Thread: Wacker 6/8 Alround - new acquisition

I know you guys like seeing photos of newly acquired razors. I know that I do. Here is a picture of my latest acquisition, a Wacker 6/8 Alround with beautiful horn scales. Another fine addition to my collection.




Although sold as a 6/8" blade, the blade measures a full 13/16", which is just fine by me as I like larger blades. It is a full hollow grind with highly polished blade. The edge was shave ready from the factory. Matt at Griffith Shaving Goods will hone them if desirer, but he recommends that you try the Wacker factory edge. I stropped 10 strokes on cotton canvas, 10 strokes on linen, and 30 strokes on leather and then shaved. I got a nice shave. After the shave, I decided to strop ten strokes on 0.50 CBN paste to make the edge just a bit keener, but for many, the factory edge would be suitable.

The scales are quite attractive. As natural horn, they have a lot of streaks, spots, etc. They can vary from blonde to black with no guarantee of what you will get in the way of color. The scales were well polished. The "wedge" has little if any taper; it is more of a spacer. The blade centers perfectly between the scales.

The only minor problem with the razor is that the horn scales had a definite funk when I first opened package. However, after a few hours, the funk seems to be dissipating, so I do not think that is going to be an issue.

I how have two Wacker razors: a 15/16" Old Sheffield and this 13/16" Alround. Both are wonderful razors. Heribert Wacker is getting up in years. There is no telling when he will have to discontinue crafting razors, so get yours while they are still available.

Very beautiful razor I was thinking of getting one of these but finally decided to go for a Koraat, I wish you to enjoy it a lot

Good looking razor, congrats.

The difference between the size quoted and the one you got from measuring is likely that there are 2 different ways to measure blade size. The old traditional way is to measure from where the spine contacts the hone to the edge and the other, now common way, is from the top of the spine to the edge.

B0b

Originally Posted by BobH

Good looking razor, congrats.

The difference between the size quoted and the one you got from measuring is likely that there are 2 different ways to measure blade size. The old traditional way is to measure from where the spine contacts the hone to the edge and the other, now common way, is from the top of the spine to the edge.

B0b

I did measure from the top of the spine to the edge. If you are trying to compute the acuteness of the edge, the proper way would be to measure from the hone contact point and compare that to the width of the spine. By that method, it is probably 6/8".

Beautiful razor. I almost bought an Alround but decided against it, although I do have 3 Wackers. They are great shavers.

I've heard from another source that Wackers use a different unit of measurement. Something in German.

Here's mine.

Originally Posted by RayClem

I did measure from the top of the spine to the edge. If you are trying to compute the acuteness of the edge, the proper way would be to measure from the hone contact point and compare that to the width of the spine. By that method, it is probably 6/8".

Yes, I am well aware that to calculate bevel angles you measure from the contact point of the hone on the spine to the edge. I am merely suggesting that was also the old/vintage way of measuring blade size. Herr Wacker being old school may still be doing that way. One way to find out is to contact him.

Bob

Beautiful! I enjoy using my 3 Wackers, Barbers Bride and the Jungmeister, great shavers.

John Crowley of The Shaving Shop of Ft. Worth once told me Herr Wacker used the German zoll as his unit of measure. Quick check on German units of measure and found:

Zoll = Usually  1⁄12 foot, but also  1⁄11 and  1⁄10.

For what it's worth.

I never heard of the Zoll. I was thinking the Germans might be measuring in millimeters for production purposes and then using nominal sizes for marketing.

Originally Posted by RayClem

I never heard of the Zoll. I was thinking the Germans might be measuring in millimeters for production purposes and then using nominal sizes for marketing.

Just finished conversation with John Crowley. He confirmed Heribert Wacker uses the zoll as his unit of measurement in production of his razors. Crowley knows Wacker.

The zoll is an old German unit.

Here's what John said in a text message just a few minutes ago.

"Yes,. That is a German inch. It is about 1/16 longer than an English inch."