Thread: New Member with New toys - opinions / info?

I've been lurking a few month and this is my first post. i got into wet shaving to save money...ha! I'm now addicted to antique stores.
I recently picked up 2 straights that I'd love help with. First one is stamped "Special A-1, Made in USA" nothing else. The box it came in says the same plus, "Warranted". Anyone know who made this or seen one before?
Second is stamped only "Wade & Butcher Corp" on the tang, on the scales is says Special with an arrow through it with the B in a circle and iron cross looking thing. Anyone know about this razor? I've scoured the internet, and it's the only Wade & Butcher I can find with that style tang stamp. The fonts different and most others say Sheffield, England ...etc.
Any help greatly appreciated.

There were tons of no name razors made that were for chain stores or larger stores and barber supply company. There are no real way of knowing exactly who made them. Made in the USA puts it as likely being a well made razor. I have yet to see a thread of anybody complaining about a less than stellar vintage US blade. They both appear to be in good condition. You should get them professionally honed, it is always the best way to start, and if you stick with only a handful of blades it is also the cheapest way to keep them sharp. The Wade and Butcher should also be a good razor as it is from a very reputable company. There is quite a bit of information on those here and on the web. STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Wade & Butcher, Sheffield.
this is a good read to start with.

No info for you. But those are both beautiful looking razors.

Thanks for the info and compliments. I like them both. Pretty much look like I found them in the Antique store. Just cleaned and soaked them in alcohol for a bit.
I think, I'll take RezDogs advice on one of them. I've been a knife guy my whole life and jumped in both feet with Straights. I have a small collection and a couple of them needed work to get shaving, including honing. The Wade & Butcher is frustrating me though. Every time I think I'm there -- I try a shave test and it fails.
The Special A1 gives a good shave through. My experience is they get better after the initial few shaves. Don't know if that is my honing ability, shaving technique or normal. But I've had the same experience with the few shave ready razors I've bought too. Anyway, if that is the case with this one, it will be a favorite in no time.