W&B and a Boker......Can They Be Saved?

[duke762]

Massive wear on a massive Wade and Butcher. Is it savable? How about this Boker with a spine like I've never seen. Is it even for shaving?

 

[Pattorashu]

Might need to be re-profiled to give it a proper taper. Without handling a blade I couldn't tell you for sure, but most blades are salvageable IMO.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Of course they are salvageable, at least as shavers. The Boker is an odd duck, though, and you might want to think about a full restoration. It is IMHO rather collectible. The W&B is turning into a wedge and you will probably need to hone it like a near wedge. Hone hone hone, no tape, then give it a half dozen laps on your finisher with a layer of tape on the spine for a microbevel and it should shave just fine. Yes, the tape might push the secondary bevel out of the optimum range, but it is difficult to achieve a true apex when the bevel flat is so expansive. If you are not accustomed to honing smileys you might want to send it out. Or pick up a basket case or two on fleabay that have big smiles, and practice your rolling X on them before tackling the W&B. They have a cult following and so they are a bit more valuable than they ought to be. Even though it will never be a showpiece, it will still have added brand value.

 

[duke762]

Thank you Slash. I was curious about the funny spine on the Boker. It's oval in cross section and then forms a groove in the bevel. Perhaps for a guard or something?

A full restore is most likely beyond my abilities. Any recommendations for someone to send it too. Glad I consulted here before going all ham fist and gung ho on it I can't believe I found something good, my luck just doesn't run that way.

As far as the W/B goes, I've really been wanting to learn how to hone wedges. Here's my chance. I need to conjure up some steam punk scales for it. I'm so stoked to work on this....