What do you like about a W&B wedge?

The Sheffield Smile Wedges I have took me a heck of a lot of time to hone properly, but man o man, they give absolutely magnificent shaves.

Love them all!

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Couldn't agree more. The only thing I'd add is that Greaves, Rogers and other Sheffield makers of the time share the same characteristics AFAIC. There is just something about shaving with a razor that is in the neighborhood of 150 years old and wondering where it has been and what stories it could tell.

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My exact thoughts.

My W&B Frame Back Wedge is one of the smoothest razors I've got, they take on an amazingly smooth and almost buttery edge that is super sharp, yet soft to the skin. The history behind these 150 + year old razors that we shave with today, I'm sure would be fascinating. I enjoy wedge shaving very much, and once you have a good edge, its not hard to maintain with proper stropping and a few laps on a barbers hone every few weeks or so ! There is absolutly nothing not to like about a W&B wedge, one of the finest razors out there. IMHO

All of the above and good looks too. :D

I've got to admit that I love my wedge blades, especially the Wade & Butcher barbers notch. That's why I have two of those and also one Frederick Reynolds. There is definitely something about these razors. Here are mine... not as pretty as some but still have a lot of history I'm sure and they're still out there shaving.
Top - Wade & Butcher
Middle - Wade & Butcher "The clean shaver"
Bottom - Frederick Reynolds with K.S. & Co. on the blade

When you think about it, how many tools are still being used even 100 years after manufacture. Thank you for starting this thread.
Eric

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Originally Posted by RetroGrouch

I answered "All of the above" because my real answer wasn't an option.

What I most appreciate about W&B razors are their history, and their aesthetics.

They're among the most beautiful razors ever made. The barbers' notch, the smile, the engravings... just gorgeous. And it's just so much fun shaving with an old razor.

Mike

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This is my thought as well. All the old Sheffields have a heft and weight that goes beyond their physical mass. It is the weight of the history behind them. I have a few that are pristine, but when I get one that bears the scars and stains of generations, I make no attempt to clean it. I hone it and shave. I have one that came to me rust-glued to a bunch of others, which were damaged beyond any saving. The W&B honed right up and has given me excellent shaves. The blade itself has so much Devil's spit on it that it appears to be anodized black. Love that razor.

I have always used full hollow ground razors. However after reading these post I am going back and buy that W & B I saw in an antique store last week.

As we say down south, Yall done went and flung a cravin on me".

dewayne