Wapienica - Why is it so good??

Glen, I'm just curious about the bad steel you're talking about. How is it possible that during the manufacturing process that the steel at the bevel is of one quality and once past that, gets worse? I'm admittedly ignorant to the process that goes on but it doesn't make sense to me.

I don't know the answer for sure but in the heat treating process of most knives the blade goes in the quench edge first so that the edge is harder than the spine, giving the blade a little more flex. I don't know if razors are done that way or not but if they are and some of them quenched too slowly it could cause soft steel.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gssixgun

BTW this is a great idea, in fact here is my OP on my first Wapi from almost exactly 5 years ago...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...wapienica.html

Note #11 & #12

Also note that back then it was all about the Norton 4/8 :)

Also note that this was about the starting time of the Progressive honing vs Pyramid honing discussions..

Wow that thread just brought back a ton of memories :p

---

Yeah Glen , I think we all have a few posts from when we were noobs , that make us :gaah: when we go back , and read them . I know I have one or two .:p

I started on a WAPI. Seemed like a good razor for a beginner due to stropping and honing ease.
I also made the assumption that since as in double edge razors the heavy ones are good because you can let the weight do the work that the same would hold true for straights. Well, not so, it was a bit difficult but I really didn't know that until i used someones Dovo Best which by comparison moved like lighting.

Recently got one myself. Have not put it to use yet but was considering rescaling. Didn't know about the steel issues, so now wondering if it's worth the expense of the rescale.

Razors are HT'd so that the edge gets to the correct hardness, but the whole blade isn't always of the same hardness. For example, on pretty much ever razor I have seen, the tang, tail, and top of the spine are softer than the actual blade. It's really apparent when you are cleaning them. For example, you can take an average, disposable single-edge scraper and scratch the tang, but you'd probably never be able to scratch the blade.

I believe Glen is referring to the steel becoming crumbly, but I won't speak for him.

Been crazy busy with birthdays and holidays but here are the pics of my wapi! The mark near the toe of the razor is superficial, no pitting or anything. Hope you enjoy.
Attachment 108659
Attachment 108653Attachment 108654Attachment 108655Attachment 108656Attachment 108658

Nice pics. Thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brooksie967

Got my NOS SFK stamped WAPI in the mail today. LOVE how it feels in my hands. Honed well despite what I think might be a slight twist in the blade. Actually I got it from a guy in Bulgaria and it was cutting hair when I took it out of it's white Bakelite box. I put the razor right to my finisher, I know what you're thinking "no bevel set" etc, but regardless that's what I wanted to do :)

I took the heavy razor into my shaving den and got to work. Not only do I really enjoy the weight of this piece, it shaved incredibly well; better than my 1920's Boker King Cutter that is in like new condition and has a perfectly straight blade. I'm not sure why people change out the scales from the stainless to something aftermarket. This is clearly personal preference but this thing feels like a TOOL in your hand, rather than a precision instrument like some other razors. A 2 pass shave to BBS has left me so impressed that this mirrored piece is moving right to the top of my rotation.

I'm not sure what it is, 1/2 or 1/4 hollow ground, makes very little noise in comparison to these ultra hollow razors I've grown accustomed to shaving with. For fun I did the HHT and it popped my wife's fine hair from heel to toe (yes i know this doesn't mean much, but it's fun to me god darn it :)

The french point is more attractive than square/round and on par with the Spanish points, in my opinion though the the square and Spanish do seem to serve a purpose when really focusing on getting straight lines and styling your facial hair.

I'm sure, over time, I'll learn more about this Polish made, kind of vintage, gem as I shave with it more and more!

Let's hear from the lovers and haters out there! Why do you love it and why do you hate it or why is it just OK?

---

I got a terrific shave from a Wapi 5/8 today. Every time I use it for the first time in a while I'm always surprised by how good it shaves. I think one factor is that the razor is heavy. It feels like a much larger razor for that reason and mows those whiskers down like one of those meat choppers.

Attachment 109152

I got my wapi about 5 years ago and it is still one of my favorite shavers. Still has the heavy ss scales and i don't think I'll ever resale it, i actually like the extra weight