Thread: Got me a wedge!

It was bound to happen. Picked up a John C.C0ckhill wedge with (I think) horn handles. Not too bad looking, but a bit sketchy on the grind and fit to the scales. Maybe they were made like that, though I don't have a clue of the age. It has what appears to be a lead wedge. On the side of the show scale it has very neatly stamped WAD5 very small. Both the blade and the box are marked Sheffield.

The blade looks like someone cleaned not too long ago; the spine has some shallow pitting. It has play on the pin, as if the hole is enlarged, though it's masked by the tightness of it. The poor thing is as blunt as a spoon, but the edge doesn't seem to have any damage

Do I know how to pick them or what?

Here are some pics, because I know I love it when you guys post them and want to return the favor. Also because I'm hoping someone can tell me anything about this one, in particular age.







the well weathered wedge I think is made of lead:



and the WAD5 stamping:

I don't know anything about the age, other than pre 1890. I actually have the same blade in the same scales, or at least very similar on both counts. Mine has that terrible pattern hone wear that gets heavier to the toe. At the toe, the hone wear from the spine connects to the bevel AKA it becomes a true wedge. I put her aside, because I haven't really felt like taking the time to get that bevel set... I hope you have better luck when you start honing yours.

Lovely old razor you got there! The wedge is lead, I'm pretty sure. It will buff nice and shiny just by rubbing it with some maas on a rag. Beware that lead is poisonous, keep it away from powertools and use an appropriate mask. The horn scales look great for their age as well, nice and straight with little delamination and no heavy wounds. I'd definately have that thing honed up, I'm sure it will prove to be a great shaver. Best of luck.

A fine catch.
Looks in pretty good shape considering its age.
I have a couple similar ones and they are excellent shavers in my opinion.
Some of the Goins readers will surely chime in with an estimation of its age.