Finally success with a wedge!!!

I have been straight razor shaving and honing for over 20 months and enjoying the process. Recently have read a few threads about the difficulty of honing wedges and had given up on a Wade and Buthcher (looks like a full wedge). I'm not sure how old the razor is, but it had a shoulder that ran down the middle lengthwise. This razor has been my nemesis. What ever I tried I couldn't get it shave half descent. I was using multiple pieces of tape and couldn't get an even bevel, and had trouble cutting arm hairs no less a heavy beard. I must have spent 10-15 hours using a chosera 1000 and Nortons and coticules to try to get this shave ready. Finally I retaped the spine, but for the first time I did it very carefully so that each piece lined up with the other. I used 4 pieces of tape and was able toget it to cut arm hair. Then I put another piece of tape (carefully) and finished it with a coticule diluting from a light slurry to clear water. I'm not sure what did it, but I think the very careful placement of the tape helped so that the bevel was even and then using the additional piece of tape to create a microbevel sealed the deal. It's now popping hair with the HHT and I haven't even stropped it yet. I can't wait to strop and shave with it.

Congrats! It's a nice feeling when it comes together like that, isn't it?

I had a Tally-Ho wedge that was driving me nuts for the longest time, and when I finally nailed the edge, I think I enjoyed that shave more than any other just out of the sheer sense of accomplishment. :)

From my experience old wedge might be challenging and few layers of tape is must (in some cases) however this poppy can be sharp as sharp you can call it, when done right. I find many times that I have to set bevel several times. When it`s done, then you have to look to not over hone razor. You must remember that few tape on spine are creating new edge degree towards stone, which is very aggressive and need to be handle with care.

You did it the way you were supposed to, congrats!

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

Butcher Tape of course!(;-).
http://www.pospaper.com/meat-packaging-supplies-4.html

Sheepishly embarrassed to say the least. After blowing my horn about getting this Wade and Butcher shave ready, I put it to the actual shave test. It was one of the most uncomfortable shaves I've ever experienced. Hard to explain, but it actually seemed to shred my skin, mind you not actually a cut but a tear. Obviously, without hesitation I finished with another razor. I'm now thinking that since this is the most true wedge I own, it might have been my technique. It seemed to pass all the other tests, but it was just awful.

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Originally Posted by datablanck

Sheepishly embarrassed to say the least. After blowing my horn about getting this Wade and Butcher shave ready, I put it to the actual shave test. It was one of the most uncomfortable shaves I've ever experienced. Hard to explain, but it actually seemed to shred my skin, mind you not actually a cut but a tear. Obviously, without hesitation I finished with another razor. I'm now thinking that since this is the most true wedge I own, it might have been my technique. It seemed to pass all the other tests, but it was just awful.

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That's too bad! It could have been technique for sure as wedges are different beasts from more hollow grounds. But IMHO while they are different they don't need a massively different technique. How much pressure were you using? I find it's important to remember that you have a lot of weight from the razor already doing the work, so little if any additional pressure is needed with wedges/near wedges.

Maybe take it back to your finisher for a little touch up? Might be worth a shot.

Good reminder though of the only test that really matters - the shave test.

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Originally Posted by datablanck

Sheepishly embarrassed to say the least. After blowing my horn about getting this Wade and Butcher shave ready, I put it to the actual shave test. It was one of the most uncomfortable shaves I've ever experienced. Hard to explain, but it actually seemed to shred my skin, mind you not actually a cut but a tear. Obviously, without hesitation I finished with another razor. I'm now thinking that since this is the most true wedge I own, it might have been my technique. It seemed to pass all the other tests, but it was just awful.

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Check the edge under magnification. It is possible the edge has crumbled away due to poor steel, either from rust or a manufacturing fault. It may simply take some repeated honings to correct.

Wedges are a real problem to me too. The only way I've found to get close to a shave able edge is with a pasted 'cotton belt' that I use as a pasted strop. Not sure if its the added flexibility of the cotton, but it seem to work.

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. Attachment 120499Attachment 120500

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.

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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

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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!

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Originally Posted by Lemur

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

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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.