Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
Like Tree1Likes

Thread: Wedge

  1. #1
    Junior Member tcadien's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Posts
    26
    Thanked: 4

    Default Wedge

    Been getting really good shaves for a couple months with my Torrey and my Hibbard & Spencer, both of which are full hollow. Switched today to my Frederic Reynolds wedge. Man it was rough. I shaved with it once but just cheeks to check it out with good results, but today I experienced quite a bit of pulling. Changed angles a couple of times with minimal success. I know the razor is sharp, so I am whittling it down to technique. Any pointers on angles for the wedge?

  2. #2
    ace
    ace is offline
    Senior Member blabbermouth ace's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    3,362
    Thanked: 581

    Default

    I don't have angle issues with the wedges I use. I'd be inclined to question your razor's sharpness. A sharp wedge tends to go right through whatever it encounters.

  3. #3
    Just a guy with free time.
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Mid state Illinois
    Posts
    1,448
    Thanked: 247

    Default

    I'd also say it's a sharpness thing. The only way your angle may change would depend on the depth of the blade. Say your full hollows are 5/8, and now you're trying to shave with a 8/8 wedge. Things will be a little different. But moving from a 5/8 full hollow to a 5/8 wedge doesn't change my technique at all. Other than I'm considerably more careful, as the heavier wedge doesn't ever get hung up on a pimple or mole. It just cuts them off. Anyways, if you're certain there is no additional sharpness to be acheived, I'm stumped.

  4. #4
    Senior Member blabbermouth
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    2,697
    Thanked: 830
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Heavy Sheffields are my penance for some life of evil I must have lived at some point. They aren't hard to hone, but just alot of work. But to your point, I encounter edge degradation with them more than any other. On half a dozen, it was a metal integrity issue - the edge collapsed and the exposed metal looked porous - like cast metal. I don't know, but am guessing this is some kind of inclusion or flaw in the metal itself. It appeared over time with several. Shaved fine over a period of time, then seemed like it just didn't want to hold an edge. On a couple this sequence happened more than once. I've seen in in the harder Soligens also (including my fav. Wacker), but much less often.
    It will be interesting if your next few honings of this blade include incidents of chipping.

  5. #5
    -- There is no try, only do. Morty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    SE PA
    Posts
    501
    Thanked: 167

    Default

    I'm with Ace on this one. I get just as good a shave with my W&B wedge as I do with my Double Duck full hollow. Any difference in shaving quality I might notice between them gets remedied with a quick touch up on my finishing stone.

    Don't overthink angles; straight razor shaving isn't like painting by numbers. Learn to trust your right brain. When you trust your right brain, it will lead your hands into the correct stretch, angle and stroke for a superior shave.
    Namaste,
    Morty -_-

  6. #6
    Easily distracted by sharp objects alb1981's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Tempe, Arizona, United States
    Posts
    824
    Thanked: 94

    Default

    I can only use my wedges on 2days growth or more. Then they are fantastic. When I try to use them on less, they just don't make me happy....i guess that's why I have so many different razors and grinds, so I can match my beard and mood lol after all variety is the spice of life
    Havachat45 likes this.

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    29
    Thanked: 3

    Default

    i agree wedges are more comfortable for 2day+ growth.

  8. #8
    Junior Member tcadien's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Posts
    26
    Thanked: 4

    Default

    Thanks guys maybe I rolled it on the strop by accident. I'll check back in a day or two with sharpness results

  9. #9
    The Knight who says NI! mcgyver74's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Jersey City, NJ
    Posts
    512
    Thanked: 32

    Default

    I agree with checking the sharpness, I find my W&B wedge easier to shave with then my extra hollow's (IE they require less thinking about pressure/angles)

  10. #10
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,948
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    My problem with heavy razors is the pressure, I forget to back it down a notch and then they don't cut well, after you check the edge remember to dial it back some to compensate for the weight

    Just a thought

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •