RAD binge

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03-12-2012, 06:40 AM
hitmanca07

10 Attachment(s)

RAD binge

Well, the last couple of weeks has been a RADical one. I acquired a number of razors off Fleabay, some of which were in nice condition, and some of which are in need of some TLC. But, all of which I think can be returned to glory. And I have to say, I think I made out quite well. Obviously not without having to become informed, and at some risk of being burned, but nonetheless very worth the risk taken. In the interest of only improving through the length of this article, I'll go from worst condition to best.

No name Wade & Butcher 11/16. Square point.It also has a cool diamond style point to it. The horn scales were completely trashed, so I took the liberty
of liberating this otherwise beautiful blade from them.

Attachment 92479 Attachment 92480

"Silver King" - Wilbert Cutlery Chicago 5/8. French point? (correct me if I'm wrong, I've got a few in this post) This one Has quite a bit of pitting and patina. Unfortunately if it's restored, the etching on the blade will be gone. But at least I did the research on this razor and was able to find out what the model is for my own personal gratification. Scales are in great shape.

Attachment 92481

"John Jay" - Custom Boker? 5/8. French point.Not sure if this is an actual Boker or not... "John Jay" is etched into the blade itself as well as the tang covers. Unfortunately though, the tang cover that is showing is broken... Not sure if that can be fixed, because I feel it would be nice to keep as a piece of the razors history. Otherwise, the blade itself and the scales are in nice condition.

Attachment 92482 Attachment 92483

"Full Double Concave" #52 - J.R. Torrey 5/8. French point.I'm for some reason drawn to Torreys. This is one is in fairly good condition. A couple tiny chips in the blade that should come out no problem. The tang covers are nice, very minor surface stains. And just one pin that needs replacing. Scales are also in great shape. I can't wait to get this one restored.

Attachment 92484

"Peerless" - Geo. Wostenholm & SON 5/8. Round point. The blade is in very nice condition with only one little ding in the bevel. Also a couple minor stains on the blade which I'm not really too worried about. The etching in the blade is still very visible. The scales are in great condition. I think just a minor buffing, and a date with some hones and this should be ready to go.

Attachment 92485 Attachment 92486 Attachment 92487

"Owen's Best Fully Warranted" 6/8. Square point. This one is actually out for restoration right now. It has one broken scale. Gonna see if it can be salvaged but otherwise I'll be getting some wicked exotic wood scales to match.

Seeing as how I'm unaware of the 10 attachment limit, I'll just throw up another post to continue the RAD fun.
03-12-2012, 07:33 AM
hitmanca07

10 Attachment(s)

RAD binge continued

Cont'd...

The Owen's best that is out for restoration. Square point 6/8.
All the rust is basically on the tang end, which I removed before sending it out. Just to see how bad the damage was, which I do with all my razor acquisitions. There was just some minor pitting on the tang. I think it's going to turn out quite nice.

Attachment 92489
Attachment 92490
Attachment 92491

"Guaranteed" - J.R. Torrey 5/8. Square point.
This one is my favorite, visually speaking. I took a huge risk on this, but was rewarded beyond belief. The next two pictures are the ones on the ebay post. I didn't have much to go off of. The seller said it was in decent condition but wasn't shave ready. Also went on to say it could be honed for an additional fee. Sure, it could be touched up on a pasted strop (if I ever get one), but I stropped it up and it shaved just as well as my brand new Dovo. Here's the Fleabay pictures, with mine to follow.

Attachment 92492
Attachment 92493

and mine to follow...

Attachment 92494
Attachment 92495
Attachment 92496

The scales are stunning, I think.

No name Wade & Butcher 6/8. Square point. Now this... This is my favorite shaver. You all probably know... One of 'those' that just flows like air. It's glorious. Custom green marcian masure birch burl scales lined with gaboon ebony and an ivory (supposedly) wedge. But hey, this isn't about the wedge, it's about the razor!

Attachment 92497
Attachment 92498

I've also got a few others on the way. I'll post pictures later, but here's the list of "yet to arrive"

Red Point Razor #684 - Good condition
"ORYX" Extra Hollow Ground - Greer & Laing - Good restored condition
"Cowboy" - made from a Friodur blank 7/8 - brand new (Thanks Manfred)
"Ebro" The Celebrated Hollow Ground - J. Wostenholm - totally restored with custom buckeye burl scales

I think that's something like a dozen razors in a 2-3 weeks time frame. Yikes. But I haven't been so excited since I was just a wee little guy. Time to be content for now, otherwise I may bankrupt myself. But I've got a plan to satisfy my RAD on the cheap cheap every couple of weeks. Whipped Dog's "Sight unseen" deal. 25 bucks for a shave ready?? There's no way it could be anything but a positive!

