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 Bruno

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

I think that you could do this Bruno.

I could do it but you would be much quicker!

Approximately 20 X 40 mm wedge from what I see. You could bend the side holders if you wanted it a little more hollow ground.

Originally Posted by 32t

I think that you could do this Bruno.

I could do it but you would be much quicker!

Approximately 20 X 40 mm wedge from what I see. You could bend the side holders if you wanted it a little more hollow ground.

Yup, will be sending a blade + razor to Bruno for a test run soon. You're basically spot on with the dimensions.

Now that I know what Wootz steel is, having blades made from that would be incredible in these razors. Fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by DZEC

I think there are a lot of us waiting anxiously to see how this turns out. Amazing no one has thought to create contemporary versions of these blades until now.

Part of the reason is probably that it is decidedly unsexy. I mean it's just a sharpened wedge. No body, no scales. And do not underestimate the fact that the complete lack of tang etc makes the process annoying. I think a temporary nub on the side for holding it will be necessary

I have never made a blade or engaged in any kind of metal fabrication, so I speak from complete ignorance of the processes involved, but would it be feasible to forge one long blade from which individual blades can be extracted?