antique store finds and id wanted

buckmaster96

buckmaster96

Joined
Jan 6, 2012
Messages
794
I just got this at an antique store today. It is my first straight razor purchase and I would like some info on it. It says manufactured by wade&butcher sheffield. What is this razor worth? I has a fairly large crack in the handle near the rear pin. I would like to know if it would be more valuable as is or if I put a new handle on it.

Here it is
IMG_20120802_210055.jpg
IMG_20120802_210002.jpg


Thanks in advance
 
Wade and Butcher is typically a very desirable straight razor and generally are made well. As for value...it is basically worth what someone will pay.

Beyond that, someone would have to inspect it closely for cracks and other damage...also the depth and clarity of the tang stamps and in some cases the blade etching/stamps will be important to collectors.

As you may know, none of these can be identified from an obverse photo, but even with front side detail photos...the value is going to be somewhat subjective. I would suggest having it professionally restored and honed and enjoy it...It looks like a nice razor!
 
There are lots of guys that could do a great job but good work will be a decent price. It's up to you to decide if the value matches the price.

I do not know any service providers on this forum currently taking orders for straight restoration...and therefore will not recommend any, but if you search the web and other forums that cater more to straight razors, you will (no doubt) find people of various skill levels willing to help you realize your dreams.

Have fun!
 
Wade and Butcher razors generally rate very good as shavers, if somewhat challenging to hone. If it were mine, I'd try to vacuum glue the crack, hone it up and use it. As for actual $$ value, can't help ya. All I know is that one looks to be pretty decent shape.
 
Looks lik natural horn handle, which does require some maintenance, lack of is what likely caused the crack. I've rescaled a few, they're fun to do. Hold the edge against a straight edge and determine which way it is worn, if still straight or "smiling" it shouldn't be too bad to bring back, but if "frowning" it may take a bit more work. If the edge is chipped or cracked too bad it may not be usable. Still a very nice razor. I would look up some honemeisters to ask for more specific restoration advice. Of course better detailed pics will be needed.


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Looks lik natural horn handle, which does require some maintenance, lack of is what likely caused the crack. I've rescaled a few, they're fun to do. Hold the edge against a straight edge and determine which way it is worn, if still straight or "smiling" it shouldn't be too bad to bring back, but if "frowning" it may take a bit more work. If the edge is chipped or cracked too bad it may not be usable. Still a very nice razor. I would look up some honemeisters to ask for more specific restoration advice. Of course better detailed pics will be needed.


-Xander
Click to expand...

actually i have decided to rehandle it myself. i am going to use it so i decided to put one of my favorite woods on it (bocote) any advice on it.
 
Are you going to reuse the original wedge? Or are you going to do a completely new design? Either way I prefer to pin the wedge end first. An easy way to do the scales is to lightly glue them together with a sheet of paper between and cut then drill as one. Take a razor blade and split them apart for finishing and shaping. For the blade, if you have a vibratory tumbler for reloading, throw the blade in with some walnut media and some flitz polish then let it run for 2-3 days. It will look like new, but won't take care of chips though. Some like to glue the wedge, some don't.

I'll see if I can dig up a pic of a Böker I rescaled and cleaned up a while back.


-Xander
 
Here is a Böker I rescaled and cleaned up in bamboo with a myrtle wedge.

2011-09-22131002.jpg


2011-09-22131234.jpg


This was gifted to a friend last year, I have two others I have been staring at wondering if I am going to rescale them anytime soon. Maybe you just gave me the motivation I needed. One is a Dixie and the other is a W.R. Case.

Also, I have seen guys use small stainless washers for the pins to ge that bullseye pin style. You may have to with bocote scales so you don't split them. Also, use a small hammer,like 2oz ball pein to do the pins. Polish the ball face as bright as you can, a polished hammer leaves a polished pin. Brass pin stock can be bought from your local Ace or other hardware store. 1/16" and 3/32" should be what you need.


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Are you going to reuse the original wedge? Or are you going to do a completely new design? Either way I prefer to pin the wedge end first. An easy way to do the scales is to lightly glue them together with a sheet of paper between and cut then drill as one. Take a razor blade and split them apart for finishing and shaping. For the blade, if you have a vibratory tumbler for reloading, throw the blade in with some walnut media and some flitz polish then let it run for 2-3 days. It will look like new, but won't take care of chips though. Some like to glue the wedge, some don't.

I'll see if I can dig up a pic of a Böker I rescaled and cleaned up a while back.


-Xander
Click to expand...

i am going to make a new wedge with the same specs so it matches the bocote
 
Like everyone else says, I'd say, its worth what someone will pay

but I think it is a fake, you should send it to me for proper disposal lol

anyways, wade and butcher made some awesome straight razors, get it honed and shave with it, if the crack in the scale seems stable, I would just use it until it breaks, since it looks to me that it is horn
 
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