Are wedges that much different from a str8? How different are they? Do they require different techniques? Is there any quality difference?
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Are wedges that much different from a str8? How different are they? Do they require different techniques? Is there any quality difference?
Depends what you call a wedge. Many people call quarter hollow wedges for example Wapienicas, and certain Le Grelot models and various Solingen blades. I find these are fairly similar to hollows, just heavier with less feedback. The extra weight can be pleasant with several days worth of growth.
Then you get true wedges and Henckel scale 2s, which are predominantly Sheffield origin, alot of vintage French ones also.
These are completely silent. They can be more challenging to hone as more often than not they are smiling blades to a degree and warped.
Bottom line is if your shaving technique is down, any grind will give you a great shave, as long as it is good steel and honed correctly.
In answer to your question, they are heavier with less feedback. Definitely worth trying IMHO. YMMV
I think heavier grinds are easier to shave with than full hollows. Since the blades don't flex, there is less of a chance that they'll bite you. The ones with softer steel (most Sheffields) are very forgiving and smooth shavers; the ones from harder steel (Swedish, German, American) can feel harsh or unforgiving if you don't use a light touch. At least, this is what I find.
Would you consider a wedge for a more advanced invdivudal?
Yes. You cannot use a wedge until you can grab this staken knife from my hand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbcohen
I wouldnt. I think the second or third razor I got was a 7/8 W&B wedge from the classifieds here.
They're not harder to use, just different.
They are a different animal to hone though, as they are usually smiling blades and quite often are warped as well as Scipio says. Of my three, two were warped slightly and all three are smiling.
The only thing I can recommend is to get hold of one and see what you think!
I don't think skill level matters. I'd recommend a wedge to anyone.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbcohen
as opposed to a str8?Quote:
Originally Posted by holli4pirating
I enjoy my shaves off a wedge/semi-wedge when honed properly. It's the honing part for the older wedges that can be a PITA.
I think there are small differences and find that Hollow is the easiest to learn on. the wedge takes a different touch, and the hollow has more flex which can be foregiving.
As Holli mentioned, there are diffs. between the wedges. Most describe them as lacking feedback. I have an old sheffield smiling wedge (Eyre), and a modern wacker. The Eyre is void of feedback, but very comfortable. The wacker is quite vocal, though some would say it's more hollow than a true wedge.
As to an experienced user and a wedge - you might want to see JimmyHAD's review of the wacker 2 pc set - wedge & 1/4 hollow. I have the 1/4 hollow from the set, and it currently enjoys the status of most favored blade. Jimmy mentioned the shave of the wedge was 'better than the spanish point...' I bought the stosser wedge, and it enjoys the #2 spot on most favored blade. I've not used the old sheffield blade more than twice.
For reference, I'm not very experienced, so the heavy grind is easier for me to use. Unless you wish to keep the herd very small, I'd definitely recommend at least trying one wedge. Maybe check the area around you for other guys that might let you try theirs?
Wedges for the most part are archaic razors. They were made mostly in the 19 century and prior before they knew how to make hollow grinds. Once they learned to make hollows they stopped production and never looked back. They are a pain to maintain have no feedback and are large and clumsy.
Of course plenty of guys love them. I'm not one of them. The last production wedge to be made was the Duble Duck Satin Wedge which isn't really a true wedge and is a small razor.
Yes the weight and heft can be a crutch to someone starting out but to me the lack of feel trumps that. Just my opinion.