Thread: Moving from shavette to straight, need some advice

Post some pics and then we can help you. Otherwise we're guessing in the dark.

I suppose I should have thought of that...

I'm at work right now and cannot take pictures, but here are the crappy pictures from the auction that you can check out.

The Wade and Butcher:
Wade and Butcher Vintage Straight Razor with Coffin Case | eBay

The Henckels:
Vintage J A Henckels Twin Works Germany 68 Straight Razor | eBay

What kinds of pictures would be helpful?

Well maybe I'm missing something but nothing jumps out at me; I think they look like they're in good condition. I'd get them honed and try them out.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm actually getting excited about getting the Henckels.

What about the wedge (or at least near-wedge) on the Wade and Butcher?

I don't know much about straight razors, but I read somewhere that wedges are more difficult to shave with and to hone/strop.

Is there any truth to that?

They can be more challenging to hone but I don't think they are any harder or easier to use that any other grind. Just different.

They look fine to me too. Some cleaning and some good honing and you should have some quality shave implements there.

A wedge is no different to shave with. Honing takes more time because there is more metal to remove but that depends on how much of a wedge that is. It's not a true one, I didn't look to see if it's a quarter or half or whatever but that will dictate the job and the condition of course.

Wedges can be hard or easy. If theyve been honed on a dished out hone for 30 years you got a problem! I'm no expert but if the blade geometry is OK, it won't take that much more time that a hollow grind. I used to love wedges but lately I like the feedback from hollows. Good luck.