Wade & Butcher - Worth It?

[OldSchoolYoungin]

This is going to sound like a dumb question because "worth it" is so subjective, but I'm trying to gauge a general opinion before I dive in.

I've admired W&Bs since the first time I saw them; love the way they look and love the name I'm also interested in trying a larger blade, meaning 7/8 or 8/8 (grind doesn't matter), and the W&Bs seem to be the most readily available vintage in the meatchopper category.

Lately, though, W&Bs seem to be going up in price and popularity. I see them all over the place, so they can't be that rare, and was wondering if the price is justified relative to their performance. OTOH, seeing a ton of them for sale is a bit of a red flag, too; meaning people are getting rid of them. I can't decide whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.

Simply put, I'm a little confused about them. They've been on my reasonable want list for quite a while now, but the steady price increase makes me a little apprehensive. My budget is tight, as well, so I'm not looking to drop a sum of money on something whose popularity revolves mostly around hype if that happens to be the case.

Thanks and all thoughts are appreciated, guys. Again, I'm fully aware that personal choice in razors is just that -- personal. Doesn't hurt to scout others' opinions for a little more information, though.

By the way, this is not a "wanted" thread. Christmas has broken me, so I won't be looking to buy anything until next year.

 

[mainaman]

I am not sure about the price spike.
Yesterday 2 went for 10 bucks on the bay, and they were in fine condition.
Apart from that I would think they are of the same quality (shave wise) as the other famous old Sheffield brands.
I am not even sure why are they so much more popular.

 

[Muirtach]

Scouring antique shops I see a lot of W&Bs. I assume that is because there were a number of them on the market back then. I like the way my personal ones shave, but I have two others (half-1/4 hollow henkels and a S. Pearson wedge) that I prefer to them.

 

[professorchaos]

There are a huge number of Wade & Butchers out there - they were a pretty prolific manufacturer. Why are they so expensive? I don't know. Wostenholms, Rodgers, Butlers and other old Sheffield makes shave just as well. If there is a particular style you want, be patient. You'll be able to get it at a reasonable price but it will take time and effort.

 

[sigman]

I was always under the impression that the number of W&Bs out there must be in the millions. I think a lot of collectors are liquidating their collections as well because of the economy.