Cheers and goodnight SRP
Chris
03-12-2012, 02:48 PM
Speedster

I also love those scales on the Torrey...quite striking! :)
03-12-2012, 04:12 PM
jay88

That wade and butcher is just crazy nice! those green scales are awesome
03-12-2012, 04:56 PM
nycexit2

Wow nice you might just get my rad started up again
03-13-2012, 04:49 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedster

I also love those scales on the Torrey...quite striking! :)

When I first read this, I thought you said you "have those scales on your Torrey". But yes, they're even better appreciated in person. Definitely the originals from what I can see. Very unique as well. I didn't even see the turquoise? lining with the ebay pictures, so it was definitely a nice surprise.
03-13-2012, 04:53 AM
BenjamanBarker

great finds you have there!!!! the last W&B does in fact have pre-ban ivory wedge.....i know the seller and have bought from him him before (lives around me) i love the wood he used for that one when i saw it at his place!
03-13-2012, 04:55 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay88

That wade and butcher is just crazy nice! those green scales are awesome

Yea, that's what sold me. I had scoped the razor on the bay and 'watched' it for two days. I even told myself I didn't 'need' it, and walked away from it. Then I saw those entrancing scales again, and I just had to have it. I made an offer, and it was mine all mine!!! I've got a Wosty EBRO coming in from the same guy with buckeye burl scales. It should (hopefully) be here tomorrow, I'll post pics of it then. And another razor out to him for restore, which i'm thinking of just scrapping the boring original black plastic? scales to go with some black and white ebony wood scales.
03-13-2012, 04:56 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycexit2

Wow nice you might just get my rad started up again

Only you can get your RAD started back up. =]
03-13-2012, 05:01 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

great finds you have there!!!! the last W&B does in fact have pre-ban ivory wedge.....i know the seller and have bought from him him before (lives around me) i love the wood he used for that one when i saw it at his place!

That's nice to know about the wedge. Yea, he does amazing work! He lives a hop and a skip away from me too, which made me feel a little better about sending a razor out into the nether reaches of the wilderness. Glad to see we have some members from Chicago/burbs. I thought I was the only one!
03-13-2012, 05:10 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

That's nice to know about the wedge. Yea, he does amazing work! He lives a hop and a skip away from me too, which made me feel a little better about sending a razor out into the nether reaches of the wilderness. Glad to see we have some members from Chicago/burbs. I thought I was the only one!

Nice! i didn't even look to see you were in chicagoland.....where you located?? yeah i bought my coti from him! and it took all my strength not to buy a bunch of the razors he showed me when i picked it up!
03-13-2012, 05:27 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

Nice! i didn't even look to see you were in chicagoland.....where you located?? yeah i bought my coti from him! and it took all my strength not to buy a bunch of the razors he showed me when i picked it up!

Aurora/Naperville area. What about you? ....I'm actually holding back from buying hones as long as possible. It's tough because I want to just dive right in head first. But those can be the most expensive AD so I'm being good for now.
03-13-2012, 06:12 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

Aurora/Naperville area. What about you? ....I'm actually holding back from buying hones as long as possible. It's tough because I want to just dive right in head first. But those can be the most expensive AD so I'm being good for now.

i live in the city but work out in Oakbrook.......my fiance is actually working out in Aurora at the Paramount theatre......and yes the HAD can be a BAD one i luckly haven't been bitten to bad by it YET but mostly bc the ones i wish i had are out of my price range for now since i am buying a house!
03-13-2012, 11:36 PM
Wullie

BAD?

Beer Acquisition Disorder?

Guilty as charged sir.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ERMANS/mf1.jpg
03-13-2012, 11:56 PM
sharptonn

LOOK! There's Wullie and Micky! :D
03-14-2012, 01:30 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

i live in the city but work out in Oakbrook.......my fiance is actually working out in Aurora at the Paramount theatre......and yes the HAD can be a BAD one i luckly haven't been bitten to bad by it YET but mostly bc the ones i wish i had are out of my price range for now since i am buying a house!

Cool, I know Paramount! Does she do theatre? I'm almost thinking of starting a thread asking which hones people think I should get. I know the Nortons are cool as a starter set, and the Naniwas are "made" for straight razors... But I'm not sure if just those stones can attain the kind of edge I want. And I don't feel like upgrading several times to find the right combination of stones. That's awesome! Good luck on that adventure! I'm far from owning my own home, but I can imagine it will be a great feeling.
03-14-2012, 01:31 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wullie

BAD?

Beer Acquisition Disorder?

