W&B blade width mystery

I lucked out with a lot of three eBay razors, and the "Sheffield" that was listed turned out to be a Wade & Butcher. It's in need of some TLC--the blade was rusted and pitted in places. It's looking better after a few hours of 220 sandpaper...

The scales aren't in great shape: they seem like they're some type of horn, but they're chipped and I don't particularly care for the color. So I want to order replacement scales.

But I'm not sure if the blade is a 6/8 or a 7/8. When I measure from the back of the spine, the edge falls at 13/16". There was some hone wear on the spine, but not so much that I'd guess it had lost a whole 1/16". What width is this considered?

The replacement Dovo scales at classicshaving.com are for blades up to 6/8. Will they fit this W&B blade? Or should I order some of the custom scales that are advertised here?

This will never be a work of art; I'm hoping to put a satin finish on it and get some medium brown wood scales.

There's no shame in calling the razor 13/16. If, like me, you prefer to simplify I'd say you have to say 6/8 as it's a wide 6/8 since 7/8 would be misleading. The real test of how wide the razor was meant to be is in the breadth of the spine. An intended 6/8 will be only slightly broader than a 5/8 whereas a 7/8 will be noticeably so.

As for the scales .. it's a matter of 'to each his own', but you might be a fool not to take up the custom scales offered by our members. They are hand made with care and artistry. You'll cherrish and appreciate them much more than those Dovo scales, I'm certain. While slimmer scales will likely fit, something a little wider will look nicer.

X

couple things:

- you can start on the razor with 100 or 120 sandpaper. it makes it so much easier and then follow that up with 220 and up and up and up and it will come out mirrorish. it just allows you to get at the gunk faster by starting more coarse.

- i would 100% agree with Xman in that you should take advantage of custom scales by members here. i know that Garythepenman has offered his services for 30$ish. thats a great deal and you will be 100% positive they are made for your razor. send him your razor..and you will get back the finished product all shiny and sweet.

~J

Gary (aka Garythepenman) 's workmanship and services come highly recommended!

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Originally Posted by drsch3

Gary (aka Garythepenman) 's workmanship and services come highly recommended!

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Thanks Guys, Joshearl, just pm me if you want something sorted.

Cheers

Gary