new dovo or an old wade and butcher?

**wapi229** · 11-20-2009, 04:00 PM

I am looking at purchasing either a brand new Dovo bismarck or perlex, or an old wade and butcher wedge. I am completely torn, can't decide. I am fond of using old time stuff, but sometimes brand new is the way to go. I cant seem to find a whole lot of threads on wedge vs hollow. I had a wapi I unfortunately nicked :( so I need a replacement while the wapi is at the shop. Plus it will just be nice to have 2 nice razors
I am still pretty new to straight razors. Any recommendations from you pro's ?

**leighton** · 11-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Old.

**wapi229** · 11-20-2009, 04:07 PM

I should also add my facial hair is probably slightly thicker than average. And after 4 days without a shave once in awhile, it gets stiff. But i'm not saying i'm iron man or anything. Obviously an old restored W & B would be a little cheaper too. But hey, i'm a sucker for another persons input...thanks guys.

**leighton** · 11-20-2009, 04:14 PM

I value old W&B much more than new Dovo or TI. Period. Unless it won't shave due to damage, then I cry.

**gugi** · 11-20-2009, 05:38 PM

They are really different razors, pretty much opposite as far as aesthetics go.
With the Bismarck you know what you will get as they are very consistent. W&B's vary quite a bit, could be better than the Bismarck, could be worse.

Originally Posted by wapi229

Obviously an old restored W & B would be a little cheaper too.

Actually if done right, it probably will be slightly more (my latest w&b will cost me about $200 once it's properly restored), but you should be able to find something in that ballpark. And of course if you can live with some pitting, staining, largeish and/or uneven honewear you'll pay less.

**wapi229** · 11-20-2009, 05:51 PM

well, I decided to go old fashioned. I won a W&B on ebay that has been completely restored, shave ready, and has some nice cow horn scales, for $75 shipped. Looks very nice, doesnt show much hone wear at all. I have seen some that look really bad and uneven. So, I think it's a good buy. I guess i'll find out! Looking forward to my first wedge bladed shave!

http://cgi.ebay.com/WADE-BUTCHER-WED...item2303d61c57

**gugi** · 11-20-2009, 06:03 PM

that's easy then. he cleans them very well.
the size is on the small side, but there's no way to put back metal, so that's what you got.
have fun with it.

**JeffE** · 11-24-2009, 07:04 AM

Ha, you will LOVE that razor. I've bought from Bob before too, and he does an excellent job. Don't even bother stropping before you shave with it, as Bob puts a better edge on his blades than just about anyone.

**wapi229** · 12-06-2009, 07:30 PM

actually, I'm wondering whether or not I like a wedge blade. It took a few more passes than my wapi. It really didn't perform at all. Is that normal for a wedge? Is my technique with a wedge what's wrong? Otherwise, I don't think i'll but another wedge.

**wapi229** · 12-06-2009, 07:33 PM

I should clarify one thing, I dont shave every day. So I used the W&B on like a 4 day scruff But man, I was really hoping for a nice shave out of it. SUPER bummed. It had some hone wear, maybe that was it...

**JeffE** · 12-07-2009, 06:30 AM

I think it comes down to using a little bit different angle with the wedge. I agree that the razors feel different, as you can almost feel the hollow vibrating as it takes out whiskers, while the wedge just kind of plows forward like a freight train. If honed properly, however, both should give an excellent shave, right?

**Bama** · 12-07-2009, 07:24 AM

go with the W&B with the wedge!

**English** · 12-07-2009, 10:32 AM

The blade you have is a 9/16" and to be honest it doesn't look like a wedge to me. It may be the photographs, but that razor looks to be hollowed.

I suspect it started life as a 6/8" hollowed razor and has been well used and then renovated using tape and now measures 9/16" and is more wedgy than hollow.. The resultant blade is 3/16"+ less than when it was new.

If this is the case, the razor is past its sell by date and will never give you the type of shave that W&B are famous for. The reason is that the best of the metal is now gone.

I don't normally like to criticise another members purchase and ofcourse I can be very wrong, because I am making my observations from photographs and your comments about how it shaves.

However, the point I wish to make is for the benefit of all who purchase these old vintage razors. Once a razor (of any type or style) has lost 1/8" from its original specification, it will start to loose its intended feel and for the worse.

The reason is because of the way tempering effects the metal at the edge and the way the razor loose its flexability as the thinnest part of the blade is worn away.

You have to ask yourself the question as to why the blade sizes for new razors move in 1/8" leaps.

Basically, I suspect whilst your razor will give a shave, it will be unlikely to give you the smooth shave for which W&B razors are famous. The reason is because it is already worn out.

Some restorers will actually regrind and retemper razors to overcome the problems I have mentioned above.

It's a risky business buying from ebay. I have had a razor from the same guy and mine was definately well past its sell by date. Not complaining, I learnt from that mistake. I only did it the once. He does have a good reputation with some, but not with me I'm afraid.