Guilty as charged sir.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ERMANS/mf1.jpg

Dare I ask... Where do you get these wild photos?
03-14-2012, 01:35 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

Cool, I know Paramount! Does she do theatre? I'm almost thinking of starting a thread asking which hones people think I should get. I know the Nortons are cool as a starter set, and the Naniwas are "made" for straight razors... But I'm not sure if just those stones can attain the kind of edge I want. And I don't feel like upgrading several times to find the right combination of stones. That's awesome! Good luck on that adventure! I'm far from owning my own home, but I can imagine it will be a great feeling.

Yeah we are both in the theatre industry..i work at drury lane! as for the hones take a look at THIS thread....you'd be surprised how good an edge you can get of the 8k and it will save you from buying $1k+ in stones right off the bat!
03-14-2012, 02:06 AM
hitmanca07

8 Attachment(s)

Dos mas as promised

As promised, I am posting pictures of two more acquisitions... I've got one out for restore, and one more on the way from Germany. Soon my custom 7 day set will be complete, and I will share the glory with you all.

"ORYX" "Our Unrivalled Extra Hollow Ground" - Greer & Laing
This has been very lightly restored. I really like that it's in very good condition considering it shows some wear and tear. But hey, that's what gives this razor CHARACTER!

Attachment 92617
Attachment 92618

A tiny tree symbol stamped on the tang. Not sure what or when this represents. But very cool nonetheless.

Attachment 92619

"The Celebrated" Geo. Wostenholm & Sons
The workmanship on this blade is amazing. The scales speak for themselves, and the black resin? that is inlayed in the blade stamping really brings out how well this blade must have been cared for in the past. Very deep blade stamp. This is my first full wedge, barbers notch and Wosty. All wrapped up into one. I can't wait to see how it shaves. I hope it's as buttery of a shaver as it looks.

Attachment 92624
Attachment 92625
Attachment 92626
Attachment 92627
Attachment 92628
03-14-2012, 02:09 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

Yeah we are both in the theatre industry..i work at drury lane! as for the hones take a look at THIS thread....you'd be surprised how good an edge you can get of the 8k and it will save you from buying $1k+ in stones right off the bat!

That's very cool! I've unfortunately never been to a live theatre performance, but have always been curious. And you've got to be kidding... I would have expected to maybe spend a few hundred at most by putting together a mix matched set as opposed to getting the Norton or Naniwas. Damn, guess I really just am clueless in the hone department.
03-14-2012, 02:12 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

That's very cool! I've unfortunately never been to a live theatre performance, but have always been curious. And you've got to be kidding... I would have expected to maybe spend a few hundred at most by putting together a mix matched set as opposed to getting the Norton or Naniwas. Damn, guess I really just am clueless in the hone department.

oh no you can do it for a few hundred....but thats before RAD hits and thats when it could EASILY get past the hundreds!!!
and if you want to go to paramount or drury lane shot me a PM and we can get you tickets.
03-14-2012, 02:45 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

oh no you can do it for a few hundred....but thats before RAD hits and thats when it could EASILY get past the hundreds!!!
and if you want to go to paramount or drury lane shot me a PM and we can get you tickets.

Yea, I was thinking of going with the superstones, but give me a week to read through that monstrous thread, and maybe I'll have changed my mind! LOL. And that'd be excellent, I'll take you up on that soon enough! Just as soon as I can get a breather from work. It's been unbelievable lately. Do you have any suggestions on plays to see? I've never been, so I'm not sure I would even know what I might like.
03-14-2012, 03:07 AM
epd

That tiny tee appears to be a boker tree, also the etch on that blade looks similar to the "king cutter" etch.. If your not familiar search boker king cutter, very popular blade.
03-14-2012, 03:30 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by epd

That tiny tee appears to be a boker tree, also the etch on that blade looks similar to the "king cutter" etch.. If your not familiar search boker king cutter, very popular blade.

I actually was looking at some thread on Norton hones, and I noticed somebody's Boker... It is the same exact tree. And I looked up the king cutter, and it is in fact the exact same etching. I'm wondering if Greer and Laing were part of Boker, or associated with them at some point?
03-14-2012, 04:25 AM
Wullie

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

I actually was looking at some thread on Norton hones, and I noticed somebody's Boker... It is the same exact tree. And I looked up the king cutter, and it is in fact the exact same etching. I'm wondering if Greer and Laing were part of Boker, or associated with them at some point?

Possibly Greer and Laing contracted Boker to make the razor with their name on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

Dare I ask... Where do you get these wild photos?

What wild photos?
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...80_678681a.jpg

I have WPAD

( wild photo acquisition disorder )
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...during_-11.jpg
03-14-2012, 04:29 AM
LaneAtomic

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

Yeah we are both in the theatre industry..i work at drury lane! as for the hones take a look at THIS thread....you'd be surprised how good an edge you can get of the 8k and it will save you from buying $1k+ in stones right off the bat!

