Thread: Suggestions for a Newbie "Wedge" Razor?

Hey Folks,

I've been shaving with a str8 for a few weeks, and have been making good progress. I've been lucky enough to have a my barber (a 50 year vet) give me some good tips. One thing he suggested that I try on my face/beard was a good wedge razor. I use a Dovo Special right now.

Any suggestions for a good wedge for a newbie? I'd like to get one from a reputable vendor as I can't get it shave ready myself.

Thanks.

-Michael

Wedges are not produced anymore, except for custom builds.
You can get a vintage one from the classifieds, any brand will be fine as long as its truly shave ready.

You are lucky to have a barber assist you with helpful info on straight shaving. There are many people here on SRP that would suggest a wedge razor for thick beards others here feel that a little more attention to honing the edge address the task just as well. I would say I have an average beard so I can't really talk from that point but I do know that some of my razors of the same make and blade grind shave a little better than other. That is probably due to honing more than anything. Some steels will hold an edge better than other also.

The classified section is a good place to find a wedge as mainaman suggests. Be sure it is advertised as shave ready.

Something else to consider is that 1/4 hollow grinds and possibly half hollows will also give a stiffer feel to the shave that is similar, not exactly the same, as a wedge and is available new. It is also easier to maintain than a true wedge. Many razors advertised as wedges may not be truly considered wedges as they have a slight hollow to them.

Best thing to do if possible is try and meet up with someone in your area or attend/establish a meet where you may be able to try other member's razors to experience the difference in honing, blade sizes and hollows.

Good luck.

Thanks - I'll see if I can find one in the classifieds. I thought perhaps I just wasnt finding the proper manufacturer.

Joe is indeed a great resource. He hasn't been shaving others for years but all his gear is well maintained and he's a great teacher. Between him and all the great folks on the board I've been able to get a great view of "old school" vs "current thought" on everything from how to hold the razor to strop technique.

Thanks Again!

-Michael

Hart is a 1/4 grind and I think Wacker makes some 1/4 ones too.

I got a W&B wedge in 7/8 from the classifieds, so definately keep your eyes peeled there..!

I think Wacker do still make wedge razors. John sells Wacker razors at Shavingshop.com so its worth having a look there.

There are numerous quarter hollows still in production. The vast majority of razors referred to as "wedges" are actually quarter hollows. I don't think I've ever actually seen a true wedge before.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I don't think I've ever actually seen a true wedge before.

The Wostenholm that you sold me last year is probably as close as it gets. From a side profile it looks like an axe!

Originally Posted by mainaman

Wedges are not produced anymore, except for custom builds.
You can get a vintage one from the classifieds, any brand will be fine as long as its truly shave ready.

Wacker has a 6/8 wedge that Jimmy reviewed. They are available new.

I don't know that it is a "true wedge" - one clue is that it has etching on the blade, but most of the old Sheffields aren't either. Anyway, it's the closest thing that is available right now, and the review seems favorable.

Yes, as Ray says, those Wacker 1/4 hollow/wedge are really exceptional shavers IME. See the razor review Ray was referring to here.