Just won - Wade & Butcher Bow

[dmmarck]

Well, I guess RAD strikes quickly considering I started straight shaving a week ago.

Vintage Wade Butcher Original Only Genuine Keen Shaving Bow Razor and Case | eBay

Not sure if I overpaid or what, but I am fairly excited. I'm not too keen on the heel, so I'm hoping that it could be honed appropriately. Any thoughts? I know some brief historical details, particularly that the lack of an "England" stamp puts it pre-1890's (1891?).

EDIT:

So RAD really strikes. Like quickly? That's enough for me .

Wade and Butcher 6 8" Sheffield Straight Razor | eBay

Any thoughts/comments regarding this one?

[Chevhead]

Glad I didn't bid on it now to have made you pay more...

[dmmarck]

Glad I didn't bid on it now to have made you pay more...

LOL, that was probably my limit anyway, if only because I didn't want to sink serious $$ if it was going to be a project. But I do appreciate that .

[JimmyHAD]

I've never seen a Bow razor with any stamping other than the long bow on the tang. I don't know if all of those are pre 1891 or not. I've got one 6/8 and it was a tough job to get the edge to the level I wanted it at. If you keep that one I would suggest you send it out for honing rather than try to get it yourself.

That heel makes me wonder how whoever worked on it got it down to where it is. Note the dark area around the edge toward the heel on the back side ..... wonder if that wasn't caused by heat from a belt sander or a grinding wheel ? The spine parallel to that area on either side doesn't show the corresponding wear you'd expect if it had been honed down normally.

[dmmarck]

I've never seen a Bow razor with any stamping other than the long bow on the tang. I don't know if all of those are pre 1891 or not. I've got one 6/8 and it was a tough job to get the edge to the level I wanted it at. If you keep that one I would suggest you send it out for honing rather than try to get it yourself.

That heel makes me wonder how whoever worked on it got it down to where it is. Note the dark area around the edge toward the heel on the back side ..... wonder if that wasn't caused by heat from a belt sander or a grinding wheel ? The spine parallel to that area on either side doesn't show the corresponding wear you'd expect if it had been honed down normally.

Appreciate the reply. I plan on sending it out, if only because honing it myself is just not an option ATM.

Regarding your heel comments, I presume that that type of wear is not normal?

[JimmyHAD]

Appreciate the reply. I plan on sending it out, if only because honing it myself is just not an option ATM.

Regarding your heel comments, I presume that that type of wear is not normal?

Well no, the blade was a lot fuller at one time. The heavy vertical portion at the heel is the stabilizer and the edge would have been below that originally. It will take me a few minutes but I'll post a pic of mine.