Thread: Help please... How do these rate? W&B FBU + George Wostenholm

Hi, Picked up these on eBay, dont know much about them except I see the brands mentioned often, especially the "for barbers use".

Im not sure of the models out there how these rate for quality/collectability etc. One is almost restored already the other needs restoring. I bought the W&B for $200US and the GW for $30US plus delivery.







With the GW, Im not sure whether to attempt to restore it myself, haven't ever tried before, and will give it a go if its a cheap common model, but if its decent I may send out for restoration.
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Thanks in advance for your assistance. Andrew

Also, I would like recommendations on what to select for new scales, to get as close to original as possible? Horn? If so, any particular type I should seek?

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Also, I would like recommendations on what to select for new scales, to get as close to original as possible? Horn? If so, any particular type I should seek?

Buffalo horn is what is used for scales, colors vary.

On your previous question, your vintage razors are all good razors, the price you payed for the WB vs the others has nothing to do with the cheapness or how common the the model is.

Scale material is usually black buffalo horn with stacked brass washers and brass pins and probably a lead wedge, the original wedge can be reused.

We don't do valuations on the open forum, at least not beyond "it's worth whatever you think it is". W&B has high collectibility since a couple of years and is therefore very expensive, it used to be pretty cheap before my days.

So you are the one that out bid me on the WB...... Haha well enjoy. Now like laurens said we don't really do appraisals on razors out here but seems like you have some nice fine blades there. I tell you what too, wostenholms are some of my favorites!

lol. Sorry to outbid you...

I was just keen on getting a nice vintage blade to use, as I only have a sight unseen razor from larry and a couple of new razors on order / in transit. I may have paid more than its worth, but it was worth the $ to me. I suspect the GW was a good price if it cleans up and shaves well.

Hehehe, I was watching that WB too, but decided to keep my powder dry for the one that ended a little later:



Surprised it cost me more. Yours is a taller blade but mine is more of a wedge. I like the rounder point as well.
We both paid a premium for very desirable blades, they look great now and will only get better regardless of how much restoration is done to the steel or whether you go traditional black horn or something more colorful for scales.
I don't know anything about the GW, but the price says a lot. I'd think it a good starter project as it looks to need a lot of work which translates into a lot of experience. If something goes a little wrong, no great loss.

It's all good! It's just part of the game! Plus I was just joking with you. All I have to say though is watch out for that square point. It'll sneak up on you and bite you. Now if you are looking for scale material I would check out robsbits on eBay. I am not affiliated with him but have bought from him MANY times and he has always done me right.

Originally Posted by Hart

Hehehe, I was watching that WB too, but decided to keep my powder dry for the one that ended a little later:



Surprised it cost me more. Yours is a taller blade but mine is more of a wedge. I like the rounder point as well.
We both paid a premium for very desirable blades, they look great now and will only get better regardless of how much restoration is done to the steel or whether you go traditional black horn or something more colorful for scales.
I don't know anything about the GW, but the price says a lot. I'd think it a good starter project as it looks to need a lot of work which translates into a lot of experience. If something goes a little wrong, no great loss.

I think I saw that one, which is a beautiful razor, but from memory they wouldn't ship to Australia?

I know its probably not the done thing, but I was going to have the point bluntened slightly, just to the point it could be brought back if required but to be a little more forgiving. I requested the same thing for a Robert Williams custom I ordered, came in french point but they are blunting the tip slightly but can be brought back with a re-hone.

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

I think I saw that one, which is a beautiful razor, but from memory they wouldn't ship to Australia?

I know its probably not the done thing, but I was going to have the point bluntened slightly, just to the point it could be brought back if required but to be a little more forgiving. I requested the same thing for a Robert Williams custom I ordered, came in french point but they are blunting the tip slightly but can be brought back with a re-hone.

This has come up before, the purists will shout NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, but as I understand it, if it is carried out correctly it isn't a big deal to fix afterwards, and if you are more comfortable shaving with it muted then why not, I shaved with a square point tonight that a friend lent me, it bit me.about 3 times, not badly but enough to be annoying, I have used it since last Thursday without incident until tonight.