Thread: Questions about a "Wedge"

Damn, I tried to snipe that one myself. If I'd known it was unused, I'd have bid more than $56. I'm thinking a meister-honed Sheffield wedge might be just the blade for the coarse hair around my mouth and chin. I guess I'll have to try to find another!

Originally Posted by zepplin

I'll propose it to him, and if he dosen't want it, you can have it for what I paid + postage to "down-under".

If neither your neighbor nor John takes it, I will.

LOL, LOL, LOL!! Well.........., maybe we should start a bidding war.

(just kidding, of course)

Yep I saw that one aswell. I decided not to bid against another SRP'er when I saw John's handle

bugger buying another to shave with, get it honed and give it a go.

Can anyone give me an idea about what is involed with honing a Wedge str8 razor? ...and what are the advantages and disadantages of using the wedge?

(that's what I really wanted to know in the first place)

I don't think there are really any pro's or con's to a wedge. Its simply another type of razor. Everyone has their likes and dislikes and some feel a larger razor or different grind is better for certain situations but personally I say sharp is sharp and a 4/8s hollow will shave just as good as an 8/8s wedge as long as both are properly honed and properly used.

The wedge is just a big chunk of metal so honing takes quite a bit longer than a hollow grind and the technique is a little different. Thats about the only con I can think of though its really not a negative. I would cetainly get it honed properly and by all means use it don't just display it. Its meant to be used.

Originally Posted by johnmw1

Well if you ever feel the need to sell this one, would you like to give me first dibs on it, at least I can save you on ebay fees.

Cheers
John

As it turns out, John, Eli has decided to keep the razor. Keep looking for that great wedge.
Regards,
Steve

That wedge has a "smile" shape to the edge. If I were honing it I would use an X pattern stroke with the blade tip angled back to about 30 degrees. I would try to use a narrow hone to accomadate the varying angles. Nothing specal about this method of honing, it is used on most razors that have a "smile". The wedges seem to take a bit longer to hone because of the amount of steel that makes contact with the hone. They are very nice "silent(quiet)" shavers that will handle most any beard.

I really like heavier grinds and full wedges - great heft for the size and very stiff.

They do take a little longer on the hone or pasted strop than hollows, but IMHO, its worth it.

They do shave silently - which takes a little getting used to - you just see whiskerless face with almost no sound.

The other thing I notice is that you need to use very little pressure and using too much pressure can lead to the dreaded "wedge burn", which I think results from the increased stiffness of a wedge. I also found them more forgiving generally when first starting out.

Thanks for the info, Randy. I will send it to Lynn to be honed the 1st time. I have no experience in honing, yet, but that is a skill I look forward to learning in the future.
Regards.
Bladerunner