Thread: Wacker

I have been using my Dovo Micarta SS for the past month or so and I feel like it's time to add a second razor to my rotation. I was browsing Fendrihan today and was leaning towards a Wacker. It says that they are shave ready from wacker. Is this really the case or should I be prepared to send it out to be honed?

From Fendrihan:

"Every Wacker razor is honed by Herr Heribert Wacker. A final, crowning detail for these masterful creations. We recommend not honing or refining the edge for the first shave."

Thanks,

Arock

Originally Posted by Arock

I have been using my Dovo Micarta SS for the past month or so and I feel like it's time to add a second razor to my rotation. I was browsing Fendrihan today and was leaning towards a Wacker. It says that they are shave ready from wacker. Is this really the case or should I be prepared to send it out to be honed?

From Fendrihan:

"Every Wacker razor is honed by Herr Heribert Wacker. A final, crowning detail for these masterful creations. We recommend not honing or refining the edge for the first shave."

Thanks,

Arock

Arock,

Contact John Crowley. He is an SRP member and I know that he sells Wacker str8 razors on his website here in the U. S. He should be able to advise you.

You can also contact him directly at ShavingShop.com.

I purchased a Wacker from John a short while ago and I believe that John honed it--even after Herr Wacker did so.

Being in the USA I've not bought from that dealer so I cannot answer your question. OTOH, I've bought a pair of Wackers from John Crowley here in the USA and been very happy with them. Here is a review I did on them. The man makes quite a razor and being in his seventies or eighties he may not be making many more. Get one while you can.

Thanks for your reply Jimmy, would you say those razors would have been ready with just a stropping?

I asked John specifically not to hone them as I like to do it myself. As noted in the review they didn't need much. Maybe they didn't need anything at all ? I didn't shave test before honing. So I really can't answer that. John will hone them for you at no extra charge if I am not mistaken and I know from other razors I've bought from him that he can deliver the goods when it comes to honing. If you're in the USA that is where I would go for a Wacker. .

Hello, Arock:

Both Fendrihan and Shaving Shop are fine vendors with great products and excellent service. I have purchased from both.

I ordered two Wackers from John Crowley at the Shave Shop and one from the Royal Shave. I asked John to hone my razors and he did a fine job. The one from Royal Shave came with a factory edge, but I was dissatisfied with the shave and sent it to Lynn Abrams to hone.

You will not go wrong with any of these vendors.

Regards,
Obie

I've bought seven blades from John, including (I think) three made or reground by Herr Wacker. I'll be buying more soon.

I'm very happy with all these blades. Whether or not yours will arrive "shave ready" may be another question.

I chose to hone each of these myself (after the first shave). They were sharp, and clearly had been honed, but not to the point I prefer. All were, however, pretty close, and until you become jaded like me, and have formed definite preferences in terms of sharpness, finish, comfort, etc., it may be fine for you. I do believe that at some point in most straight shaver journeys, it serves one well to learn how to hone. After technique has been established, this is the area where (personal) perfection and satisfaction may be achieved. My 2 cents.

Enjoy the razor. They are beautiful.