Thread: Help with Identification of straight razor

I am looking for help identifying the manufacturer of a straight razor. The tang has the name "Wm Gilchrist" but it also has what I thought was the Wade & Butcher trademark. I know some straight razor manufacturer's used to make blades for other companies, is that the case here? Did Wade & Butcher make this razor for Wm Gilchrist? Thank you!

Interesting! I would say that is the case, but cannot say I have seen it like that before.

Yes it is very interesting, isn't it? I thought Gilchrist was a well known blade maker of it's time who made their own blades but I am no expert on this subject. It would be interesting to know if they had a partnership with Wade & Butcher.

According to Goins', Gilchrist was listed in the New York City directory as a hardware, domestic and commercial merchant in 1851. In 1852 he was listed as a razor maker in Jersey City, NJ. By 1861 he has moved to Philadelphia and is listed as a cutler. So, your razor was probably made sometime between 1852 and 1861. Pre-Civil War for sure. My guess is that he may have imported blades with his brand stamped on them and added commercial scales and called himself a razor maker. Your blade sure has all of the earmarks of a Wade and Butcher.

Regards - Walt

Thanks Walt! That is what I was thinking too but I was looking for some reassurance.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post534374