Decent purchase?

[dawgfan13]

Hey y'all I found a new razor that I think looks like a winner (maybe not for the price) but I have no experience in vintage razors so I wanted to get some input. Also, being relatively new to str8 shaving I don't know how to pick out hone wear, etc. Here is a link....what do y'all think. http://straightrazorplace.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=6279

I couldn't find too much info about the razor and will most likely end up needing/wanting to rescale so I am a little leary about the price. Does it look like something that would be around for a while and a good investment? Thanks in advance for the input!

Chris

 

[FiveOhNine]

Hard to tell from the picture, but it looks to be in great condition.

If you take care of it, it will be around longer than you my friend.

 

[spanx]

The blade has a lifetime worth of shaves left in it.great condition.A good refinishing on the scales and you'll have an excellent razor.However 120.00 is a lot to pay for a razor that needs any work.I'm cheap so my opinion is biased.The brand is what commands the higher price.I think money would be better spent on a less collectible name that you can get in excellent condition.

 

[RetroGrouch]

The blade appears to be in great shape with very little hone wear.

W&B razors are very popular, which (along with the condition) explains the rather high price. The plus side of W&B's continued popularity is that should you decide to sell it later, you'll recover at least most of your money.

 

[BOOURNS]

Both my W&Bs shave awesome and that one looks in good shape if you like original looks. Sad thing is because they shave so well you pay a premium.

 

[treydampier]

I think the price is off base. I have sold similar blades with new scales for $70-90. However, I can tell you that a W&B hollow ground like that IN MY OPINION is better for $120 that anything new being made by mass manufacturing like Dovo, Boker, or Theirs Issard. THis would be if the scales were new though, not with the current scales on that razor. I have found that brand to be easy to hone, slow to rust, and have yet to have one (I owned and sold roughly 75 W&B's) that didn't take a great edge. However, that person selling has a good reputation and although expensive, it will hold its value if you keep it long term.
If you want a great vintage blade, I'd say go for it though I personally think he is over-priced about $40.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Well, it's not a bargain. But it's all things considered, it's not a ripoff either.

If you're looking for a killer deal, keep looking. But if you're looking for a very nice razor that will last forever and hold at least most of its value upon re-sale, this one looks pretty good!

If it pushes your buttons and you can afford it, you haven't much to lose.

Mike

 

[gugi]

I think you should buy it. The fact that you are considering it means that it is within your budget.
Xman is very experienced and has been shaving with straight razors and honing them for longer than all of the posters in this thread combined. So to me his description if the razor is way more important than a similar description coming from somebody with significantly less experience.

I would also suggest you do not replace the scales of the razor. They seem perfectly good horn and if you want a shiny blade in a blingy scales, just find something that is already like that.

I don't see any significant hone wear on this razor.

BTW, Trey, I very much disagree with your assessment of the razor and scales.

 

[RetroGrouch]

I would also suggest you do not replace the scales of the razor. They seem perfectly good horn and if you want a shiny blade in a blingy scales, just find something that is already like that.

+1 on the scales. They're vintage horn, which is (to me anyway) vastly preferable to most other materials. The tiny flaw could be easily fixed. (Or ignored.)

 

[spanx]

I think you should buy it. The fact that you are considering it means that it is within your budget.
Xman is very experienced and has been shaving with straight razors and honing them for longer than all of the posters in this thread combined. So to me his description if the razor is way more important than a similar description coming from somebody with significantly less experience.

I would also suggest you do not replace the scales of the razor. They seem perfectly good horn and if you want a shiny blade in a blingy scales, just find something that is already like that.

I don't see any significant hone wear on this razor.

BTW, Trey, I very much disagree with your assessment of the razor and scales.

Gugi,

How many years do I need to shave with a straight before I can have a valued opinion on the condition of a razor? I don't want to give ignorant information on purpose?

 

[gugi]

Gugi,

How many years do I need to shave with a straight before I can have a valued opinion on the condition of a razor? I don't want to give ignorant information on purpose?

I didn't imply your opinion is not valued, or ignorant. I said that all the combined opinions are less worthy to me than Xman's. And I didn't mention the third very important factor that contributes to my opinion - the posts that I have read by the relevant parties.

There are people with decades of experience whose opinion I take with a big grain of salt, because my own experience both with their edges and with reading their posts has led me to the conclusion that their claims are not worth paying much attention to.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Very nice looking razor. In the top end of reasonable for the price. The condition is very good, and the damage to the scales is almost negligible. Most W&B horn scales I've seen look like a dog chewed them up. Definitely keep the original scales.

If I were in the market I'd offer $100 on it. If you're really looking for that exact blade, pay the $120, as it may be awhile before a 6/8" W&B comes up for sale in that decent of condition. The one thing to keep in mind is that most of the W&B that go for $100+ are the big choppers, so that somewhat artificially inflates the value of their smaller blades. Another, equally good razor in that condition and size with a similar grind could be had in the neighborhood of $75 if you spent a couple weeks watching the 'bay and BST's for sales with very good pictures. Maybe it won't have the engraving in the scales, though. They are a bit rarer than plain horn.

 

[dawgfan13]

thanks for all of the responses guys! I will keep you updated

Chris

 

[dawgfan13]

Does anyone know anything about "The Washington Razor" from W&B. I have been trying to do some research and I haven't unearthed anything. In fact, it's tough to find much info on any of their hollow ground designs. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Chris

 

[dawgfan13]

So I pulled the trigger on this for $100 shipped. Here is the info that I have gained from the seller....

Writing on the tang is not deeply engraved enough to be fully legible but it says "Manufactured by Wade & Butcher Sheffield"

He believes the date of manufacture is around 1860

Obviously says "The Washington Razor" on the horn scales.

Here is what he wrote in his post...

"6/8 Wade & Butcher half hollow spike point sway back, 'The Washington Razor' with original thick horn scales circa 1850. The blade length is just under 3", ever so slightly shorter than most razors and has the smiling edge shape which is preferred. This razor is clean and in super shave ready shape, but to be honest it could use a little bit of help to become pretty, pretty. Namely, there is a slight flaking of the horn between the scales (shown) which could be glued down, although it doesn't impede the blade closing, and the area around the pivot pin could use some light dremel cleaning, but I have neither the tools nor the talent to do so myself."

Does all of this sound in line in terms of date, manufacture, and what anyone may know about Wade and Butcher razors? Thanks in advance for your help and info!

Chris

 

[SliceOfLife]

Yeah everything he says sounds reasonable. Washington razors seem mostly from the 1850's-1880's. Congratulations on the razor. Enjoy it.