Thread: First shave with a wedge

I don't know. I have been shaving with a 7/8 Hart for maybe about six weeks now and I love it!. I also shave with a couple Holhzauer & Sons in 6/8 and 5/8 and very much love shaving with those two as well. The reason I mention those two is that they're real singers; I mean, really loud and outstanding shavers both. If I had to choose I would be hard pressed. For example, I can tell you for a fact I'm able to get the most outstanding of edges on the 6/8 Holzhauer and I probably get one of the closest shaves around; the type of shave that lasts more than a day in its length (everyones' goal, I should think) I can also tell you that after shaving with my big old Hart that my face feels smooth as a baby's tooshy. To reiterate: I really don't know. One thing to think about is this: if you're the sort of person that finds changing razors is not for you then you probably shouldn't. The gentleman that [kind of] introduced me to straight shaving in the early '90s, he used only one razor. That razor belonged to his grandfather. He (I should think) never heard of a pasted strop and only honed his razors on [his grandfather's also] barber's hone. However, he shaved masterfully. I don't ever recall a cut on his face. In fact, when I would ask him about shaving with the straight, he would just answer very matter of fact; almost as if, he just expected everyone to be able to understand how this is done. Well, thank God for the internet, the gentlemen here, and all the fine videos, for they've cut the learning curve way down.

Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Having never used a wedge what exactly is the difference? I have about thirty or so razors but haven't come across a wedge,are they that much different from a hollow grind?Most of my razors are shave ready and give great shaves but I can't imagine what the difference is,other than maybe the stiffness of the blade itself.Anyone?

The end result is the same. My take is that they are heavier. For me, they aren't as prone to hang, they just slice right on through the lip, bump, whisker or whatever is in their way. Just kidding, but they will take a chunk if you let them. Don't ask me how I know.

Wedges are definitely stiffer in the edge area than a full hollow. You won't deflect the edge at all on a wedge.

The wedges are definitely quieter. They don't make little high pitched noises when they cut. That is a plus from my personal standpoint as I wear hearing aids to offset high frequency hearing loss. I usually have my hearing aids on when I shave and when those things get though amplifying and distorting the racket it isn't enjoyable for me.

I shaved with a KROPP 6/8 full hollow last night. It was OK but tonight, I got out my big Frederick Reynolds and enjoyed myself.

I'd say it is just another personal choice. Kind of like driving a pick up versus a car.

Yeah, I couldn't find a wedge in my price range that was in decent shape, so I found a terrible one, and restored it, just to experience the amazing wedge shave. I've shaved with it twice I think. Another vote goes for it's all just individual preference.

The fact that you got one, saved it and put it back to use to your liking, makes it that much better!