What do you like about a W&B wedge?

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02-05-2011, 01:45 AM
MWS

What do you like about a W&B wedge?

I know it’s a YMMV question, but I’m curious to hear what you prefer.

After acquiring a W&B smiling wedge from a member here, I finally took 'er for a test drive.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...r-swayback.jpg

My current rotation of razors are all full hollows, this was the first time I’ve used a wedge. It was a little unnerving right from the start – no gentle hiss or noise what-so-ever on the strop…it was as if the bevel wasn’t even touching and I was rubbing the spine up and down.

The shave was one of the best I’ve ever had, bar none. Usually my most aggressive angle is somewhere between XTG a nd ATG, I did this pass with the wedge and it felt as comfortable as WTG. No kidding. In two passes I’d come as close as the usual four pass shave (don’t worry;,I did another two in touch ups just for fun.) The shave felt so solid and quiet…none of the usual popping you get with a full hollow.

Too many variables for me to pinpoint what made it an excellent shave…was it the grind? The weight?? Possibly the slight smile on the blade??? I’m going to have to explore the wedge a little closer, but wanted to share the experience with those who haven’t used…or have been intimidated by…the noble wedge.
For those of you who use them regularly, I’m curious to hear what your greatest attraction is?

Thanks!
02-05-2011, 02:00 AM
ace

I think wedges are a waste of time and money. They shave lousy, are hard to hone, and are way over-priced. I think you should get rid of the one you've got, and, just to be nice, I will take care of that for you. Just send it to me, and I'll make sure you never have to worry about it again. I'm just offering that as a favor to a fellow member.
02-05-2011, 02:01 AM
holli4pirating

Softer steel = smooth shave
02-05-2011, 02:06 AM
Alucard73

i've found wedges great for my wiry beard where as hollows really struggle to get through it so far i have four wedges all shave great and only need one pass so i'm selling my hollows to buy more wedges
02-05-2011, 02:09 AM
AntiqueHoosier

What's not to like?

Glad you are enjoying yours!
02-05-2011, 02:12 AM
Catrentshaving

1 Attachment(s)

That's easy to answer. This is why...it's mine all mine :) lol
02-05-2011, 02:13 AM
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
02-05-2011, 05:00 AM
JimmyHAD

Quote:

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

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.
02-05-2011, 05:30 AM
Grizzley1

Is there any difference in honing a wedge as opposed to a hollow? Ive never used a wedge and was just wondering what differences there are?
02-05-2011, 08:40 AM
AlanII

Quote:

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

I agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Is there any difference in honing a wedge as opposed to a hollow? Ive never used a wedge and was just wondering what differences there are?

There's more steel to take off which means the bevel takes longer to set. With the older ones there can be multiple older bevels that can take a while to sort out. Smiles require a different rolling x stroke too.
02-05-2011, 02:20 PM
leadingedge

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!
02-05-2011, 03:06 PM
GeauxLSU

Quote:

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.

My exact thoughts.
02-05-2011, 03:45 PM
blugill

2 Attachment(s)

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
02-05-2011, 03:46 PM
Otto

All of the above and good looks too. :D
02-05-2011, 03:53 PM
orretfisker

1 Attachment(s)

My Sheffield wedge blades

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
02-05-2011, 04:45 PM
pcb01

Quote:

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

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.
02-05-2011, 08:47 PM
d. m. ellington

Wade & Butacher

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