Thread: whats the hype about

There is an element of 'fashion' in everything material in life. Right now W&B's are popular (in fashion), a lot of people want a big, shiny, chopper W&B. It's kind of the sexy red sports car of straights. I have one W&B in my small collection and like it a lot, but not above any of the others. They bring a relatively high price for a reason, they are good shavers and lots of people want them! Of course there are other razors that will shave as well, but they just don't have the name recognition and appeal to the masses. No one knows why!

I love the Sheffield steel. I too wouldnt say WB is better than other old English brands.

I would say between then being one of the largest manufactures of yesterday, there are a lot of these reliable blades out there making it a well recognized, trusted label. And it doesn't hurt that "Wade and Butcher" is a cool name for a razor.

ps, looks like a handsome blade, but dertails hard to see in the image. It may have the original bullseye washers. If so, try not to damage them during disassembly. I don't know that I would want to use them with olive wood scales, but you may come across a future project you wish to use them with.

I started out four months ago with straight razors. Certain names and brands kept being mentioned on SRP as "really good shavers.". In addition to Wade & Butcher, a few other names were Boker, Geo. Wostenholm, dubl duck, Solingen, Heljestrand, Thiers-Issard, Le Grelot P-Hospital, Dovo, Henckels, Case Red Imp, Hart Steel, Filarmonica, and Torrey.

I have a total of 25 razors, all in rotation. I find all of them give me a good shave and I enjoy using a variety of brands, styles, and sizes. I have yet to capture a Filarmonica because the entry price is just too great for my billfold.

For smoothness and comfort, the best two are a 5/8 Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated" and a 5/8 Wostenholm "Original Pipe Razor." These two razors just feel great on the skin. For me, I would rate these two as superior razors.

I have a Heljestrand No. 6 and - Heljestrand MK 24. Both of these are excellent but provide a totally different feel compared to the Sheffield razors. They seem to have a sharper feeling to the edge as it glides over the face.

What are my current favorite razors? A older 5/8 Le Grelot P-Hospital Medaille d'or Paris, 1931 and a new 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot, 2011. These provide the best all-around shave of all my razors. They are sharp and fast like a Porsche and smooth and comfortable like a Mercedes E-350. Both of these seem to be a natural extension of my hand. They just feel "right."

I have discovered that, if correctly honed, all of my razors can provide an "A" shave. The choice to love a particular razor is more involved and subjective. I am fickle because I truly love whatever razor is in my hand at the moment.

Only you can decide how much is too much to pay for a given razor. I only buy razors that I plan to use so I stay away from the really high priced "collectors" items. Remember, fads come and go. Don't be afraid to be patient. There will always be another razor.

Happy Shaving.

Patience?! I knew I had forgotten something!

Grats on what appears to be a nice score! I think I have a W&B exactly like that one. Hard to tell from the pics, the photographer seems to have used a light box without any added light Mine is a great shaver, I trust you won't be disappointed.

I don't think it's as much hype as just being a widely recognized name. I'm not partial to the name itself but I will say that I'm selling all but two of my straights, one of Which happens to be a W&B. (Celebrated Feather Edge)
Wishing you the best of shaves with yours :-)

Well it arived today. I can't believe the condition its in considering the pictures, I was expecting it to have atleast some issues but nothing but patina! It has even bevel and hone wear on both sides. I also wasn't expecting it to be as wide as it is, was thinking maybe 6/8" from pics. It is a true wedge and it measures 30/32 of an inch. It has an eagle with a flying flag on each side, it has writing underneath, from what I can make out it says "FREEDOM PROTECTED". Needless to say I'm very happy with this purchase, and I'm looking forward to honing it up and shaving with it.

Regards
Louis.

where did that W&B come from?? I didn't see that on the bay april 10, and I've been looking...ten dollars! That razor'd be in my pocket right now...lol anyways, enjoy! You just got a STEAL my friend!