Thread: Moving from shavette to straight, need some advice

I've been shaving with a Parker shavette for a few months now, and have been talking with my wife about investing in a straight razor.

Without my knowledge, she buys 2 razors off of ebay for me. The good news is that she did enough research to get good brands and blades that are in pretty good condition for a pretty good price, but the bad news is that I don't know what to do with what she got me.

The first one she bought is a Wade and Butcher. There is a little discoloration on the steel, virtually no rust, no pitting, the scales are in good shape, and the edge itself looks nice and straight (no frown). But there is a lot of hone wear, and the shape appears to be a wedge. I think it is in good enough shape that it doesn't need a full restore to be shave-ready, just a hone, but I don't know if it is worth getting it even honed, especially since it is a wedge. So 1.) How can I tell if it is worth honing and trying? and 2.) I've heard that wedges are not the best starter razor. Is this true? Should keep this razor in storage until later?

The second one I haven't received yet. It's a Henkels, and from the auction pictures seems to be in pretty good shape. I should know more about it when it arrives on Saturday. It appears to be full hollow. But I have the same question - how can I tell if it is worth keeping before sending it off to the honemeister?

Thanks

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.

Wow your wife really did do a great job!! Sweet!

Get yourself a bit oh leather and have em honed - and you'll be good to go !!

Thanks for all of the replies; all of this is good news. I'll wait until the other blade comes in the mail, and if it looks good I'll send them both off to be honed. In the meantime, I need to buy a strop and figure out how to do it correctly...

I guess I'm off to the classifieds section to look for a honemeister. Any recommendations?