Thread: George Butler Extra Special

Today I bought this razor and from what I can see, the blade looks in good condition; light rust, no apparent cracks, chips or signs of poor previous grinding efforts.
I don't know anything about George Butler razors but could not resist it at 5 Euros in a flea market in Gent, Belgium. The Sheffield Steel sold it for me.

The scales are of course not original; actually they are a pile if absolute rubbish.

Am planning on sending to Steve from Invisible Edge or Neil from the strop shop (from recommendations on this forum) to see if they can bring this steel back to life and see if they have any decent scales going that they think would fit well.

My intentions are to use this chap to practice grinding and honing when the times comes before subjecting my new Wacker to my total lack of experience.

Please share any thoughts you have about the razor and my plans as I am a novice newby. Also what grinding and honing stones I should look at purchasing for this activity.

As always, some pictures attached (the blade has just been washed and Vaseline has been liberally applied... Hence the strange lines from fingerprints).

Looks like a suitable restore candidate...

I like the coconut.

Oh, the razor is nice too! lol. Should look great when it is restored!

Lol! I was looking for something more rustic than the scales... 😏

I wouldn't know where to start with a restoration like this 😷

I would start by getting those funky scales off, then wiping down the blade with a metal polish... from what I can see, there isn't even any need for sanding that blade. Then have a go at making some scales yourself.

+1 for polishing. It does a lot for a blade.

I have a Butler just like that one but in a spike point. Its a great shaver!! I'm sure yours will be awesome when its done getting some attention.

Harrywally thanks for sharing; I have just seen your razor from an older topic - nice razor!

Agreed that I have not seen other razors like these two. Interesting how different these two are despite the obvious.

I am looking forward to getting some time to give it a little TLC and new scales. Hoping for the grins your gave you!

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

I would start by getting those funky scales off, then wiping down the blade with a metal polish... from what I can see, there isn't even any need for sanding that blade. Then have a go at making some scales yourself.

Thanks! I do not have any polish but I hear toothpaste is pretty good. I think I have a can of Brasso... What would you recommend? I saw that MAAS metal polish seems to be the bee's knees. Ill see if I can find it here.

I have no honing stone or any tested ability with one... But I would love to give it a try!
Should I go for a 12,000 ?