Thread: Wedge again

I may be due for some humble pie...

I gradually transitioned to using full hollows exclusively . I have been very happy with them, even though I think I have a tough beard. I generally think that wedges aren't really needed - even for the toughest beards. However, I do keep a number of wedges and yesterday I honed one up to see how I would like it now. In fact, I am / was thinking about selling it, so I needed to hone it and test it.

What can I say, after 1200 for good measure to reset the bevel, even with a somewhat hasty job on the blue and coticule, and very little Escher (didn't even go to my Japanese hones) - the 6/8 wedge was shaving really very well, compared to a 10/10 control full hollow for comparison. While the wedge didn't feel as sharp as the hollow, it did give me an appreciably smoother shave. I am guessing the extra weight I unwittingly allowed on my skin did this, and to be honest I almost overshaved a couple of spots but some alhohol AS fixed this and there was no redness in 15 min. In one scary moment, I used an inappropriate angle (spine too close to cheek) and the blade almost "stuck" to my skin I do believe this is why the real wedges are used with an angle of 45 or so (vs. 30)

Anyway, it also did a very easy job of ATG, even though it was not as sharp as the control razor. After many hollows (and having forgotten what the wedges are like) I am reminded why some members swear by them... Don't expect me to turn all-wedges-no-hollows now, but I may hone up a couple more of these...

Cheers
Ivo

I know exactly what you mean. Its good to mix things up now and then.

Jordan

I do love my wedges - it's something about the noise they make (or don't make) as they shave.

Every razor is beautiful, in it's own way. From the fragile elegance of a full hollow to the rustic robustness of a wedge; from the shiny crispness of a new blade to the grizzled experience of an antique: they are all amazing pieces of equipment, and there's not one in my collection that I don't appreciate or admire.

Glad you rediscovered your wedges Ivo

James.

i alternate between an old unknown wedge and an expensive quarter hollow wacker, get a better shave from the wacker, but the shaving experience goes to the wedge, effortlessly smooth on your face, seems to almost move on its own thru the stroke

Originally Posted by fishlessman

i alternate between an old unknown wedge and an expensive quarter hollow wacker, get a better shave from the wacker, but the shaving experience goes to the wedge, effortlessly smooth on your face, seems to almost move on its own thru the stroke

Interesting - reading this I am curious why the better shave from the Wacker? to me it seems your wedge, "effortlessly smooth" should be the better experience?

Cheers
Ivo

OK, y'all have almost got me bold enough to try my 6/8 wedge I picked up on ebay and honed and stropped...even though I have fine blondish-brown hair that's thin. Hmm.

In general, is it safe to say that wedges are for thicker hair, and hollow-grounds are best for thin to average hair, is that right? (I'm going to be selling some razors at the next gun & knife show, I need some selling info to hand out!)

generally wedges are considered better for very thick coarse hair because they don't flex, but there's no reason you couldn't use and like a wedge if you have thinner hair. It just has a different feel.

Originally Posted by YesSheDoes!

OK, y'all have almost got me bold enough to try my 6/8 wedge I picked up on ebay and honed and stropped...even though I have fine blondish-brown hair that's thin. Hmm.

In general, is it safe to say that wedges are for thicker hair, and hollow-grounds are best for thin to average hair, is that right? (I'm going to be selling some razors at the next gun & knife show, I need some selling info to hand out!)

If it were only that easy. wedge types are harder to hone up, more metal removal, but they feel slick as they quietly mow the face. YMMV. the hollow grinds are noisy but handle like a sports car, they hone up nice butthe edge is a bit more fragile seeming. they tend, IMO, to need more attention.
wedge= hummer H1, extra hollow=porche 911

i have little wedges (4/8 dd) and big (8/8 Williams and others) and use them all along with comparably sized hollows they all work great.

i guess if i were selling them at a show i would consider my expected customer... d othey like big knives and guns (i.e. "manly" things) then sell them the wedges they will not like the dainty hollows even if it would be a better razor. sometimes people revert to type and do silly things.

and to finally answer you question for a long time all they made were wedges. then the technolgy and fashion changes and hollows were all the rage. just like today with the round points you find on nearly every new razor, whereas in the past you would mainly see spikes and square points.

Originally Posted by izlat

Interesting - reading this I am curious why the better shave from the Wacker? to me it seems your wedge, "effortlessly smooth" should be the better experience?

Cheers
Ivo

could just be my honing, but the wacker gives me a better bbs shave that lasts a little longer, but the wedge glides better on my face. i dont know if that makes any sense to anyone. wacker gives me a better shave as in bbs, wedge is just a better experience. i find with the wacker it takes more concentration as well as it does want to stick from time to time if im not carefully watching angles

Oh - that's clearing things for me!

I would go for a more pleasant feel / experience and less BBS if I can choose (in general)

Cheers
Ivo