Thread: Custom wedge blades for lather catchers

Question for all of you blade maestros.

I have a few lather catcher razors which I absolutely love. What's interesting about these razors is that most were intended to be used with wedge-type blades (photo attached) rather than modern SE blades.

Problem is, many of the wedge blades don't survive the passage of time, whereas the razors do. The blades aren't true wedge, they're actually hollow ground.

How difficult would it be to custom make these blades? I have a whole forum of guys who would buy several if these were available. I am unfamiliar with the blade-making process when it comes to razors, however, so I'm not sure what it would take to make these at scale.

I’ve always been interested in that style of razor but have never tried one. Are the blades specific to each brand of razor? How much wear can a blade take and still work?

They're beautiful razors and very collectible.

From what I can tell, the blades are fairly interchangeable, the only difference being the branding on each blade from each company. But I believe the dimensions are the same or at least

With respect to the blade wear, I've seen some in rough condition get restored but most are way too rusty or chipped or have too much of a smile to be of use anymore.

They're probably fairly easy to grind. What dimensions are they? And does the exact radius of the hollow matter functionally?

I'll have to pull out one of my blades to get you an exact measurement but they're more or less the same dimension as a modern SE. Modern SE blades work on some of these razors because some have blade stops, little metal tabs that stick out above the comb in the front of the razor that hold the blade in place. Those that don't have the tabs won't take modern SE blades.

I believe the exact radius of the hollow matters to a degree as the blade, at least the portion closest to the spine, needs to be thick enough to nestle in between the two side holders (sloppily marked in red in the photo attached). Thats why these are called wedges as they're wedged in between the two holders and then secured at the spine by a clip.

Anyone else thinking about a wootz steel SE?

Originally Posted by JP5

Anyone else thinking about a wootz steel SE?

I must ask what a wootz steel SE is as I have no idea what it is

Originally Posted by animalwithin

I must ask what a wootz steel SE is as I have no idea what it is

SE means single edge razor. Wootz is a special kind of steel that is made in a smelting crucible. It's special in the sense that because of the chemicals involved, you will get dendritic carbides in the steel that are both very pleasing aesthetically, as well as improving cutting performance. JP5 mentions it because it's what I am known for these days.

I am guessing that for something like this to work, it needs to match the dimensions of the original pretty closesly.
Do you happen to have one of those blades that is no longer shaving properly, but which I could use to use for copying?

I am curious enough that if you can send me one of these which I can keep as an example, I will try to copy it in new blade steel and send it to you as a test.
EDIT: Just to clarify and avoid complaints of sales talk on the forum: I do this one for free just out of curiosity. I only ask for shipping to be paid.

animalwithin,

THAT IS A DEAL YOU SHOULD NOT LET GET BY!!

I hope he has one! Would love to see this. Bravo Bruno!