Thread: Wedge of Happiness

Being fairly new to this sport, most of my shaving experience has been with hollow ground blades. The other week I picked up a H. Geo. Henry Wedge IX 5/8 near wedge spike. I honed it up, and I've gotta say "Wow!" This blade delivers an amazing shave. The blade is heavy, and I feel content to let its weight do the work instead of applying any extra pressure. Because it is near wedge, there is no flex or give as it travels across my face. It just mows down the whiskers. I think this is what I like the most -- the firmness of the blade. This is especially noticeable ATG. There is no feeling that the edge is being drawn down into the skin by the stubble. Now I must hunt down a few more wedges, especially if they all shave like this. Anybody else out there fond of wedges?

Originally Posted by RodneyOK

Now I must hunt down a few more wedges, especially if they all shave like this. Anybody else out there fond of wedges?

What a gorgeous example! Thanks for taking the time to photograph this beauty, and for your willingness to share them with us. I'm especially impressed that its maker chose to mate the smaller 5/8 blade with a set of 3-pin scales.

I agree with you completely, about the difference in feel between a hollow-ground razor and a wedge (full, near, or 1/4-hollow). Although I own and regularly use 33 straight razors; only five 11 of them are wedges (four are 9/16, four are 5/8, two are 11/16, and one is 6/8). When I compare the shaving experience of 5/8 hollow-ground razors, with that of 5/8 wedges, it's clear that the latter is uniformly free from any worry of catching-on and cutting skin with "topography"; equally important, I feel more capable, free to confidently wield a 5/8 wedge. My one caveat is this: A spike is a spike is a spike (and a spike-point wedge will cut you as surely as a hollow-ground)

I've not found a lot of mid-sized wedges; most seem to be 7/8 or larger, and of British manufacture, or 5/8 or smaller, and of American origin. I've seen very few older 6/8 wedges, but many new, hand-made razors, in numerous postings here on SRP.

Smooth shaving!

Rodney, Thank you for posting. Big +1 to JBH's response. Whenever a thread about discovering the heavy grinds happens - reactions follow. Because there's 10+ full hollows to every heavy grind, new guys assume that's almost all there is - they don't get to try one until way down the road. All the full/extra hollow fans are right - in that the super hollow blades are fully capable of mowing all comers - but when learning, the friendliness of the heavy grind can be a big help. Some (myself included) find the heavy blades easier to learn on, easier to wield. Soon, I found that what I could confidently do w/ the heavy blade - I could then do w/ the very hollow also - just taking a bit more care. So my tastes have remained fairly consistent, liking the heavy grinds - and the extra hollows. Even a regular hollow, if it comes w/ a beefy shank and spine - are still a joy to shave with. The easiest comparison is to a target rifle with their fat, heavy barrels. While harder to hold for a long period - for a short time, the weight dampens movement, keeps the sights on target - or on the beard. The heavy blade dampens uncontrolled movement. The heavies are also much more tolerant of pressure during the shave (not a habit to get into). They shave beautifully without any pressure at all.

My personal hobby horse is that few of the heavy grinds actually give feedback. If you get one that does give feedback, they're a rare joy. Those I've tried that have been good at giving feedback are the heavy Wackers and the Swedish 1/4 hol - near wedge (all brands I've tried). If more guys discovered the heavy grinds, we might encourage the current makers to reintroduce those grinds, rather than leave us to only the costly hand-made (Hart, Wacker, customs).

The SRP razor is very nearly a wedge, and gives very bright-sounding feedback. It's quite interesting that way. And it's a very steady shaver, with the smile that works into my hollows with very enjoyable ease. My other smiling wedge, a Greaves & Sons Sheafworks, is very muffled in comparison.

Rough, you made my day! I was so excited and had waited so long for my last Williams, I forgot to say I wanted a smile. Sigh. 'Still an incredible shaver. The SRP version is actually closer to what I wanted on the edge. I'm about #50 for the SRP, so you can bet you've got me excited about it now. A heavy blade that talks to you is just a thing of joy.

I've got three wedges, two WB and a small 5/8. I love them and now I hear the SRP is a wedge, thats wonderful news indeed!

Amen to the wedgies . . . I have a Robeson near wedge that feels the same way. What a great shave!!

My shaves with my two heavy blades are always a pleasant experience. Can't wait for the SRP Razor to come in so that I have a third in my set.

I definitely love the wedge. I have 2 on rotation and they're both superb! I was lucky enough to score an EBRO wedge today too!