Thread: Heavy wedges 15/16" +

Thanks to some great advice and help from my mentor pinklather, I've discovered that for my beard and face, I prefer a heavy wedge/ heavy grind. I would have never come to this realization without the help of a mentor. This community really is fantastic.

Anyway... I was wondering how many of the makers in the pre- cartridge razor days made heavy grind razors that were 15/16ths or bigger?

Short answer - heaps. 'Heavy' and '15/16 +' are some pretty broad criteria! The best advice I can offer is lookout for Sheffield makers, from the über-obvious Wade & Butcher's to the totally obscure small volume brands.

I don't know how many there are, but I've got my share. I haven't shaved with anything less than 8/8 in months, and that was just the last week or so. If I'm shaving with something under 9/8, I get lonely.

I'm finding the 7/8+ full hollows attractive at the moment.
I've got a couple waiting for scales and can't wait to shave with them

Originally Posted by ace

I don't know how many there are, but I've got my share. I haven't shaved with anything less than 8/8 in months, and that was just the last week or so. If I'm shaving with something under 9/8, I get lonely.

That's great! obviously there are the W&B (which ill avoid at the inflated price) and I have a Wostenholm, but would you care to share the names of some of yours? Or better yet.... Pictures

Pinklather is a fantastic mentor a great man indeed he helps. When I need it as well

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

Pinklather is a fantastic mentor a great man indeed he helps. When I need it as well

Are you in pdx also?

Originally Posted by PortlandJosh

Are you in pdx also?

Unfortunately I am not I'm in the arkansas area

Josh & Tyler, thank you for your kindness.

A vendor & very experienced str8 user told me that at 7/8" and above, even the very hollow blades get quite stiff. The only exception I've heard to this are the Filarmonicas, though I've not tasted their larger blades. I wanted to know if this was true or not, and bought a 15/16 Wacker full hollow. I've not measured the thickness on this big one, but the 7/8 Antik I have is clearly in the extra hollow camp at .0075". It turns out he was right - at least amongst the Wackers. The larger blades generally have a thicker spine and shank, which my ham-sized hands appreciate. Just the added weight this brings - gives me much of the benefit of the heavy grinds. As it turns out, I like heavy razors - whether the grind is heavy or not.
While I don't have a 15/16 wedge, if you'd like to come try a 15/16 hollow or a 6/8 heavy hollow - c'mon over.
It seems we don't get much exposure to the heavier grinds or heavier razors when learning (I sure didn't) 'cause the overwhelming majority of the blades are small, light, and full hollow. Some of this is just the popularity/demand of the users of the day. WWI soldiers avg'd 5'3". Smaller guys, smaller hands, smaller razors.
Heavy grinds I've loved are Robert Williams and the Wackers. To some extent, the Hart Steel. Getting a beefy blade, comfortable to hold and use, that mows heavy timber effortlessly - and still gives feedback is a wonderful shave for me. The Williams has alway led the pack for me on giving feedback. As I've mentioned before - the feedback is subdued, compared to a hollow, but still quite noticeable.
'Seems like it took alot of blades to discover what attributes really make me happy each shave. Its rather time-consuming and costly to buy and sell them all. I hope other guys warm up to the idea of letting new guys try some of their gear. It would certainly have saved me a bundle.

Originally Posted by PortlandJosh

That's great! obviously there are the W&B (which ill avoid at the inflated price) and I have a Wostenholm, but would you care to share the names of some of yours? Or better yet.... Pictures

I am better at collecting razors than I am at taking photos, but I can list a few:

Wade and Butcher (sorry, we all have preferences), Wm. Hargreaves, Wostenholm, Sutcliffe, William Jackson, Ibbotson and Peace, Wm. Stenton and Sons, Middleton, Rogers, Rodgers, Kellogg and the french made J. Fonderie in 8/8.

If you'd like something larger and can accept an American made blade there's always:

Otto & Reynders "Otto & Reynders N. York" 11/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

and there are many, many more.