Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default W&B Razor *NEWBIE*

    I recently decided I was going to jump into my dream of having a straight razor when I found this razor at a local antique shop.
    I read that W&B were good razors, and since It was quality, I thought I could restore it!
    I don't know much about the blade, what kind of blade it is, how old it is and such, but it looks to be in extremely good condition considering I bought it for 5 dollars! I have to make new scales, since the old ones were cracked and done for, but I think that's part of the fun.

    Here is the blade


    There are two interesting parts about this blade, and I was wondering if someone could help me understand them. First the logo.

    This is different than most W&B logo's I see...why is that?

    Secondly, the blade has some text on the blade that looks like it will be gone after I sand it, does anyone know if keeping the text would be significant for any reason, or what I should do with it?



    Thanks for your help! I look forward to fixing this baby up and learning to shave with it!

  2. #2
    Easily distracted by sharp objects alb1981's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Tempe, Arizona, United States
    Posts
    824
    Thanked: 94

    Default

    Great score for a 5 spot!

    I would try to keep the text, just for aesthetic value. You should be able to sand around it or possibly just use polish to try to clean it up. It looks like there is no damage to the edge, so the pitting would be just cosmetic. Unless you really want a mirror finish (which it looks like this blade was a satin finish) I would just let her age show and put some horn, or micarta scales on.

    as for the crown and VR initials, I am not schooled enough to know about that mark...yet. I am sure someone will provide you the answer shortly

    again great blade

  3. #3
    Senior Member tekbow's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Leith, Edinburgh
    Posts
    821
    Thanked: 95

    Default

    no need to get into that with wet and dry if that's the condition you found it in. Hit it with some autosol/maas and it should come up nicely.

  4. #4
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,947
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    As I understand the stamps the VR is Victoria's Reign ie: 1837-1901
    It is a Faux Frameback, and India steel I can't see the tail or the other side which really helps in putting a date on them, but from the info in the pic I would guess late 1880's or newer
    Manah/AlexT has some of the best data for this maybe he can put a more exact date on it for you...

    Amazingly, the Pitting and Black Rust is a personal thing just as sterilizing razors is also. personally I don't shave with rusted razors others find no problems with it, so like many things in this hobby YMMV

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    I would like it to have a nice mirror or satin finish when done. I want it to look new again, its not imperitive to keep the blades etching, but is there any way for me to get it to look new without getting rid of that?

    Also...1880?!!? That is awesome...i'm holding a piece of history. This is amazing.

  6. #6
    Easily distracted by sharp objects alb1981's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Tempe, Arizona, United States
    Posts
    824
    Thanked: 94

    Default

    on another note, GSSIXGUN how are those buffalo bone scales comming??? I cant wait to see the finished product!

    DVORAK a pair of those may look good on this W&B

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    I'm thinking black buffalo bone for the scales, so you might get to see that eventually =D

  8. #8
    styptic king Ryno's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Glen St. Mary, Florida
    Posts
    50
    Thanked: 4

    Default

    Ya know, I have to say, I've been combing antique store, flea markets, garage sales, and the internet for a year and a half and have yet to find a deal like this.. ..and you stumble on it as your first razor. congrats. I'll give you 6 for it like it sits. good luck with the restore. Come here often. There is a wealth of info here that will make your journey alot easier..

  9. #9
    Senior Member TrilliumLT's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Everett, Ontario
    Posts
    1,553
    Thanked: 309

    Default

    I restore my own razors but if i had a beauty like that i think it would be worth the investment to have one of the many awesome restorers here do it up for you, and have them make you some awesome Horn scales to boot. Razors like that dont come around very offen and i think it deserves to be done up right. With that said, Its not mine. Grats on that awesome fined.

    Colin
    Last edited by TrilliumLT; 10-04-2011 at 02:52 PM.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Durhampiper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    472
    Thanked: 86

    Default

    The crown over the VR means that W&B had received a royal warrant, which usually meant that the manufacturer had supplied wares to the royal household or the royal court for 5 years (at least, that's what it means in the UK). The initials "VR" stand for "Victoria Regina"--Queen Victoria. Congrats--you've scored an old blade in very good shape. That's the only W&B that I've seen with a royal warrant stamp--I'd hang on to it, if I were you.
    "If you ever get the pipes in good chune, your troubles have just begun."--Seamus Ennis

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •