Thread: Shaving with a wedge??

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

ask the honer blade has been taped or not.
in case it has been then your angle must go way down.
Depends on numbers of layers he used it may end up shaving well while almost flat to your face.
hope this helps.

This is good advice that helped me out with a wedge. Sometimes a very good stropping can help with the pulling! Never seems that easy for me though

I find a change in stropping routine usually helps with a wedge. I increase the lap count for both linen and leather and I also might add a little extra slack to the strop (especially if the wedge is a smiler).

I would try this out first, but honestly, as these gentlemen have already pointed out, there's a good chance the razor may not be sharp enough.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I find a change in stropping routine usually helps with a wedge. I increase the lap count for both linen and leather and I also might add a little extra slack to the strop (especially if the wedge is a smiler).

I would try this out first, but honestly, as these gentlemen have already pointed out, there's a good chance the razor may not be sharp enough.

+1 on using a little extra slack to strop a wedge. On the face, I definitely think it helps to decrease the angle, at least until you get a good feel for an optimum angle.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

ask the honer blade has been taped or not.
in case it has been then your angle must go way down.
Depends on numbers of layers he used it may end up shaving well while almost flat to your face.
hope this helps.

First off sorry to bring this thread out of retirement, but there is a nice wedge for sale in the classifieds it is a W&B American Razor, Sale Pending -- Restored Wade & Butcher 6/8 wedge -REDUCED- - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Would or could you tape a wedge blade when honing, No right? Could the tape protect the Eagle? How much different would shaving with a wedge be from a hollow ground blade? My brother will be starting Barber School soon when he finishes he will be a third generation Barber, he loves Eagles so I thought that razor would make a good gift. I feel guilty from getting all of the razors my father a second generation Barber has found in the shop, most are from my grandfather the first generation Barber.

If there aren't any honing marks on that old of a wedge, ask if whomever restored it reground the blade. Regrinding not done just right, and the addition of tape may have thrown the blade's geometry off some. Just a thought, but it would atleast solve two variables at once.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

ask the honer blade has been taped or not.
in case it has been then your angle must go way down.
Depends on numbers of layers he used it may end up shaving well while almost flat to your face.
hope this helps.

Taping while honing a wedge or any razor will only minimally affect the way it shaves. It stands to reason that if the spine is raised by tape while honing, the spine may have to be raised, not lowered, while shaving. The actual difference is so minimal that it is not worth discussing except to say that the quoted post had it backwards.

I can't see how anyone could hone a wedge without tape (but that's just me) - I use two layers to maintain the 'correct' angle on the hone (for me anyway) and replace the top one as it wears

I have a 6/8 heavy grind TI that seems to behave in the same way,the only razor in my collection i have trouble with,makes my upper lip slightly sore,and doesnt keep its edge as long as the others in rotation.Also doesnt shave the upper lip close all over, give odd small patches of close stubble,i suppose to no give in the blade.Put it down to just not liking heavy ground razors, will avoid wedges..Sorry if im off message

I sounds like your wedge is not adequately honed.

Ok,will get sharper