Wade and Butcher is more than likely THE vintage razor with the best overall reputation. Now, we have learned that you can never tell with most razors how well you are going to enjoy a razor untill such time you have had your first use, but general opinion does help to improve your odds of finding the best razor for you quicker than simply going out and buying the first thing you see that fits your budget.
Wade & Butcher is also one of the most valuable straight razor brands a razor enthusiast can own. Founded by the brothers William and Samuel Butcher in Sheffield in 1818, the company later partnered with Robert Wade and introduced its products to the American market. Continuing production until 1959, the company produced many cutlery goods besides razors. Wade & Butcher straight razors are characteristically cleaver-like razors that are very large, thick and heavy, often with near-wedge grind. These razors have high quality steels and workmanship, generally harder than average Sheffield razors but still relatively easy to hone in terms of steel type, but in many cases a bit more tricky on account of their grind/shape/condition. They take a comfortable and durable edge. Due to their heavy weight, their shave action is flowing and smooth.
This razor's scales were beyond further use, and we replaced it with Kudu horn scales we made ourselves, we used the same for the wedge and pinned it with nickel rod and stainless steel washers. The blade was cleaned up, and polished to what is to me a presentable state. Handsanding is NOT something I am fond about, and the new owner can take up this task if they want a more polished appearance. The fit-up is nice and the blade opens/closes/centers nicely, the razor sits comfortable in hand with the scales in between fingers 3 and 4, with the pinky finger not having any work to do.
The barber notched razor blade has a near wedge grind an is close to 7/8ths in height, it has a cutting edge of around 65 mm long and a weight of 66 grams. The spine is 5.5 mm thick with a little spine wear, but without those 'hard lines', so it fits in well with the general appearnce of the razor. The dimensions result in a bevel angle just over 15 degrees.
The model seems to be the 'American razor' or 'Celebrated Fine India steel' model, have a look here and see which one you think this is, keeping in mind blade shape and dimensions rather than stamping and decorative features.
The razor strops quickly and easily on both the paddle and hanging strops. The test shave was....(still to test this one)
*Vintage razors are priced according to model and availability, time spent cleaning and reconditioning them, and also time spent getting the edge into a shave ready condition (some are preserved as is, or sold as is for the new owner to sharpen) Please enquire if you need additional work done to this razor prior to purchase.
All straight razors will require a stropping on leather after its first use. Pics are unedited (for detail) and provide a true image of the condition of the razor.
Everyone has got to have a Wade!