Thread: At what point will this Wade and Butcher need a regrind?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I can't see the stamp on that tang, but if there is no "Made In England" than it is before 1889. IIRC that is when the mfgs had to have country of origin stamped on them. Beyond that, maybe 1850s or beyond. I'm not sure when they quit making wedges like that. I'd say it is an oldie though. I happen to like shaving with razors like that very much.

If you aren't proficient at honing I would say send it out to a pro honer or put it away until you're successful with a few others before you start on that one. Use a layer of tape on the spine also.

I read the other day that W&B's after 18xx time frame are somewhat common, while ones before 18yy tend to be more hard to come by. The etching on it says "Fine India Steel". I got it from this auction - Vintage Wade Butcher Fine India Steel 13 16" Straight Razor w Box Sheffield | eBay

If it is indeed an older one, I imagine it would be better to not sand it down. There is still some patina and darkening, and I used mothers with a pretty non abrasive cloth. I figured I would send this guy off to Lynn.

Originally Posted by Jonah

I read the other day that W&B's after 18xx time frame are somewhat common, while ones before 18yy tend to be more hard to come by. The etching on it says "Fine India Steel". I got it from this auction - Vintage Wade Butcher Fine India Steel 13 16" Straight Razor w Box Sheffield | eBay

If it is indeed an older one, I imagine it would be better to not sand it down. There is still some patina and darkening, and I used mothers with a pretty non abrasive cloth. I figured I would send this guy off to Lynn.

Yeah that is an oldie with that etching. I wouldn't do too much beyond metal polish for fear of losing the etch.

You should delete that listing ........ "they" might come and get you because you stole it !

Sending it to Lynn is good thinking. That is not one I would want to break into honing with.

I like the look of the Wade and Butchers a lot, but the main reason I bid on this guy was the etching and the pretty low price. I was actually mildly surprised when I won it

The horn scales are in pretty good shape, too. There are a few bug bites but it isn't too bad, and same with the coffin case. I have some nice wood I'll be cutting up for scales and I'll make sure to post the finished product. Thanks for letting me know what I have, it would have been slightly tragic had I ruined this razor by attempting to make it new

Originally Posted by Jonah

The horn scales are in pretty good shape, too. There are a few bug bites but it isn't too bad, and same with the coffin case. I have some nice wood I'll be cutting up for scales and I'll make sure to post the finished product.

Yknow it is all YMMV with this stuff but I would always prefer original scales over replacements, bug bites and all. Especially original horn. If you do replace them save the originals so that if you ever sell or trade it the person who receives it will have the option of going back to original. IMHO.

Hey Jonah
Just to add, horn scales with bug bites arent really all that hard to repair and make serviceable (even steam press and straighten out)
I love original looking W&B's
Just sayin
Mike

Hah Jimmy .... you're quicker than me