Wade & Butcher India Steel

[Cros]

Just received my Wade&Butcher razor. As far as I understand it is pre 1890, as the stamp has no mention of 'England'. Anyways, as this is my first vintage razor, moreover my first razor which is not a Dovo, I am still trying to figure out how to approach this animal
Below are the snaps done by the seller and because they do justice, I decided to use them here. There is almost no hone wear, just as much as on my brand new Dovo razors that were pro-sharpened by the vendors. The blade itself is quite shiny, but does not seem to be polished. It looks like the razor was not used much at all. Bevel on both sides is quite narrow and even in width on both sides. Scales seem to be wood, but I am not sure at all... did they use wood for scales back then, or only horn??
The pin which holds the blade is tight when I move the blade all the way up, but holding the scales with blade down causes it to open up. I don't know if this is normal, but with a heavy blade like this I guess it is.
Third, I am trying to understand if this is a near wedge or not. Opinions on this will be much appreciated.

And finally, when I put it down on the hone (I did not hone yet, just put it on the stone) the blade touches the stone along the entire edge, so I guess rolling x is not needed here. Any tips, links to videos or other material in regards to honing this blade will also be much appreciated.
Thank you!!!) I am excited at the prospect of shaving with a legendary instrument like this which is at least 123 yo. (seller says it is from 1860-70)

[Catrentshaving]

You've got yourself a fine looking razor there! The scales are most likely horn on that beauty. Hone it up and enjoy

[Cros]

You've got yourself a fine looking razor there! The scales are most likely horn on that beauty. Hone it up and enjoy

Thanks! I really like them too. Any tips on honing it? Things I would regret doing)))?

[Catrentshaving]

Because there is a smile to the blade, the rolling x stroke is probably the way you'll want to go

[JoeLowett]

I have a few of these razors myself, each is in my rotation. The are made of excellent period steel, set to a proper temper. The wedge grind is going to be a nice variation from your likely hollow dovos. This is a great razor... Enjoy it!

[stimpy52]

That is wicked beautiful, enjoy. Honing -- tape it, try the magic marker test, be prepared to put on a second layer of tape. You'll almost certainly need to learn a good rolling-x stroke, likely with a heel-leading "swoop" besides.

[Attila]

Ugh...that sounds complicated! Not to hijack this thread, but I hope my SRP LE razor which is also a smiling edge isn't that complicated to hone!

[DDTech]

Ugh...that sounds complicated! Not to hijack this thread, but I hope my SRP LE razor which is also a smiling edge isn't that complicated to hone!

actually it is not. If You go slow, watch, listen and try to understand, it turns out to be the natural motion for these kind of razors.

[Cros]

actually it is not. If You go slow, watch, listen and try to understand, it turns out to be the natural motion for these kind of razors.

gssixgun has a video on youtube demonstrating a method to hone a smiling blade without the rolling x-stroke. Is there actual experience using this over the rolling x and what are the results?
I don't quite get the rolling x and I am afraid I will ruin the edge by lifting the blade off the hone...