Thread: Mentor Gives Rookie A Wedgie

First, once again I would like to say thank-you to the Mods and Mentors, all those who keep this loosely grouped bunch of shaving crazies going. Looking at Ebay right now I think we are in the time of the Big Razor and Big Razor means Big Prices. Many of us rookies, old and young are priced out of these auctions. Not whimpering about it, just the facts.
I'm lucky enough to have a mentor and friend, and he noticed in one of my threads that I've never used a big Sheffield wedge. So this guy, in full glorious mentorhood, tells me he is sending me one to try out so I can answer some of the questions I had about them, questions that could not be answered in any way other than shaving with one. The fact that this forum exists is kind of a small miracle. People work at this. And generally the fellowship (a word that would in the past make me cringe) is truly a good thing, an antidote to the horror show that is the news, the corruption in our government, the salaries of people who do questionable things....sorry, I am digressing.
I get home Friday night bone tired and find the razor in the little white box and know that I have to shave. Beer, shower, and some time admiring the old Wade and Butcher. The pre shave rituals that focus and relax at the same time. As members know who use these wedges, they are quiet. The surprise was how easy it was to shave with! It was the first real smiling edge I have used also and I understand why many prefer this shape: they are more contour friendly. I can see there is a learning curve mostly to do with the little tail and the weight of the blade, but it was a terrific shave and for the first time no burn with the alum (I though this was some kind of inside joke before...no alum burn). I should mention that the blade arrived something past sharp. HHT? I think I could have cut a bundle of bamboo with this blade.
Anyway, time to start saving my allowance for a Big Sheffield Wedge to add to the rotation. They are another level of fun. And thanks to a man who defines Mentor for WW243.

Yes, another fine example of the SRP community spirit

The same happened for me when pinklather was kind enough to lend me a wedge, so I could understand how the difference in feedback really was a far cry from a full hollow.

At the moment, Lynn is fixing up a wedge i found at a local antique store. all the others were chipped or seriously rusted and at 4/8, to clean them up might have made them a bit smaller, so i just stuck with the good find I had. I think it was a Adoration Ax.

They don't have to be giant wedges to shave "like a wedge" so keep that in mind. My personal favorite size in a wedge, or any other grind, is 6/8. I find the larger blades too awkward to navigate comfortably. So when shopping for your new wedge, don't think you have to have an 8/8 or larger axe. Of course, like every aspect of our hobby, it's a matter of personal opinion.

Hi WW243

I agree. My Mentor Michael has been an amazing asset. He is selfless and takes his time answering my many questions. After visiting Michael I feel more secure about what I am doing because the hands on work we do and his attention is always priceless. Even his family has been so welcoming that I feel so comfortable in his home. This site is great because of the great people that lend their skill, give advice and deal with green new people like myself. In addition Oz and Bill have further given to my shaving experience by supporting my son's love of shaving. I look forward to being able to add to newbies as I become more experience because I feel it is my responsibility to pay it forward and keep it going.

Respectfully,
Luis

Originally Posted by WW243

I've never used a big Sheffield wedge.

Hello WW243,
I too am lucky enough to be trying out a wedge for the first time. Its a Rodgers 6/8. however, I have to say I have been having some difficulty.
Having only shaved with hollows before, the thing that struck me about this was that there was very little "feedback" from the edge...if thats the correct word??
I had extra trouble in my trouble spots, since I didn't realise when the edge was beginning to stick, and so to correct the angle.
I'm guessing given the glowing review that is a problem you didnt encounter on the first shave?
Wondering if the edge of mine is truely shave ready! But it was a harsh shave with lots of burn!

I think perhaps a beer might have done me some good preshave in retrospect!

Damo,
The beer was the key, an integral part of the preshave ritual.
There was feedback, just not the noisy kind. Knowing myself to be heavy handed I tried to let the blade float and did not think of BBS on any of three passes. Mine was a memorable experience. There is a romanticism about using a 150 year old blade. I tried not to get too romantic though, in 1863 this razor might have been used by a rat who ran out on his family and devoted his life to gin and women. 'Edge beginning to stick" That sounds pretty scary, like the point at which shaving changed into flaying. Good luck, keep at it and know who honed your razor.
Bill C

Originally Posted by Damo

Hello WW243,
I too am lucky enough to be trying out a wedge for the first time. Its a Rodgers 6/8. however, I have to say I have been having some difficulty.
Having only shaved with hollows before, the thing that struck me about this was that there was very little "feedback" from the edge...if thats the correct word??
I had extra trouble in my trouble spots, since I didn't realise when the edge was beginning to stick, and so to correct the angle.
I'm guessing given the glowing review that is a problem you didnt encounter on the first shave?
Wondering if the edge of mine is truely shave ready! But it was a harsh shave with lots of burn!

I think perhaps a beer might have done me some good preshave in retrospect!

Yep ..all this"pay it forward" really shines here on SRP. Have been on giving end as well of the receiving end !!!!

Originally Posted by WW243

First, once again I would like to say thank-you to the Mods and Mentors, all those who keep this loosely grouped bunch of shaving crazies going. Looking at Ebay right now I think we are in the time of the Big Razor and Big Razor means Big Prices. Many of us rookies, old and young are priced out of these auctions. Not whimpering about it, just the facts.
I'm lucky enough to have a mentor and friend, and he noticed in one of my threads that I've never used a big Sheffield wedge. So this guy, in full glorious mentorhood, tells me he is sending me one to try out so I can answer some of the questions I had about them, questions that could not be answered in any way other than shaving with one. The fact that this forum exists is kind of a small miracle. People work at this. And generally the fellowship (a word that would in the past make me cringe) is truly a good thing, an antidote to the horror show that is the news, the corruption in our government, the salaries of people who do questionable things....sorry, I am digressing.
I get home Friday night bone tired and find the razor in the little white box and know that I have to shave. Beer, shower, and some time admiring the old Wade and Butcher. The pre shave rituals that focus and relax at the same time. As members know who use these wedges, they are quiet. The surprise was how easy it was to shave with! It was the first real smiling edge I have used also and I understand why many prefer this shape: they are more contour friendly. I can see there is a learning curve mostly to do with the little tail and the weight of the blade, but it was a terrific shave and for the first time no burn with the alum (I though this was some kind of inside joke before...no alum burn). I should mention that the blade arrived something past sharp. HHT? I think I could have cut a bundle of bamboo with this blade.
Anyway, time to start saving my allowance for a Big Sheffield Wedge to add to the rotation. They are another level of fun. And thanks to a man who defines Mentor for WW243.

I love my W&B near wedge.

I have currently in my collection a Klas Tornblom wedge or near-wedge as well as a Boker wedge. Unfortunately, my honing skills aren't up to par to get these two honed up properly, but I am working at it. One day, I will succeed and be able to enjoy the the experience of shaving with a wedge (I'm REAL close on the Klas Tornblom). I hope, by that point, to have acquired a nice, big, Sheffield wedge so that I may see what Sheffield steel has to offer.

I wholeheartedly agree that we have some of the best members on any forum I've ever been a part of, and the sense of community and camaraderie here is astoundingly strong.