Thread: Searching

Does anyone know where I can find a wedge razor? I have searched the net until my eyes bleed but all I can seem to find are various hollow ground blades. I am not looking to start a collection, I am looking for what will give me the best shave. I like the hollow ground razors I have now, especially the 7/8. I would like to try a wedge to see if there is any difference since there is quite obviously a huge difference in the blade.
Can anyone who owns one offer insight on the camparrison in shaves between the two, a 1/2 hollow ground and a wedge?
Thanks

Are you looking for a new or vintage blade? I'm not that up on current manufacturers, but I'd be surprised if some of the custom makers out there don't offer true wedges.

On the vintage front, I have several that I would have to say are definitely wedge-y if not necessarily 'true' wedges. Some examples are a few Wade & Butchers, a Joseph Wolstenholm 'Ebro' and a Tally-Ho. Now none of these are true wedges as they are ever so slightly hollow ground. That having been said, however, the experience of using them is really completely different from a full hollow. They feel different (much heavier feel), cut different (less effort as the weight of the blade seems to undertake much of the effort, not to mention having the momentum to cut things you don't necessarily want to cut the first few times you use them!), and definitely sound different from a more hollow ground (nearly silent).

The only 'true wedge' that I own has not yet been used by me. It's about 200 years old so I want to improve my restoration skills before tackling that one.

So if you are mainly wanting to experience the difference between a 1/2 or full hollow and a wedge, I wouldn't rule out a big old 1/4 ground or 'near wedge'. A 1/4 hollow will also have the advantage of being much easier to hone than a true wedge as the honing process will not have to remove as much steel.

So my suggestion would be to at least consider a 1/4 hollow or a near wedge.

Good luck!

While I've never asked to borrow a razor to try, some of my friends here at SRP have indeed loaned me razors to try. I have followed this kindness by loaning razors to them and for my apprentices to try.

Perhaps someone will loan you a heavier blade. I only have one near full wedge and it was my great grandfathers and it's precious to me. The only other near wedge I had I gave to an apprentice.

As has been said, they shave entirely different! I enjoy using it.

Now with that said: Is it my best shaver? No. Is it a good shaver? Yes!

I'll make a couple of contacts for you as not all members will see this post!

Enjoy the ride!

Thank you for your service!
I'm a Navy Vet/played tag with the Russians during the Viet Nam era in a Nuke Fast Attack Sub.

I believe Revisor has a few wedge type razors in their old razor section, that is if I am interpreting "derb" to mean wedge properly.

Bob

There are two wedges now posted in the buy and sell here.

I haven't seen any true wedged by current manufacturers, probably because they are such a pain to hone. Vintage razors are not stocked in any quantity (obviously since they are not made anymore) unless you find a collector selling off their stuff. One razor I see on ebay from time to time the the Wade and Butcher in blond horn frost etched "You lather well I'll shave well". The horn is usually brittle and worn eaten. Here is one of mine I rescalled in olive wood:

Joed, that is a work of art!

I have a near wedge Wade and Butcher. It is a really nice shave, but, it is very different. Don't hear much at all, and is quite heavy! I do like it quite a lot!!!

True wedges are rare, very rare. They are the product of the 19th century and once they discovered hollow grinding they dropped them like a hot potato. You'll see part hollows but not true wedges. They are heavy and hard to maintain and obsolete and that's why no one wants them anymore...har,har,har.

They do pop up every now and then on Eboy but most will require some work to get them shave ready again. You just have to be persistent and patient.

Thank you for your service brother and I salute you. I have the utmost respect for the submarine service and it's sailors, you men are indeed a special breed!
I would never ask anyone to loan a razor to me. You know the old saying, never a borrower or lendor be. From what I have read thus far, the wedges that SRP members own are indeed vintage and therefore have special meaning. If someone were willing to loan one to me I would be afraid of damaging it or worse yet, it getting lost in the mail.
Sooner or later I will prevail in my search. It sounds like the wedge may be what I am looking for as I am looking for a "hefty" feeling razor. I own a couple 5/8" Dovos and they just don't feel right. I'm not knocking Dovo, just the size.
Thanks again.

That is truly a piece of art. Thank you for sharing and thanks for the help.