer close ups ..
Well im hoping that with cleaning you will be able to reveal the etching on your razor. That said it fairy reminds me of this etching?
Attachment 122753
The blade came out of the scales for cleaning and some glamor shots:
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Unfortunately the rest of the etch is still nearly invisible. I am pretty certain it has letters near the center of the blade, though smaller letters than Martin's "Fine India Steel" image. It's really a massive blade: 1/4" at the spine and right about at the 15/16" mark even after the hone wear. Any ideas on when it was made? I'm thinking 1860 - 1870...
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Attachment 122772
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
Martin strikes again! I swear you've had something useful to say/post on every thread that I've read lately lol. Are you human? I suspect you have some supernatural gifts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
If indeed it is a "Fine India Steel" razor, is there any way to tell from the blade itself? Is this really different steel from the average W&B? Is 1860-1870 the right time period? Tough questions, I know...
Well the "Fine India Steel" is referred to for "Wootz high quality steel" that said i believed it was a marketing rather then really using steel from India, your dating seems right to me as well, Enjoy and dont worry about steel quality its a high quality razor.Quote:
Originally Posted by rexcarolus
I have seen Wade & Butchers and have a Jackson that have a "Magnum Bonum" inscription/etch on the top half of the blade, with cartouches, but it was only the top half.
Patience is key! I found it! So this is the "Silver Steel Razor" etching!
Attachment 128355
Well done my friend =] it feels good when you finally figure something out like that lol
