Questions about a "Wedge"

I just recieved a str8 razor, purchased on Ebay. Yes, it's a Wedge! I do not plan on using this, but I was curious about it. It will be a collectable, I think. Ironically, it's the 1st str8 razor I have purchased. I am new to wet shaving, and I am presently using a Feather "Artist Club RG Special" with the Professional blades. I really like this system, although, due to its sharpness, I have been very careful, with great success fot a rookie. I plan on purchasing a REAL str8 razor in the near future(suggestions?). I am looking, reading your experiences, and trying to decide what to start with first. - Back to this wedge: It's a Wade & Butcher, Sheffield, 3" x 5/8 blade. The writting on the blade says "CELEBRATED FINE INDIA STEEL, SET READY FOR USE"(no, it's not ready for use!). The razor appears to be absolutely new and never used. I don't believe it's ever had an edge or been honed. I will send this to Lynn for this task.

Questions about the wedge: What are the cons and pros(if there are any) on this razor? Is it usable in any rotation? The handle appears new, black bakalite, and the blade looks new. Could this be a new razor? I paid more than I expected to, $56.00. Did I get hosed?:hmmm:

Thanks, guys -

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Originally Posted by zepplin

I just recieved a str8 razor, purchased on Ebay. Yes, it's a Wedge! I do not plan on using this, but I was curious about it. It will be a collectable, I think. Ironically, it's the 1st str8 razor I have purchased. I am new to wet shaving, and I am presently using a Feather "Artist Club RG Special" with the Professional blades. I really like this system, although, due to its sharpness, I have been very careful, with great success fot a rookie. I plan on purchasing a REAL str8 razor in the near future(suggestions?). I am looking, reading your experiences, and trying to decide what to start with first. - Back to this wedge: It's a Wade & Butcher, Sheffield, 3" x 5/8 blade. The writting on the blade says "CELEBRATED FINE INDIA STEEL, SET READY FOR USE"(no, it's not ready for use!). The razor appears to be absolutely new and never used. I don't believe it's ever had an edge or been honed. I will send this to Lynn for this task.

Questions about the wedge: What are the cons and pros(if there are any) on this razor? Is it usable in any rotation? The handle appears new, black bakalite, and the blade looks new. Could this be a new razor? I paid more than I expected to, $56.00. Did I get hosed?:hmmm:

Thanks, guys -

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Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.
-- Yoda

Hi Bladerunner,

Was this the W&B you won on ebay, I'm guessing it was cos it was me you sniped :)

Did you get hosed no I don't think so unless we both got hosed. The wedge probably suits people with a more heavy beard which is why I really wanted it.
I'm sure the honing experts will explain more about the pros and cons on honing a wedge. Anway I hope you enjoy your new razor. :)

Cheers
John

John,
Yes, it was I who snatched it from you. I am known as "Master Bidder".:shrug:

If that's the one then no you didn't get hosed. Get it honed by somebody that knows what they're doing, and enjoy it.

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Originally Posted by zepplin

John,
Yes, it was I who snatched it from you. I am known as "Master Bidder".:shrug:

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Yeah when I saw your feedback I sort of guessed you may be a reseller. A "Master Bidder" you are, you got a very nice razor there good luck. :D

Cheers
John

John,
No, I am not a reseller, I am a compulsive buyer. So....every few monthes I have to resell this stuff back on Ebay when I get too broke from my awful buying habits.:(

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

"You Betchum, Red Ryder"(am I dating myself?), oops!....John. Actually it was my neighbor, Eli, who expressed an interest in the wedge. He is a newbie like me. I probably don't have a need for this because my beard is not heavy,....just sensitive skin. 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".:)

I'm new to "Straight Razor Place", how do I contact you?

I helped bid that one up there too. I'll get one yet? just don't want to pay that much for one. Glad someone in the group got it though. :D

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!

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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".:)

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

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

(just kidding, of course) :w

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):shrug:

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.

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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

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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

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Originally Posted by zepplin

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

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Bummer,:cry: thanks you know where to contact me if you ever change your mind.

Cheers
John

Yea, I'll keep my eye out, too. If something looks good, I'll let you know.
Regards,
Steve