Thread: New to me Wedge

So I traded a wacker Best Traditions for a vintage superfine wedge and some cash. WOW. now I am a brand noob. Only about 2 weeks worth of very slow "shaves". They are not great shaves to boot. But what a diffeeence the wedge (or maybe it's near wedge) made for me. I have a thick course fast growing beard and the wedge seemed to just slice through it. It was like I was running a butter knife over my face. I did 3 passes on the face ( wtg wtg and pseudo xtg) and even managed two on my neck. One weeper on my lip. I'm impressed, not with myself of course because I'm only about .001 of .001 of .001 % to being proficient with a straight but I really liked that wedge. Now I want another one.

Good going! For some; the extra weight of a wedge makes shaving easier. The weight helps give feedback of hand position and improves muscle memory.
Merry Christmas!
~Richard

Sounds like your shave is getting there. Many like wedges for shaving with. Once you get you technique ironed out you may or may not choose to return to a more hollow grind. I started with a 1/2 hollow and then near wedges and 1/4 hollows, I did a long run on full and extra hollows and now. I can get near perfection with any of them and change things up around once a week. I hope you continue to improve your shave and good luck with the razor acquisition disorder.

I love wedges! A nice sharp wedge shaves like a bulldozer gently plowing through snow.............

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

I love wedges! A nice sharp wedge shaves like a bulldozer gently plowing through snow.............

Couldn't agree more.
Here's an analogy:
Wedges are like the Hummer SUV's of blades. They go through everything and do it so smoothly you don't feel a thing or spill your coffee.
Hollow grounds are like race cars. You feel every bump and pebble but boy are they fast and loud when you learn how to handle them.
Over time you will love both.
Good luck with the wedge!

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by petercp4e

Couldn't agree more.
Here's an analogy:
Wedges are like the Hummer SUV's of blades. They go through everything and do it so smoothly you don't feel a thing or spill your coffee.
Hollow grounds are like race cars. You feel every bump and pebble but boy are they fast and loud when you learn how to handle them.
Over time you will love both.
Good luck with the wedge!

Pete <:-}

Very good analogy! Couldn't have said it better myself! But I tried...he! he!

I had a number of full, half and 1/4 hollows, but actually won a competition on here and won a wedge - a Union Cutlery Spike. I loved it, and now I have half a dozen. Great wedge shavers, but because they're quite 'compact' there's not a massive increase in the weight.

Oh, and what's a Hummer? Junk! Best off road vehicle... ever? Landrover Defender obviously!!

Originally Posted by petercp4e

Couldn't agree more.
Here's an analogy:
Wedges are like the Hummer SUV's of blades. They go through everything and do it so smoothly you don't feel a thing or spill your coffee.
Hollow grounds are like race cars. You feel every bump and pebble but boy are they fast and loud when you learn how to handle them.
Over time you will love both.
Good luck with the wedge!

Pete <:-}

I have a 7/8 quarter hollow, great razor but I just didn't like the extra weight. My beard is fairly thin tho, so the Ferraris and corvettes do just fine.

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

I love wedges! A nice sharp wedge shaves like a bulldozer gently plowing through snow.............

+1. An excellent analogy! I have a few wedges, near wedges, 1/4 hollows and they are some of my favorite shavers. They seem to cost more now-a-days but I find a deal Every now and again. I just picked up a MJ Higgins I am going to restore when I get some new materials and time.

Originally Posted by wayne394

I had a number of full, half and 1/4 hollows, but actually won a competition on here and won a wedge - a Union Cutlery Spike. I loved it, and now I have half a dozrn.

These are, generally, 9/16 or 5/8 blade sizes, with what's called a "near-wedge" grind. You can often find them with somewhat shorter blades -- these are excellent for guys with thinner and more angular necks/jaws, 'cuz they're more maneuverable. American-made, between the early-1900s through the 1950s, in the border areas between NY and PA.

Also, this size/grind was popular throughout the Mid-west, with colorful and/or unique scales, advertising barber supply stores. Great everyday shavers!