Thread: Genco "Wedge"

Hey Larry,

I'm actually the guy that bought the razor in question from you just recently lol. Thats why I made the thread. From what I've read, Sheffield and American blades are supposed to be "softer" or "smoother" as compared to Solingen blades. I currently have a Dovo, and have your razor along with a Joseph Allen and Sons razor on the way. I just wanted to have a variety of blades as I start out. Btw, thanks for shipping the Genco so soon.

VonDerBerg

One of the reasons I really like American razors is that mine all seem to hold their edge for a long time, even to the point of being notably longer than most of my Sheffields. I'm no expert, but I don't think I would call them soft. Mine seem every bit as hard as German or Swedish.

Originally Posted by VonDerBerg

Hey Larry, I'm actually the guy that bought the razor in question from you just recently lol. ...

Then, yes, it is a near wedge. And, definitely yes to the soft feeling of the wedge. I have my favorite W.S. Brown straight razor. If not for that, one of these Genco Wedges (near wedges) would rank high.

Originally Posted by VonDerBerg

From what I've read, Sheffield and American blades are supposed to be "softer" or "smoother" as compared to Solingen blades.

There are exceptions to every rule, but, from my general experience, this is not the case. American razors that I have used tend to be harder than Solingen, and thus a fair bit harder than Sheffield, razors. I'd say they are more like Swedish or Japanese razors. This is part of why I have yet to hone my Genco Wedge. Usually, the combination of hard steel and a heavy grind is not enjoyable to me; I'm not really sure how to describe the feeling that I don't like. I guess more aggressive/a bit unforgiving?

Some examples have been quarter hollows from Cmon, DublDuck, (both German), Heljestrand (Swedish) and Hayashi (Japanese). I do, however, quite like Torrey half hollows, so it's clearly not always the same. I just don't want to be disappointed by this beautiful Genco.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

... American razors that I have used tend to be harder than Solingen, and thus a fair bit harder than Sheffield, razors. I'd say they are more like Swedish or Japanese razors. This is part of why I have yet to hone my Genco Wedge. Usually, the combination of hard steel and a heavy grind is not enjoyable to me...

Is your comment about "not enjoyable" referencing honing or shaving?

When I said the Genco Wedge feels soft, I am talking about during the shave, and was not meant to describe honing. And, I think this effect is primarily from the near wedge shape, and not from the hardness or softness of the metal.

Shaving. I love honing everything. Yea, I know, I hate the Reynoldses, but every razor that I hone can teach me something new, and I enjoy that. I don't know what it means for a razor to feel hard or soft during the shave; I use those words to describe the steel itself.