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I stumbled upon a no-name almost wedge at an antique store and had Lynn hone it for me. I tried it for the first time yesterday and I love it! As a newbie, that wedge is so so easy to use compared to a full hollow which I've been struggling with (also honed by Lynn).
Does anyone know where to find another wedge or almost wedge? I getting another one; it's so much easier!
ebay, classifieds, antique stores, vendors
Tusa,
The heavy grind was a game changer for me as well. I've tried the heavy Sheffields and can't make peace w/ the feel or lack of feedback. The non-sheffield heavy grinds have been better, but lately the swedish heavies have seemed the best value. I find the shave equal to the costly Wacker heavy grinds. Finding them has been difficult for me. Finding 6/8 wedges even more so. Large hands like large shanks to hold. If smaller blades are okay for you, PM me.
I smile when I read about struggling w/ full hollows. That's my experience exactly. That'll change, I found that the heavy blade gave me the confidence to try new stretches and strokes. After a few times, I could carefully reproduce those strokes w/ the full hollow also. 18 mo later, I seem to like the extremes - extra hollow and near wedge. The heavies remain just a complete pleasure.
Post more if you run into more issues. The help here is incredible.
Just to second, check the classifieds here. I know Eboy is usually full of near wedge types. You just need to watch the condition as they can be a bear to hone if the wear is heavy.
I think that my almost-wedge is a 5/8 or 6/8". I like the heavy feel and the size of grip. I don't know why but it certainly works for me. Maybe it's just this one. It's a no-namer, nothing written at all on the blade. Does anyone make new wedges/almost-wedges? They seem to be hard to find, none even on eBotch.
Two Pm's inbound
Whacker still makes new wedge blades. I have had one of the round points for a while and it is one of my best shaving blades, and I have a bunch of blades..
I Googled Wacker new blades and they sure are 'purdy'... but man... their prices are on the moon!
I think you're just spoiled with undervalued razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa
Making razors is not cheap. Dovo, Thiers-Issard, and Boker have the largest infrastructures and the ability to keep the prices low, but for anybody else it's not possible to live off making $100 razors.
Take a look at the latest outfit - Hart. They barely grind their blanks or add any embellishments and still don't go under $260. The Wackers that I've seen have much more complicated grinds and the finishes are better than those of Hart, the scales materials are more expensive, while the prices are comparable, or even cheaper.
Or get an old razor and restore it to a condition that matches a brand new one (not almost, it really has to be equivalent) and you'll end up with pretty much the same end cost.
Its true. I like my full hollows but I've been wanting to buy a wedge to try for those times where I let my beard go a little too long. I've definitely been spoiled by the under $100 price range of most 5/8 full hollows.
jbtusa,
Do you find the wedge less sharp than the full-hollow ground as i also find the F-H ground razors challenging as a beginner?
Congratulations!
When you divide the cost over your lifetime & maybe that of your grandkid's they become cheap as chips. Sorry for the Aussie slang. I mean cheap as fries :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa
I keep telling myself that! Right, back to eBay...Quote:
Originally Posted by onimaru55
Ah , but what price your labour Matt ? :)
I've picked up two wedges accidentally recently. I say accidentally because I prefer the full hollow grind and I didn't realise the razors I was bidding on were wedges.
I will be keeping them however, one for its aesthetics and the other is a Beau Brummel, and I don't let go of Brummels once they come into my possession.