Thread: 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.





"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.





"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.





"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.





"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.





"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.

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.







"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.





and mine to follow...






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!






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

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

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

Wow nice you might just get my rad started up again

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.

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!

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.

Originally Posted by nycexit2

Wow nice you might just get my rad started up again

Only you can get your RAD started back up. =]

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!