Thread: Wade & Butcher India Steel

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)