OMG I got a W&B??

Tell me guys, does it look like I did OK?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...EOIBSA:US:1123

looks to be a 5/8th barber's notch full/medium hollow usually etched into the side of the blade. its got some honewear and its a bit beat up. that being said, its definitely workable. will take some heavier grit sandpaper to get thru the rust/gunk and then work your way up. it should end up being pretty and most definitely will be heavy for a 5/8th. take your time and get it up and running nice.

i've never seen scales like that on a WnB. i'd guess they aren't original and just replacement ones pinned on becuase the originals broke or got worm/moth holes in them. if the blade turns out snazy, make a set of scales for it and then you'll be enjoyin the good life.

~J

Shoot, I liked the scales and HOPED they were originals. Oh well, the price wasn't too bad I hope.

The price isn't that bad, really.

As jscott said, there's definitely some visible hone wear and grime from years of not being used (likely). I agree that it's a workable razor and that you can make a great shaver out of it.

In the future, if you see a razor with visible hone wear from frequent use (or maybe just inexperienced sharpening), consider that it will impact smaller razors (4/8 and 5/8 ones) a lot more than it will say, 6/8 to 8/8's, simply because with the larger ones you can always take it to a coarse hone or a grinder and level off the edge or create a new bevel and still have plenty of blade left. It's possible to do the same with smaller razors, of course, but just more difficult. Think of them like wooden pencils. Once they're down to nubs, it gets pretty difficult to write with and to sharpen.

But yeah, just take some light auto sand paper to this razor (if it requires it after a good polish), working your way from slightly rough grits to very fine and you'll end up with a very bright finish. Probably more of a "brush" metal finish, which is just fine. You don't need it to look like a mirror.

I just got my first W&B in a group of 5, Actually it turned out much bettern' the picture:D
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=009

Here's a few pics
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...t505/wb001.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...t505/wb007.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...t505/wb002.jpg