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Went by my buddies shop early this morning. Pulled this old, familiar shaped box out from the bottom of another big ol' box............
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Attachment 172290
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4...ps70c0e4b0.jpg
Went by my buddies shop early this morning. Pulled this old, familiar shaped box out from the bottom of another big ol' box............
And found this little gem inside! It's an awesome looking Sheffield that gives me a bit of an inferiority complex due to it's size and absolutely menacing good looks! If I could somehow wear this badass little piece as a pocket knife I most surely would!
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Now for the real back story for the many who do not know. My friend that I snagged this from this morning has a box full of old razors and barbering equipment that belonged to his grandfather who started his career back in 1918 and worked until the some time in the 80's. He has been kind enough to let me root through his collection of razors and breathe a little new life into them so long as they are never sold, traded or otherwise leaving my possession. Hell, fair enough for me. Our deal is that I get a 7 day rotation of granddads razors and if I tire of one or want to try something else I have to "trade" one in. Works for me! I have free reign to do as I want to them. Either restore, refurbish or just leave as is. I guess he trusts my sometimes questionable judgement!
So now on to the big question at hand. Do I leave it alone, shave ready it or do I have absolute freedom to do what I want to it (within reason)? At the very least it needs a good cleaning, light honing and a general once over before she will be shave ready. Now I have seen some absolutely incredible examples of restored razors and some that have been left completely as found wearing the battle scars with pride. I feel as though this little gem has some incredible character as-is and would hate to ruin its value or appeal by doing something "wrong" to it. By no means do I consider myself a collector, more of an enthusiast and steward of all things that have earned their patina, scuffs and scars. A little input would be greatly appreciated everyone.
NAES
That's a beautiful blade, a Wade and Butcher 13/16 frame back, a very nice, somewhat hard to find razor.
The one I have has lost the etching, and the scales were shot. I had mine restored and some custom scales put on in black Buffalo horn.
Here's your exact blade, all cleaned up.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...lemans-den.jpg
My two cents...
Light cleaning and honing.
My first reaction is that as they are effectively on loan, doing the minimum would be the way to go, maybe a light clean and hone.
If your friend ever does want to sell them etc, having patina and original scales would potentially make it worth more to a collector, and someone who wants bling can polish the heck out of it and put glittery acrylic scales on if they want too.
Ya, I am with Ed. (did I just say that?:D) Scrub good, hand polish with some Maas or other polish, neetsfoot oil on the scales, tighten the pivot, hone and shave. It is his legacy he is sharing, so respect them the way they are if possible.
Sanitize it, hone it, use it with a smile. And stop punishing me with the story of that box of razors just sitting there :<0)
Phrank, you have your drool bucket handy eh ?
Oh yeah...feel like I'm in a Dicken's novel, getting visited every time I come here with more W&B's from the past!Quote:
Originally Posted by 10Pups
Oh how I love those w&b frameback razors... nice find!
