Thread: First restoration advice/information

Hi,

This is my first time posting. I have been using a gillette safety razor for over three years now and recently decided to explore the possibility of using a straight razor. While I don't mind investing in having a razor professionally restored (even with a full razor restore/replate I had done on my safety razor I still figure I am $50 up over the past 3 years vs the cost of mach fusion blades.

Earlier this week, I started reading about straight razor choices and then I had the opportunity to look at one yesterday. I recognized that it was made in Sheffield and that the edge of the blade didn't seem to have much damage. It was only $5 so I thought I would take a shot (at the worst I have a neat piece to stick on a bookshelf). Below I have included some pictures. I have read around on some of the articles for restoration and a lot of the time the authors suggested posting on the forum for specific advice. I would appreciate any guidance or advice on how to restore this myself. I am looking for a useable razor and I am not concerned about augmenting or damaging its value. Links to helpful articles or other forum posts would be very welcome.

The razor is a Wade and Butcher and the etching on the blade (didn't capture well in the pictures) says Wade & Butcher on the left and Sheffield on the right. In between it says corporate mark with an arrow, there is a B in a circle at its tail and a cross at its head. On the tang there is the same mark, Wade & Butcher Sheffield England. Any information on the razor (date range) would be welcome. I know W&B made razors from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s but I don't know if there is a way to get the dates tighter.

Thanks for taking a look!

Cam