Thread: Question on Joseph Allen&Son NON.XLL

Hey guys. Just took apart one of these and noticed that the wedge is made of lead. Has anyone else come across this? Was this common practice and at what dating. Just thought it was odd. But so am I.
Thanks.
P.S. Have a great memorial weekend.
Mike

Lead wedges were very common. A lot of makers used them until quite late. I still use lead for making wedges, it is super easy to work with. It does have it's dangers so don't be silly with the use of it, but that goes with so many things...

Thanks RezDog. I think i might have the lead thing under control [emoji1]
Or maybe the other way around.
And thanks for the idea, never passed my mind to use lead for wedges.
Mike

I have a Joseph Allen with bakelite scales and a lead wedge.

Thats how this one was
Second from right, w/barber's notch

Wrong pic.
There we go

I also met on razors wedges made of lead, is very convenient and easy to handle, but I use to wedge plastic or stainless steel. Wedges stainless steel handle difficult, but beautiful.

I have 3 Bakelite scaled non xll, two have lead one has an integral(not sure what the proper nomenclature is, but the wedge is part of the scales). The razors are all 11/16-3/4 and the two with lead balance way better whilst shaving. Definitely worth the effort of making them imo.