Thread: Wedge VS Hollow

Ive heard wedge razors are more difficult to hone, but why? Are there any resources for videos showing the difference between the razors? or at least how to hone a wedge? And lastly, is a wedge less capable of obtaining/holding a blade as sharp as a hollow? (i wouldnt think so... but if sharpening is difficult, maybe that would translate to a blade of a less keen edge)

Simply put, a wedge has a lot more material to remove when honing. That is the primary reason they are considered difficult to hone. I would say that primarily it just takes longer to hone. But I have not honed a full wedge, so I'll let someone else chime in on that.

now this is just a thought, and im pretty sure this would go for ALL blades, but how often is a wedge going to need to be completely "re ground"... i can see that after a certain period of time, the blade itself is going to become too thick to get a thin, sharp edge out of... what happens then?

I did see Bill Ellis suggest using two layers of tape on the spine of a wedge to reduce the metal needing to be removed. I'm no expert though.

Jordan

but (and im just a newb, looking to suggest ideas in hopes of learning) wouldnt using 2 layers of tape... or even 1 on a wedge, increase the hone angle so much that the blade would come out no sharper than an "out of the box" kitchen knife? you know how they always have almost symmetrically triangular edges? barely enough to cut, know what i mean? that, to me, would seem to be the biggest problem with a wedge... you would have to take down the ENTIRE side of the blade in order to get the angle necessary to sharpen it... know what i mean? or am i misinformed?

Since you are removing metal from both the edge and the spine of the razor when honing, the proper bevel angle is maintained. A regrind is only needed after excessive honing where the bevel and spine are very large and flat. A properly maintained razor wouldn't need to be reground in our lifetimes (assuming it's not being honed weekly...lol).

I may not have explained that very well, but I'm sure someone else will be able to explain it.

i see what your saying... so question, when honing down the wall of steel on the side of a wedge, how does one maintain lustre? and keep the entire blade from rusting out?

Most "wedges" are not literally triangular. They're slightly hollow ground, so you don't end up honing the face of the blade.

Originally Posted by SteveS

Most "wedges" are not literally triangular. They're slightly hollow ground, so you don't end up honing the face of the blade.

And that hollow area is barely recognizable until laid on a flat surface with a light on the other side!

if its that slight, wouldnt a few years (or 100 as the age of some of these relics lol) of honing wear the concave down to being flat?