Thread: Wade and Butcher FBU

Hey everyone, this is my first post so I'll introduce myself. I'm Matt from Kentucky, and I have been straight razor shaving for a few months now and not looking back. I live and work in a great arts community that is also known for its antique stores, and I found this great Wade and Butchers "For Barbers Use" wedge chopper at one of the local shops and purchased it today. It measures 9/8" at the toe and has very light patina with no pitting at all. The scales are mismatched black and blond horn I believe. I assume one of the scales was replaced at one time. I actually like the two tone look, it's a shame the scales will probably need to be replaced. It also came with the original coffin case, which is actually in great condition.

I plan on getting this professionally restored, cleaned and honed soon. In the mean time, here are some pics:

Great Find
It'll be an awesome shaver and looker.
Mike

Welcome to SRP. Great find for starters. AFAIC, if the scales have a few bug bites, a tight crack at the wedge end, and a good pivot pin area, I would leave the originals on there. Not everyone agrees with that approach but gussying up a 150 year old razor is only something I do when it is really necessary. I like it to be as original as possible. YMMV.

+1 to Jimmy
Clear Epoxy is your friend
Those would clean up beautifully IMHO
The pivot pins look good but the wedge end needs a bit of TLC

Thanks for the advice guys. The more I think about it I would like to keep the original scales. The pivot pins were a bit loose but I tightened them up a bit with a pin hammer and they are holding nice and tight now. Aside from the chips and slight crack at that wedge end they work fine. I've never worked with clear epoxy in any way before, so any advice on how to do that would be appreciated.

I cleaned up the blade a bit using wet sanding and it is looking pretty nice. I like a little patina to remain but it looks nice and clean. I don't dare try and hone it though, I not experienced enough yet. I'll leave that to an expert.

I've not done it myself but I hear that neatsfoot oil is great for rejuvenating horn scales. Some guys soak them, others wipe on, let set awhile and give a light buffing. Definitely a good idea to have an experienced honer do that part. Try member services in the SRP classifieds for a pro honing job.

Oh man, you have one of the most sought after razors there - I am looking to get one myself!
For a restore job, I'd send it to a guy known here as Maximilian (he's got a website Luxurious European Styled Bedding,Linens,Contemporary Throw Pillows,Baby Bedding,Papillon Linens). He is pretty much as good as they come.

this is very beautiful razor. i hoping one day finding for me one like this.

Hell of a find my friend. I too have had good luck at antique shops. Usually hit or miss and you gotta dig deep but every once in while you find a GEM. Nice snag........................

Great find! I hope you keep it as original as possible, patina is your friend ;-). As a tip remember to do any glue or epoxy repair work prior to a neatsfoot soak as nothing will stick right once the scales are rehydrated by the oil. Enjoy!