Thread: 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.




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!

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.

Softer steel = smooth shave

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

What's not to like?

Glad you are enjoying yours!

That's easy to answer. This is why...it's mine all mine lol

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

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.

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?

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.

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.