Thread: Honing a true wedge - your advice?

I have just acquired my first 'true' wedge, with little to no hollowing at all!
It is Sheffield steel, John Nowill (looks quite an early 'Krosskeys'), about a 32nd under 6/8"
It will require a full re-hone, bevel set upwards.

I have only just learned to successfully do this on hollow grinds, and am far from a master!

Is there any specific advice for me attempting a true wedge for the first time?
Or is it just going to be a case of patience!

Thanks in advance
Paddy

I've never experienced the problems that one reads about here on honing wedges. I prefer wedges and 1/4 hollow blades. I just put 3 to 5 layers of tape on them and go from there. Taping is controversial here, but it is especially helpful with wedges. I have a big Wostenholm that I honed with 5 layers of tape, and it is one of my better shavers. Just be sure to replace the top layer of tape if you see it wearing away. Good luck!

Use the advanced search, select "titles only" and do the search in the honing sub-forum and you'll find all the advice you'll ever need.

If it is a true wedge tape may not help as the bevel will not be on the hone consistantly. could you post a picture? Sometimes a slightly hollowed wedge can approach the geometry of a true wedge and can benefit greatly from a regrind but this is a fair amount of work and you have to have the right tools and be careful not to over heat the steel and take out the temper. The wedges I have restored that had large bevels are now very easy and fast to hone up after regrinding.

Follow the advice from Blix as far as getting great info on previous threads for general ideas if you are going to take it directly to the hones and it does not need a regrind.

Originally Posted by PaddyX21

... Is there any specific advice for me attempting a true wedge for the first time?
Or is it just going to be a case of patience!

Thanks in advance
Paddy

Be patient and pay attention to what you are doing and what is happening to the bevel. Putting marker on the bevel will help. If it is a true wedge I would use at least one layer of electrical tape on the spine even though I hate using tape. Replace the tape as soon as it starts showing wear. Depending on how well or poorly the razor was ground it may make a difference on the bevel if you don't put the tape back on exactly as it was previously. Use the marker for the first few times you replace the tape to see if your bevel changed. When you start getting frustrated put it down and walk away from it after removing the tape and drying it off. Come back to it when you are relaxed. Be patient with it and be sure to have fun. Good luck.