Thread: Finally success with a wedge!!!

Try a Chromium oxide pasted strop. Sounds like you might be OK if it will work to get the buggers polished off the bevel. If you use a paddle strop, put the tape back on!

I was able to get some photos of this beast of a wedge and after thinking that I did a good job in getting this shave ready I was very disappointed in the results. Here is a photo or two showing the multiple bevels created by using varying amounts of tape. If anyone can see this and can offer feedback I would appreciate it also the blade is very warped as u can see by thickness of the bevel and I'm putting my ego aside.

The last bevel is the one that counts! I have found if you wear the tape to the bevel and add your final piece, change only that top piece as it wears out. Leave the rest on. The the bevel will then remain consistant. It actually looks pretty good. I would put the same amount of tape on as before, minus one layer, and run it a good bit on the 1000 until the tape is worn. Then add another layer on top of that and continue. Leave the lower tape in place until you are happy with the shave. Then, if need be, you can work on the same thing you were previously! I have shaved with tape many times on old wedges and sometimes, was happy I did! JMO

In other words if I finished with 5 layers of tape go back to 4 work on it with the 1000 grit and then add another layer and finish? So that ill end up with 5 layers again? And I should shave with that? Ill try anything twice. Thanks

Instead of that, I would just stick with the five layers, replacing the top layer as it wears and as you move up in grit levels. As long as you continue to replace the top layer as you go, it should eventually work. If you're going to want a five layer bevel, you might as well start and end with it. Starting over at four layers will just give you more work and add unnecessary complication.

Originally Posted by datablanck

In other words if I finished with 5 layers of tape go back to 4 work on it with the 1000 grit and then add another layer and finish? So that ill end up with 5 layers again? And I should shave with that? Ill try anything twice. Thanks

Yes. I say this because wearing the 4th layer to your current bevel somewhat will give you your "spine" that will correspond with your bevel. Then, the outer layer will add the thickness to allow you to reach the edge. In fact, I would hone with the 4 layers a bit "spine heavy" to accomplish. In essence, you are using the top edge of the bevel to bring the spine into alignment by wearing the tape accordingly. As this is done, add the 5th and go at it. Just keep the bottom 4 where they are until finished ONLY changing the top layer as it wears!

Originally Posted by Lemur

Anyone know if Wade and Butcher recommended any particular brand of tape?

I have an old Wade and Butcher Wedge that was my Great Grandfathers. Getting an edge on it has been a real challenge. Have had it honed by honemiesters, and not been able to get a shave. I have been honing for a year, and can get an edge on just about anything I've put my mind to, but this wedge has been a challenge. 3 layers tape? I'll give it a try. I'm sure that eventually I'll stumble across the right combination for this razor, as I really want to be able to shave with this and pass it down to my son.