Thread: Wedge vs. Hollow Ground

Originally Posted by Jimbo

As does the bevel...

James.

As does the Stabilizer.

Now you have had three easy lessons in spotting a Near Wedge.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Most people do not even know what a true wedge is - they are a very rare beast indeed, and not often come across.

One or two respondents here know the difference, they have hinted as much by using the word "wedge-like" rather than wedge. A true wedge, referred to as a 'wedge', has straight sides coming to a point. That means that all of the blade lays on the hone and metal must be removed from all the surface of each side of the blade when honing, unless you tape the spine or use a sleeve on the spine to elevate it a bit.

The degree of hollowing depends on the size of the wheel. On old 5/8 razors for instance a set of small wheels (2" or so in diameter) is used. Look at a 2" radius and you can see the amount of hollowing it would provide.

Other size wheels are used to - 4", 8", 12" and in the old days even wider - 2 or 3 feet in diameter. Look at a section of radius from one of these wheels and you soon realise that the bigger wheels appear to give a straight side, but they do not - each one provides a smaller degree of hollowing. The term used here for a razor like this is 'near wedge' even though it is still technically hollow ground. You can se if you look at the shoulder of the spine and the bevel - these will be the only parts exhibiting hone wear, as the slight hollow keeps the middle portion of the blade off the hone, making it easier and faster to hone.

Your question then is more like 'what degree of hollowing' rather than 'wedge of hollow'.

It is a small point, but the distinction between wedge and near wedge should be borne in mind, if only for the reason that it makes you look like you dont know what you are on about if you use the wrong one!

Regards,
Neil

I'd read that this Wade & Butcher, "Corporate Mark", post 1891, was a "true" wedge. It certainly looks perfectly triangular, whether it is in fact a true wedge, I don't know, but certainly is close.

Best I could do with some pics: