Thread: Wade & Butcher "For Barbers Only"

I have complained in the past about antique market sellers, and their ridiculous expectations in terms of pricing. This weekend was another fine example of that issue. First stop on our antiquing journey was Antiques on 48 who promised a large quantity of Straight Razors on hand. They did not lie. Sadly, the first blade I examined was a Keen Kutter that was split parallel to the spine for a length of over 1". It was a BARGAIN at $19.00. Sadly, the remainder of their merch was of similar defect, either damaged beyond repair and priced cheap, or with a reasonable expectation of salvage, but a premium price tag to boot. Which brings us to today and the Roadshow Antique Market on the 400 by Cookstown. A few past trips have brought disappointment and today was looking to be similarly fruitless. First bin had a lovely set of what looked very much like authentic tortoise shell scales for $42.00. Lest you think it was scales only, the blade inside was literally a 1/4" from spine to edge, with a slight taper from heel to toe. A Dubl Duck was on hand, but again, the blade was less than a 2/8 and the price asked was $75.00. Ridiculous, imo. Soldiering on, there were some promising Safety Razor items that looked worth a flutter for the prices asked, but all was saved by the last bin to be examined. I looked . . . and looked again. Those scales seem much bigger than most I have ever seen previous. I wonder . . . hello, sales? Please have someone open a cabinet for me? Thanks, I'll wait . . . HEY!!! Get away from that cabinet!!! I got here first, hipster . . . take your g/f and wander off.

Oh my, this is big . . . VERY BIG.

Didn't happen without pics.

Bob

I felt like a little kid at Christmas . . . the only drawback was the asking price, which seemed pretty steep. Seeking courage, I called MikeB52 for advice. His comments were steel to my spine, and this is the result . . . this one is staying as original as I can possibly keep it.

Great catch...a W&B and an FBO, doesn't get any better than that in my book - congrats!

Good job. That's a fine razor!

She's not perfect, and someone has treated her poorly in the past, but I am going to give her a lovely home, and some tender care, and she is going to shave just fine. Blade edge is fine, the scales have a couple cracks, and one gouge on the bottom, but are otherwise okay to my eye. The blade is a full 7/8 across the whole length of the spine. The biggest shame is the loss of whatever trademarks or insignia may have been on the blade. The biggest plus was being able to have the Sales staff get the seller to agree to 40% off the asking price.

Originally Posted by ChopperDave

Good job. That's a fine razor!

Cannot post pics in the OP. Look to the second post.

Originally Posted by BobH

Didn't happen without pics.

Bob

Did it happen now?

You misunderstood me though Orv, FBO actually stands for "For Bolton's Only" I will come take it off you to clear up the confusion.
Glad he worked with you on the $ and congrats on a lovely old find.. Will clean up and shave very well. Just ask Phrank,,

Originally Posted by MikeB52

You misunderstood me though Orv, FBO actually stands for "For Bolton's Only" I will come take it off you to clear up the confusion.
Glad he worked with you on the $ and congrats on a lovely old find.. Will clean up and shave very well. Just ask Phrank,,

Val would make that razor look like it just got put in the shop window 150 years ago in Sheffield...the steel on these razors is so soft, like shaving with silk, yet a close, perfect shave every time....very nice catch and in the wild as well!