Thread: Shaving with a Wade and Butcher

A while ago I picked up a Wade and Butcher on ebay. It wasn't in great shape, but I sanded out as much of the pitting as I could without ruining the engraving. I recently sent it to Lynn for honing and he did an amazing job. This was no easy task since there was a bow in the middle of the shaving edge. Anyway, I shaved with it for the first time this morning and it was very cool to be shaving with a razor that is estimated to be about 130 years old.
Just thought I would share that with you.

I too am a fellow W&B owner. I share your same feelings.

Pics?

*EDIT*
THE FORUM GODS HAVE DECREED THAT:
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Hope it works now.

I love my W&B, you have many great shaves to look forward to!

Don't have pictures right now. Will try to get them up next week.
Thanks.

I have two W&B's , one is from the 1820's to 30's. I keep it put away. The other I shave with.

I started last week, I'm too new to say if it's a great shaver.

After reading your post, I shaved with my W&B 6/8 "The Celebrated."

It was a wonderful shave. The Celebrated and my Wolstenholm "Pipe" provide the smoothest and most comfortable shaves I have experienced. Something about the Sheffield steel and their heavy weight make them special.

Thanks for the enthusiastic share

For me, what you describe is one of my biggest draws to this hobby.

Taking a neglected old piece of steel, and bringing it back to life is very special. Many antiques may restore to be a nice show piece. They may have charm, but typicaly its modern technology replacement performs better.

A straight razor is different. It can be brought back and used everyday again. It's even better that they do their single purpose better than today's modern technology replacement.

I am drawn to the nostalgia, but if it wasn't for the superior performance of the straight, I wouldn't be passionate about them

The "bow in the middle" is called a smile (or smiling blade), and though it can make honing more difficult they are fantastic for shaving hollows, such as those around the neck.

Sounds like you're having fun so far - that's the most important part.

A "bow" can also refer to a frown or warped spine. All can be challenging to hone