Thread: A teeny tiny blade, for Barbers Use (W&B)

Good morning everyone!

Yesterday, while I was taking my occasional tour on eBay, convinced that I was out of reach from any irrepressible "need" to buy a new razor, I fond myself face to face with that raw piece of cutlery :



I hesitated some forever lasting minutes, trying to find any flaws on the blade, or even a crack on the scales that would require to replace them - nothing. I don't really need another razor, not at all actually; and though my love for fine craftsmanship in all its shapes is always there, by my ear, telling me to widen my modest collection - I especially didn't want to spend on another Sheffield wedge.

Anyways, I haven't pleased myself for long enough now. And the kamisori which I was longing to get as the new addition to my den, will still be made for long years (unless some tragic happening).

So, I click "commit to buy" and wipe it off the bay. Half nervous, half crazy happy I spend he night. But the thing is : I don't know anything on that unusual razor! I like that it looks so brutal, in its shape (spiky barber's notch, fat ancient-looking tang), in its state (old horn and nice pretty uniform patina) but also its stamp (minimalist and clearly states all you want to hear).

So here's my question, messieurs : have you ever seen a such oddity? Do you have any clue on which period/production it comes from?

The history of razor makers is captivating, and I've started to educate a little bit on that. Still, it's such a wide subject, I'm nothing but a newbie. I'd really appreciate if the most knowledgable of you could help me with that one.

Thank you so much,
Benjamin

P.S. : more photos :

Real nice W&B, Betting 1850s ..... I would have gone for it too if I'd have seen it ..... that is probably why I quit looking.

That looks earlier than the W&B FBU blades I have. Can someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but are the older blades closer to a wedge and the newer ones hollowed? I have a couple and the ones that are more wedgelike (I think I made a new word) seem to be older. The newer looking one is more hollowed.

Beautiful blade btw!!!

Thank you for your fast answer!

Jimmy : haha yeah, I tried to quit ebay, but well, you know, at a certain point it becomes an automatism; your fingers enter the address on their own (true story). BTW, I like your avatar. In french, I say "caca de taureau", which literally means bullsh*t... Anyways, nothing extraordinary, I just though the connection was funny...

Jcsixx : it's the same for me, and my reason for asking your guys. I feel there's something special on that one. I've seen wedge FBU if I recall correctly, but never with a such "raw" tang, writings on it, and "spiky" barbers' notch...

Looks quite similar to this 7/8 W&B I just had restored.

Yes indeed! Thank you for the photos

How does it shave?

@MagikFlea, what is the length of the blade and of the scales?
I was speaking with @larryandro on Monday about a similar device.
I have a friend with a device with a blade that looks like an SR, but the blade has no extension and the scales look like a traditional single-bladed Buck knife.
I will try to get pics if I see him this weekend.

-Griff

Oh man, it's been a while. Sorry for the late answer. The blade in 5 3/4" long, tang included, and the scales 6" long!