Thread: The Wedge: old Sheffield or Koraat razor to choose?

Hello, this is my first post to this forum.

I have 6/8" full/extra hollow singing F.Herder No77 and 7/8" 1/2 hollow Koraat custom, and think I need also a good near wedge ground razor to my rotation.

I'm much impressed with the Koraat general quality and shave, according to owners feedback it seems to be great right in wedge, and it would be configurable and new razor. On the other hand are the old Sheffields like W&B, Joseph Elliot, Joseph Rogers with their "softest" shaving feel, as I can summarize from some forum talks.

My question is to owners of both. If I go with the Koraat, whether I lose much in shaving quality regarding to some old Sheffield wedge?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Any quality razor properly honed will give you a perfect shave.I have Koraat and I can't imagine a nicer razor as far as construction quality and shave quality go. It's not a full wedge so it won't shave quite like one but shaves similar to other part wedges you find.

It really is a wonderful piece and you can customize it exactly the way you want it.

20 Years ago I would have said Sheffield. Now the market is thin, sketchy and prices high. Now I would go with a Koraat. Great steel, excellent geometry, properly honed and easy to maintain. The configurator is nice because you can customize it exactly how you want it. Since buying a Koraat I rarely if ever use my vintage wedges.

Thank you, gentlemen! I'm happy to be supported in my intention.

Going with a customizable Koraat, may I ask for you advice on the size: according to reviews and discussions most of Ulrik's wedge users prefer the maximum available 8/8" size. I like my 7/8" 1/2 hollow Koraat but never had in my hand such a massive razor like 8/8" wedge, what are its benefits, please?

YMMV.....A lot of guys like big choppers because they remind them of the early Sheffields. They also say it holds more lather so less rinsing. I use very wet lather so is a moot point for me. I also shave daily and have no facial hair that I maintain so I like smaller razors. More maneuverable and easy around the nose lips and nostrils. I have 2 Koraaats is 6/8th and one in 7/8th and have been very satisfied. No desire to go bigger and prefer the 6/8th. In the end it's a personal choice. The razor will be quality no matter the size

Ditto to most of what CrownCork says. I own 5/8 to 8/8 and tend to prefer 6/8 and 7/8 since they are more agile around the face (especially under the nose). And, I don't shave daily but every 3rd day or so.

I would first find out whether you get on with those big wedges. They can be a bit unwieldy. If you buy an old Sheffield blade it will keep its value more than a newly made razor. Bigger ain't better. I prefer 6/8 and 7/8 blades.

Thank you all for sharing your experience and thoughts.

Looks I have no reason in a blade bigger than 7/8".

The 5/8" and 6/8" Koraats should be made of ball bearing steel while the 7/8" and 8/8" of silversteel. Would you consider any steel to be "softer" in shaving than another, please?

He states his hardness as equivalent. The big difference is the Chromium content which is pretty minor. The difference may come from the supplier since Ulrik has his blanks drop forged and it may be their requirement. He's pretty open to questions if you email him directly.

I have not noticed a difference in edge retention, ease of honing or keenness between the two steels in his razors myself.

I have 3 of them and they are all 6/8s. I was on a big blade kick years ago but prefer 6/8s and 5/8s now. I find the other blades too clumsy and the large scales get in the way.