Thread: Please advise on steps to restore this razor.

Hello folks,

I picked up this Wade & Butcher razor for cheap sight unseen. The seller claimed it was honed to "30,000 grit". I tried shaving with it, it catches on whiskers and then "pops" over them, leaving them still on my face. I don't know if it's because it's not sharp enough, or the bevel is wrong, I'm not too sure on the reason, all I know is it definitely isn't shave ready.

I've written it off, but to get my few dollars value out of it I would like to experiment with learning the process of restoring the razor. If I fail it won't be the end of the world, so why not look into it and see whether I can improve its condition! What I am looking for is advice on what steps I should take to restore the blade. Once I know the steps I will likely need to do, I can then go research each one and figure out how to do each one properly.

As for equipment, I have the following:

- Dremel
- Norton 4000/8000 stone
- Great set up for sanding (I do woodworking and have a tons of things that aid in sanding wood projects, electric sanders, paper, various implements for sanding effectively).

Thanks!

Here's some pictures:

What's there to restore? I'd just hone that sucker and put it to work. It looks like it's got a nice patina to it, maybe a couple of small stains, but I'd leave it. The scales look fine so why bother with those? If you want to get rid of the patina Maas will do that just fine. IMO you can - and should - keep all those power tools away from this one.

As for honing, you might have to reset the bevel, but I can't troubleshoot that for you. One of the more experienced guys will probably chime in for that. If you haven't done it yet, check the wiki for advice on honing.

If you really want to clean up the blade, please do not use dremel, you can easily damage the blade. Handsanding is most valuable first time experience, it takes time but you will learn a lot in the ways of bringing the blade to nice and shiny condition.

Sure no problem I was just listing the tools I have at my disposal. Seems like you guys don't see anything wrong with the metal, so I should just start investigating the honing process.

I'll re-watch the honing section on Lynn's DVD and then hit the wiki. Thanks!

I would be inclined to leave the blade as is. I like the patina of old razors, providing that rust isn't a problem. But, whatever you do, don't use a Dremel unless you're prepared to ruin the blade. I've done a fair amount of restoration work and I have to admit that I've ruined more than one straight razor. Now, I use a variable-speed buffer set at its lowest speed, or I hand-sand.

Add one more for "just hone it and start shaving."

I have done restorations on a number of blades at this point, but that's not one I'd bother with. That kind of patina on Sheffield steel is as good as blueing. It won't rust, won't affect function, and it looks very nice.

The only other option would be a total resto. The hone wear on the spine looks pretty uneven, but fixing that means regrinding the thing, which I would NOT suggest you learn to do on a nice old W&B. I'd learn on a $5 ebay special.

Originally Posted by BingoBango

What's there to restore? I'd just hone that sucker and put it to work. It looks like it's got a nice patina to it, maybe a couple of small stains, but I'd leave it. The scales look fine so why bother with those? If you want to get rid of the patina Maas will do that just fine. IMO you can - and should - keep all those power tools away from this one.

As for honing, you might have to reset the bevel, but I can't troubleshoot that for you. One of the more experienced guys will probably chime in for that. If you haven't done it yet, check the wiki for advice on honing.

I'm with you buddy, just hone it or have it honed. That patina is irreplaceable!!!

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I'm with you buddy, just hone it or have it honed. That patina is irreplaceable!!!

+1 here. That razor looks pretty sound. The bevel does look uneven, but from the one close up, the cutting edge looks to be in fair condition.

I realise this might sound like a silly question, but did you strop the razor before you tried shaving with it. I had a similiar experience with a razor I bought used. It was honed and shave ready. The blade had petina, the bevel was slightly uneven, and the first shave was less then comfortable. I gave it a few laps on the strop, and that razor shaved like a warm knife through butter.

The only logical conclusion I could make from this is that 1.) the razor hadn't been stropped post honing or 2.) since it wasn't coated with oil for shipping, some micro crud built up on the edge.

good luck

It was coated with oil for shipping and the package was very sound, so no likely damage from that.

I tried without stropping at first as some recommend, to get a feel for what the blade shaves like when freshly honed. After the bad experience I then did 60 careful laps on my strop. No improvement.

Just hone it then. Does it shave arm hairs at all?