A Couple of Straights from My Mom's Closet

[bobbyd]

Hey Guys -

I am not sure if these were part of the family, or if my mom got these as part of her time as an antique dealer. Both have cases, but this first one doesn't seem to match. It seems that these could be restored reasonably, but wondering if either of them would be decent shavers - or if they are more collector type pieces:

First One:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46r3QiJFI/AAAAAAAACZs/pK1iJ9DjBZY/s800/IMG_1435.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46t6m9jqI/AAAAAAAACZw/pUV5E6eEeMc/s800/IMG_1436.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46vRb9WwI/AAAAAAAACZ0/noa3hjsqY6s/s800/IMG_1438.JPG

This was the box it was in, but the names don't match, other than the fact that both companies are from Sheffield:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46wh0tjlI/AAAAAAAACZ8/8LCViQ7QuAA/s400/IMG_1439.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46yfbc0nI/AAAAAAAACaA/0GtFXYuwveY/s800/IMG_1440.JPG

This is the other razor - with what appears to be ivory. The box appears to match - in name:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46lQiKTZI/AAAAAAAACZY/GGa1ZYgu3PI/s800/IMG_1431.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46m4kb3WI/AAAAAAAACZc/zrqrB1udFuE/s400/IMG_1432.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46ogyNrcI/AAAAAAAACZg/km4ZxwDkhd4/s800/IMG_1433.JPG
The box is stamped "WADE & BUTCHER"
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TQAC_vq2oLs/Sm46qYzOhuI/AAAAAAAACag/HC-s1ll6rVE/s400/IMG_1434.JPG

Any info that you might be able to give would be great! Thanks in advance.

[norman931]

Nice find! I don't have my reference book handy, but those look to be roughly 150 years old.

[professorchaos]

They will both be fantastic shavers. Wostenholm and Wade & Butcher are among the best brands out of Sheffield, IMHO. Looks as though the Wosty is in great shape...the W&B could use some cleaning, but then you'd loose the etching. Treatment depends on how bad the rust near the toe is. Razors like that, I like to keep them as close to original as possible. Have 'em honed and put 'em to work. Nothing quite like shaving with a razor that is 100+ years old.

And keep digging around your mom's place. From the look of it, there is a Reynolds waiting to be re-discovered!

[mdunn]

they'll clean up nice and should give you some great shaves

[Blackstangal]

Nahhhh!!! They wont make very good shavers!,THEY WOULD MAKE ALSOME SHAVERS!!!:eek::biggrin: GREAT looking razors:smile: Nice score!

[redgrandam]

that reminds me, I need to visit my grandma.. see what goodies she might have around from grandpa.. amazing stuff!

[SavantStrike]

Those are some nice finds!

Whatever you do don't polish the etching off of those blades! It's gorgeous!

:drool:

[ambrose]

WOW those are amazing, they are both collector pieces and fantastic shavers. Im here to help if you need it

[Fnord5]

Is your mom adopting? :w00t:

Two lusted after brands, just hanging out in the closet. In great shape no less!

I agree with Henry(ProfChaos) Hone and go, don't sand/restore.

[bobbyd]

Thanks for all the encouragement guys. Are they really 150 yo razors? Wow!

I have never shaved with a straight, only DE. I received a straight razor shave in Italy when I was there on vacation, and enjoyed it. I am curious about trying one of these out, but I am a little intimidated about it. I guess I would need a strop for that also.

About the restoration - I would like to keep the etching on the blade, but I figure getting the rust off would be a good thing for aesthetics, longevity, and tetanus prevention. But are you all saying to leave the rust and just get it honed? They both actually are relatively sharp. Not going to put them on my face, but the aren't dull for sure.

[professorchaos]

You should get the rust of off the W&B for sure. But no more. Unfortunately, it'll likely leave some significant pitting. Alas, such is life. At least it is towards the outside of the etching. The Wostenholm looks fine. Having restored a few razors, and knowing the pitfalls all too well, I'd recommend you send them to one of the gents who offer restoration and honing services.

[northpaw]

I'd recommend you send them to one of the gents who offer restoration and honing services.

+1
Personally, I wouldn't risk the steep part of the learning curve of either of those skills on these razors.

[cityjim]

good point