Was given a straight razor....

[dave19113]

I posted this on the Newbie check in pager but was suggested to post over here to get better feedback


Hi,

Very new guy to straight razor shaving but having fun with it.

I was toying with the idea for quite a while then while buying a new strop for my edc blades I went down the rabbit hole. I read all I could online about first razors plus tips and tricks. I ended up ordering a Böker Manufaktur Solingen | 5/8" King Cutter which is due in soon.

Meanwhile, when speaking to a friend about it he told me he had a few razors at home he picked up in estate sales.

I looked at them and after sending pictures in to Razor emporium to ask which one would be good to go with. They recommended a few from the list so I picked the below one.

I was going to send it in to have it honed so I start off right.

I figured before I send it out Id play with it a bit. I do know how to strop so I went to work and spent some time on it. I shaved with it with pretty good success. Although I only did the side of my face because, again, I'm really new so slow goes.

Doing a google search based off the bow etching it comes back to a wade and butcher original bow. But that's where it stops.

I posted a picture below. I am looking to see if I could get any info on it.

What would it be on the tier level as far as razors go?

Any approx age?

Im not looking to sell it regardless of the age or value I just want to know what I have.

Thanks In Advance
Dave

 

[eezee]

Can't tell you anything about the history, but if it's truly a W&B, that's good steel and should hone up fine. Have fun going down the rabbit hole!

 

[dave19113]

Much thanks, I have actually been shaving with it while waiting for my other razor to arrive.

 

[H Brad Boonshaft]

Nice find, middle of the line of production razors. Wade and Butcher were the Ford/Chevrolet of the day, working razors for working folks.

Their large 1-inch razors made them popular with new shavers today. But all their razors are good shavers and easy to hone.

Yours need honing and heel correction, note heel is not fully honed and there are some chips between the toe and middle that can make shaving harsh. Load into a photo editor for a better look.

If you are handy, you can easily sort that out with a couple of stones. If you are slipping down the hole, honing is in your future. Or just dive in head first with a debit.

You can get started with a $25 King 1/6 combo stone and $20 diamond plate and a quality $50 hanging razor strop. Recommendation abounds.

Welcome

 

[dave19113]

Much thanks on the info. I planned on sending it in for a professional honing the first time.

But yes, I think Ill be jumping in with both feet and ordering some stones

Thanks
Again
Dave

 

[Legion]

Much thanks on the info. I planned on sending it in for a professional honing the first time.

But yes, I think Ill be jumping in with both feet and ordering some stones

Thanks
Again
Dave

Your first idea to send it to a pro is probably the best, as it is your first straight razor. That way when you do get your hones and DIY you will have a better understanding of what the razor should feel and shave like.

 

[Gamma]

If you need that honed correctly, check in with @Bayamontate .

 

[Doc Dan]

You are going to love using a straight razor, once you get the hang of it.

 

[A_Shaves_91]

Enjoy the journey - it’s a great ride for sure! Stones are a fun step once you decide you’re ready. Lots of really great info here on B&B to help you make a selection / decision that works best for you.

 

[dave19113]

Yes…. It is definitely an addiction, but a good one….. about 20 shaves in and I’m definitely gaining more confidence in every day

 

[Doc Dan]

My opinion is get some lapping film and hone your razor with lapping film. The stuff is cheap and works like nothing I've ever seen. It's not that I'm an expert, but it really is good stuff. an entire pack of all the grits only cost a couple of bucks.