I am pretty sure my cousin used to do shows at Drury Lane. Lake Zurich, here. :)
03-14-2012, 04:38 AM
hitmanca07

Anybody know if there are any local Chicago meets coming up????
03-14-2012, 06:35 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneAtomic

I am pretty sure my cousin used to do shows at Drury Lane. Lake Zurich, here. :)

Who's your cousin and how long ago?
03-14-2012, 06:37 AM
BenjamanBarker

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

Anybody know if there are any local Chicago meets coming up????

I put a thing in the meet-ups and get-together section a few days ago but I don't know if any reads that HAHAHAHA :) but there should be or we should try and plan one!! At least a say hello kind of thing (drinks, dinner, etc...) at the very least!
03-14-2012, 05:09 PM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

I put a thing in the meet-ups and get-together section a few days ago but I don't know if any reads that HAHAHAHA :) but there should be or we should try and plan one!! At least a say hello kind of thing (drinks, dinner, etc...) at the very least!

Yea I never knew there was such a section hahaha. What sub-sub-category is that in?
03-14-2012, 06:54 PM
sleekandsmooth

sure was a bender lol...very nice razors you picked up! can't wait to see what you do with the w&b no name
03-15-2012, 12:14 AM
Wullie

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

As promised, I am posting pictures of two more acquisitions... I've got one out for restore, and one more on the way from Germany. Soon my custom 7 day set will be complete, and I will share the glory with you all.

A tiny tree symbol stamped on the tang. Not sure what or when this represents. But very cool nonetheless.

"The Celebrated" Geo. Wostenholm & Sons
The workmanship on this blade is amazing. The scales speak for themselves, and the black resin? that is inlayed in the blade stamping really brings out how well this blade must have been cared for in the past. Very deep blade stamp. This is my first full wedge, barbers notch and Wosty. All wrapped up into one. I can't wait to see how it shaves. I hope it's as buttery of a shaver as it looks.

That would a Joseph Wostenholm and Sons razor rather than a George. It's a fine looking razor and ought to be smooth shaver.

Link stolen from MANAH;
STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Joseph Wostenholm & Sons, Sheffield.
03-15-2012, 02:50 AM
TwistedOak

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

That's nice to know about the wedge. Yea, he does amazing work! He lives a hop and a skip away from me too, which made me feel a little better about sending a razor out into the nether reaches of the wilderness. Glad to see we have some members from Chicago/burbs. I thought I was the only one!

Hey I'm in the city too!
03-15-2012, 04:57 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

sure was a bender lol...very nice razors you picked up! can't wait to see what you do with the w&b no name

I've got some ideas. I'm really bouncing around with ideas for the Owen's Best project already, I'm having trouble settling on a scale material... But maybe I'll do some super fun exotic scales with the Butcher.
03-15-2012, 01:59 PM
syslight

Quote:

Originally Posted by epd

That tiny tee appears to be a boker tree, also the etch on that blade looks similar to the "king cutter" etch.. If your not familiar search boker king cutter, very popular blade.

well maybe not a king cutter, but a boker "unrivalled" an excellent razor. i have three razors that have that tree on them and a different brand name than boker... but they all look like and hone and shave like bokers, so i consider them as such.
03-16-2012, 01:54 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wullie

That would a Joseph Wostenholm and Sons razor rather than a George. It's a fine looking razor and ought to be smooth shaver.

Link stolen from MANAH;
STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Joseph Wostenholm & Sons, Sheffield.

Oooohhhh good catch Wullie! I thought all Wostys were George Wosty. Apart from that, it was the second smoothest shave I had. I can't wait til I prep fully/properly to shave with it. I'm turning into a big Sheffield fan. I guess I really don't have any experience with any old Solingen blades, but seriously, who said Solingen was the "City of Blades"? Cuz I'd really like to have a discussion with that person about that particular statement.
03-16-2012, 01:56 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

Hey I'm in the city too!

We all really need to figure out about a meet & greet. Ben, you never said what dark deep crevice of SRP that forum for meets was?
03-16-2012, 02:01 AM
hitmanca07

Quote:

Originally Posted by syslight

well maybe not a king cutter, but a boker "unrivalled" an excellent razor. i have three razors that have that tree on them and a different brand name than boker... but they all look like and hone and shave like bokers, so i consider them as such.

I just shaved with the Ebro, and as expected, it was unbelievable. I'll probably take the ONYX for a spin Saturday. I love this hobby.
03-16-2012, 02:13 AM
TwistedOak

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmanca07

We all really need to figure out about a meet & greet. Ben, you never said what dark deep crevice of SRP that forum for meets was?

There was an awesome get together at the Palmer House sponsored by Merz Apothecary and some other vendors. Unfortunately I couldn't make it but I am looking forward to the next time they have one.