Wade & Butcher “The Celebrated” For Barbers Use!!!

Gents,

Hello!  Well I did it, I acquired a Wade & Butcher “The Celebrated” 17/16 FBU razor.  

The blade appears to be in pretty good condition, and I think that this might just be a candidate for full restoration since the scales need to be replaced anyhow.  I am trying to decide which way to go...stick with the traditional style of black horn scales or go with blue paua shell scales?

I am not an old hand at straight razors, but in my experience the 17/16 Wade & Butcher razors are a little more difficult to come by in good condition at a reasonable price, so I feel fortunate to have been able to buy this one.

I have two sweet 7/8 Wade & Butchers, but I wanted the big Granddaddy razor (I know it isn’t as old as my FGU, but neat none the less)!

I want to keep this to pass on to one of my sons...I just don’t know which way I want to go yet with the restore!

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Vr

Matt

You have been lucky on this one! From the pics, it seems that it is in pretty good condition!

As far as the scale goes, I think that you should choose what appeal you the most as scale can be changed quite easily. If you're not fully satisfied eith the one you'll choose, you simply can replace them by another pair of scales.

Wow!!!!!!!!!


Nice score Matt. I am usually a traditionalist and would vote for horn scales, but blue paua shell.......that sounds like a great looking razor. I do not believe you can go wrong with either. One thing for sure, I do know who I would send it to.

(08-26-2019, 02:39 PM)ImJustMe Wrote: You have been lucky on this one! From the pics, it seems that it is in pretty good condition!

As far as the scale goes, I think that you should choose what appeal you the most as scale can be changed quite easily. If you're not fully satisfied eith the one you'll choose, you simply can replace them by another pair of scales.

Excellent point about the scales my friend!

Vr

Matt

Very nice acquisition Matt.  It appears to be in good condition.

Max Sprecher makes beautiful abalone/paua scales, and does great restoration work.

Thanks Gabe and Ricardo! Yes...I had never seen the blue paua scales until I was browsing Max Sprecher’s site. They are simply stunning!

Vr

Matt

For my taste and being a traditionalist I would go with natural bone or horn

That’s not a bad idea...ivory! Is there anyone that does great work with ivory scales?

Vr

Matt

(08-27-2019, 10:33 AM)Ols67 Wrote: That’s not a bad idea...ivory!  Is there anyone that does great work with ivory scales?

Vr

Matt

Are you referring to real ivory?  If so, it's illegal to buy or sell.  There are some limited exceptions for pre-ban ivory, but it can get complicated.

(08-27-2019, 11:26 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote:

(08-27-2019, 10:33 AM)Ols67 Wrote: That’s not a bad idea...ivory!  Is there anyone that does great work with ivory scales?

Vr

Matt

Are you referring to real ivory?  If so, it's illegal to buy or sell.  There are some limited exceptions for pre-ban ivory, but it can get complicated.

Yes...real ivory...preban of course! I also have seen mammoth ivory scales which seem to be a good alternative if preban scales are too difficult.

Vr

Matt

Even a vivid honey horn would look very nice

(08-28-2019, 03:01 AM)Panther308 Wrote: Even a vivid honey horn would look very nice

With an Ivory or Bone wedge.

Gents,

Those do sound wonderful, and I have made up my mind...I am going with Mr. Sprecher and blue paua shell scales for this project. He comes highly recommended, and the blue paua scales that he does are amazing!

The blade is a bit over the top size and condition wise, and I want the scales to match it! Let’s get radical on this one!

I am very excited!

Vr

Matt

Great choice Matt.  We'll look forward to photos.

(08-28-2019, 03:40 PM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Great choice Matt.  We'll look forward to photos.

Yes of course! I will even have my wife take em with her fancy camera!

Vr

Matt

Gents,

The behemoth arrived today, and it’s nice to have in hand...it surely is a hoss!

It goes out on Tuesday for full restoration and blue paua scales!  

I am pretty excited to see how it’s going to turn out!

Vr

Matt

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this one after Max Sprecher works on it.

(08-30-2019, 04:48 PM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this one after Max Sprecher works on it.

That makes two of us Ricardo!

Vr

Matt

Behemoth is in the mail!

Vr

Matt

Mr Sprecher has received it! I am really really looking forward to seeing what he can do with this chunk of steel!

Vr

Matt