Thread: hollow ground vs. wedge

I am asking a simple question that probably brings a simple awnser:

Do you hone a wedge razor as you would a hollow ground razor?

Yes. It just takes longer. Simple enough?

I hone a wedge with an x-pattern but hold the razor at a 45 degree angle (with the heal leading). When I hone a full-hollow razor with no warping issues I hone in an x-pattern with the razor straight. The reason that I do this is simply because that is what Lynn does, and it has worked very well for me as well.

I still need to put scales on my Bell Belfast wedge. It's got a reasonable flat edge but as a stout 6/8 it's going to need some big scales, it's a heavy bugger.

All my scales so far are to short and thin. I'd love to get some light colored horn for it oops!!!

I'll second thebigspendur in saying that it takes longer. I've been surprised a few times by how much you can hone a heavy-grind razor without seeming to make much progress.

What can be a real bear for me is honing a smiling wedge. With the smile, only a portion of the blade contacts at any one time, which prolongs the honing process, and the heavy grind also demands more strokes. Grrr.

Josh

Thanks for the simple awnsers *grin* This razor has a hefty, solid blade and is in remarkable condition. As it is now its quite sharp, although not nearly sharp enough to shave with.

Some guys tape the spine of a wedge, that might speed things up.