Thread: Late Sheffield Wedges?

Wondering if anyone had some examples of what would be considered the last wedges made in Sheffield. I know in the US the wedge continued on as a more everyman's razor (Spike, Red Imp, etc) but I haven't found much about how long they hung around in England, it seems that they almost disappear overnight sometime around 1900ish. I see a fair amount of 'Concave' razors which really appear to be half hollows/quarter hollows. Would like to see if anyone has examples from post 1900, up to around the 40's, if they even exist. Many thanks.

Originally Posted by thp001

I see a fair amount of 'Concave' razors which really appear to be half hollows/quarter hollows.

Can't answer to your main question but... however, we should consider that many of these blades are worn/lowered and therefore no longer have the original height. The thinnest part is missing, which would have increased the percentage of "hollow" of the blade.

I've not seen much evidence of wedge grinds from Sheffield after the 1890s. That said, I wouldn't rule it out altogether; there was an immense variety of blades made in the city and if you ever think you've seen 'em all - even for one manufacturer - sooner or later a new variation comes along. Zak (Voidmonster) may have a clearer picture of this.

Well, once the Hexe was on the market, everyone started selling hollow ground razor, even to the extend of regrinding blades which used to be wedges.

But then there is the matter of personal preference, and while I cannot say anything for sure for the English market, I can attest that there are "modern" (as in mid 1950s) French wedges, they are just that rare.

So my guess would be : very few after 1890, but some might be found for every decade of the 20th century

There are very few true wedges as in triangular blades. Some very old wedges have very little concavity to blade sides. To me the modern wedges are more like a heavier grind not an old style wedge. I guess over time the definition of what a wedge has changed.

Bob

Well here's one...

Definitely a wedge...

Definitely Sheffield and definitely post 1891

This is one of my earlier restores. I need to rework that etching and those scales.

I knew someone would have one!

Here's another.

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Oh yeah, I forgot about that one. I have one of those too but the etching is toast. Damn I found a bunch last night I need to get busy on while looking for the one