W & B 5/8 WEDGE: Little Blade-Big Shaver!

Printable View

10-31-2014, 06:34 PM
Wolfpack34

5 Attachment(s)

W & B 5/8 WEDGE: Little Blade-Big Shaver!

Don't know how many folks have tried these 'smaller near wedge' razors by Wade and Butcher, but they are really fine shavers. Of course all W&B's in my experience are tremendous shavers, but these little post-1891 razors really pack a big punch when it comes to mowing down the stubble!

I prefer a heavier 'feel' to my smaller blades...some smaller hollow grinds seem way to 'light' to me and tend to skip sometimes when I'm shaving...and these 5/8 to 11/16 Wade and Butcher 'little wedges' fit the bill.

Anyway...here's one I just finished up. :D

Attachment 183343 Attachment 183344 Attachment 183345 Attachment 183346 Attachment 183347
10-31-2014, 06:49 PM
BobH

Very nice job of it. Yea, there is nothing wrong with "smaller near wedges" got as couple in my rotation.

Bob
10-31-2014, 07:19 PM
Phrank

Very nice, looks like the one made after 1890, originally had the, "Corporate Mark" on the blade face. I have one like that, was my very first W&B.

edited to add: man, I just love the finish you get on your blades...beautiful!
10-31-2014, 07:48 PM
RezDog

I have to say that your washers are intriguing me. The blade is of course wonderful but what I really want to talk about is the washers.
10-31-2014, 08:00 PM
JoelLewicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have to say that your washers are intriguing me. The blade is of course wonderful but what I really want to talk about is the washers.

I'll second that. Spill the beans! You're a time traveller aren't you!?
10-31-2014, 08:19 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have to say that your washers are intriguing me. The blade is of course wonderful but what I really want to talk about is the washers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

I'll second that. Spill the beans! You're a time traveller aren't you!?

:rofl2: No mystery fellas. It's the pins...not the washers! These are mock-up screws on the pivot...pictures taken before the razor was pinned. :shrug:

**EDIT** ...Unless you are actually talking about the washers themselves???
10-31-2014, 08:31 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobH

Very nice job of it. Yea, there is nothing wrong with "smaller near wedges" got as couple in my rotation.

Bob

Thanks Bob...Usually I shave every other day, but when I have to shave the next day after, these little 'wedges' are my go to. GREAT daily shavers...and smooth as silk Sheffield steel!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phrank

Very nice, looks like the one made after 1890, originally had the, "Corporate Mark" on the blade face. I have one like that, was my very first W&B.

edited to add: man, I just love the finish you get on your blades...beautiful!

Thank you Phrank...your coaching ( ;) ) has done wonders for me! :beer1:
10-31-2014, 08:55 PM
Grazor

Very nice. Yeah, the finish looks amazing, how bad was it before clean up? Looks brand new again. Have a couple of smaller wedges I have never tried, may have to get them out.
10-31-2014, 09:24 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grazor

Very nice. Yeah, the finish looks amazing, how bad was it before clean up? Looks brand new again. Have a couple of smaller wedges I have never tried, may have to get them out.

Thanks Grazor! The razor was not too bad before the restoration. Some minor pitting on the tang, spine and blade face, scratches etc. I'd say about fair/poor condition, except there was (is) very little hone wear, which made the restoration project worthwhile. And it honed up beautifully with one layer of tape...nice tight bevel.
10-31-2014, 10:32 PM
JoelLewicki

Nope, I noticed the screws, I'm curious about the washers themselves
10-31-2014, 10:44 PM
UKRob

Very nice restoration. Am I correct in assuming a re-grind was involved?
10-31-2014, 10:53 PM
Substance

Very nice love the satin finish
Is a microtome or a wedge as one side looks shoulder less and flat not hollowed?

Edit: don't worry just the light I think as the first 2 shots show the shoulder LOL
10-31-2014, 10:53 PM
Wirm

There is a little Morris Prosperity Wedge in my bathroom as well.Very handy for those hard to reach wild hairs. But it is not as pretty as your W&B. Good work my friend !
10-31-2014, 10:57 PM
Phrank

1 Attachment(s)

I think this is a pic of that blade with the etch...it's a 5/8 W&B wedge.

Attachment 183383
10-31-2014, 11:24 PM
Wolfpack34

Thanks Bob...and to answer your question, no it was not a re-grind...no need, as the hone-wear on the spine was minimal.
And thank you Substance and Wirm!
10-31-2014, 11:30 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phrank

I think this is a pic of that blade with the etch...it's a 5/8 W&B wedge.

Attachment 183383

Phrank...yep that is essentially the same blade. W&B made that model with lots of different etches and some even engraved, which I believe yours is. The model was so popular apparently, that Wostenholm and Joseph Allen even marketed exact copies of these little 'wedges'. Although with different graphics obviously. I have examples of all three manufacturers...in fact I am working (albeit slowly... LOL!) on a matching 3 razor set with essentially the same but slightly different etch from all three of these producers.

This one that I restored did not have an etch...although it might have at some time, but I doubt it. I think it was just plain to begin with... :shrug:
10-31-2014, 11:34 PM
Martin103

Very nice work once again! Fine shavers, them small wedges, Enjoy!
11-01-2014, 12:06 AM
Phrank

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Phrank...yep that is essentially the same blade. W&B made that model with lots of different etches and some even engraved, which I believe yours is. The model was so popular apparently, that Wostenholm and Joseph Allen even marketed exact copies of these little 'wedges'. Although with different graphics obviously. I have examples of all three manufacturers...in fact I am working (albeit slowly... LOL!) on a matching 3 razor set with essentially the same but slightly different etch from all three of these producers.

This one that I restored did not have an etch...although it might have at some time, but I doubt it. I think it was just plain to begin with... :shrug:

Thanks so much for the background on the blade!

Like I said, this was my first W&B, one of my first straights actually, had no real idea that there were hollows or wedges, shaved with this thing and it gave me my first nice cut.

Great little blade though...lots of horsepower in a small package.
11-01-2014, 01:56 AM
Chevhead

That came out looking GREAT! :tu
11-01-2014, 02:08 AM
MikeB52

Gorgeous blade finish.
Think looks right as new..
Really fine work..
11-01-2014, 03:52 AM
tiddle

Nice. Very Very clean looking.
11-01-2014, 04:07 PM
UKRob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Thanks Bob...and to answer your question, no it was not a re-grind...no need, as the hone-wear on the spine was minimal.
And thank you Substance and Wirm!

The crisp and clean lines along the spine are what made me ask about a re-grind. I noticed it before in some of your work- you obviously have the skill and patience to achieve it without recourse to a grinder.
11-01-2014, 04:14 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKRob

The crisp and clean lines along the spine are what made me ask about a re-grind. I noticed it before in some of your work- you obviously have the skill and patience to achieve it without recourse to a grinder.

Thanks Bob...I appreciate it. Not so much skill as patience! :D
11-01-2014, 07:00 PM
Walterbowens

Awesome work, and I love the razor!!
11-03-2014, 03:06 AM
jasontg99

Very clean. Love it!
11-04-2014, 05:56 PM
GC7

Nice. My little wedge is very similar and a fine shaver.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88...pse54dbe8c.jpg