Thread: Honing a wedge - help needed

I know this might sound arrogant (considering the difference in experience and skill between Randy and me) but I think that re-grinding is about the worst you can do with those blades.

Please note that this is just my opinion, based on my personal preferences, and by no means a discredit to Randy's advice.
Here's why:

Those blades are curved. Personally, I really like curves like that because they give me a much better shaving experience, compared to a 'straight' straight.
Especially around my throat I feel a significant difference.

My advice is to try and establish a bevel on 1K grit paper while gently rolling the edge from heel to toe. Do that until you see a fresh bevel along the blade.
If the blade has a slight warp, you will not get perfectly even bevels. they might be a bit wider on the heel and toe, or in the middle.
This doesn't really matter except visually.

Then go to the yellow. make it wet and rub it with a rubbing stone until you have a visible slurry. hone on the yellow, using the same technique you used earlier.
After a while you will see that the edge starts 'undercutting' the water and the slurry. that is how you can judge the edge on sight. from then on you continue with less pressure, and you continue until you get the undercutting without any pressure at all. At that point you are almost there.
You can then use the standard tests for sharpness.

It will take you several hours per razor though. This technique also allows you to hone warped razors btw.

If you don't want to do all this yourself, I'll do it for you if you like.
Currently I am honing Gawker's razors, but after that I could do yours. PM me if you are interested.

I will agree with Bruno that these razors can be honed. I will also agree that it will take a long time especially if you jump from a 1000 grit directly to a yellow Belgian. You really need at least 1 intermediate hone of approx 4-6K grit.

I do like the grinding option the best because it will clean up the appearance and reduce any unevenness in the grind. It will not remove the curvature of the blade.
Frankly, honing this type of razor has discouraged many people from using a str8.
Bruno's offer is a very generous one that should be considered.

So, now you have 3 options to consider!

I have a pair of wedges that look almost identical so I'm looking forward to hearing how your efforts turn out. I believe the asymmetry is not due to honing and use but rather they were made that way. Notice the difference between them at the barber's notch. Same with the shape of the edges. I don't believe it's a result of wear. Anyway, keep us posted on your progress with them; mine have a bit more overall corrosion and will most likely require more effort to restore. BTW, mine also have the same asymmetry which is why I noticed the difference between yours.

Well Bruno came through in style!
those 2 razors are now scary sharp - sorry that should be SCARY sharp!!!!!!

last night i really experienced the sensation of wiping hairs off my face

Great job Bruno and thank you so much!