Thread: My first W&B wedge shaver...

First shave with a wedge. Found the differences very interesting from the standpoint of my shave history of hollow grounds. I think a good honing is in this wedges future. However; was surprised by the overall feel of the wedge throughout the shave. Had far less expectations of a wedge based on research and posted readings. Just goes to show that we're all different, and we should try everything firsthand before writing things off. Thanks for looking...

Good point!

When I finally stopped comparing the hollows with the wedges and vice versa, I just enjoyed the different experience. Once I let the comparison thing go, the wedges became truly wonderful to use - love em now.

Nice blade!

Just curious, what had you read, that gave you low expectations concerning a wedge?

I like your razor, especially the etching.

Just doing a general "wedge vs. hollow ground" search on the forum brings up many opinions about the two. Albeit, most seem to agree on "apples to oranges" with regards to grind, shaving technique, and feel. At face value, the general consensus to a less experienced enthusiast like myself would appear that hollow grounds are favored for reasons not limited to: availability, "antiquated" manufacture process, materials, razor response, and general flair and style. After now having my first experience with a wedge, one could liken the comparison of a Cadillac de Ville vs. a Cadillac ATS. Once they are both cleaned up, polished, and tuned to perfection, they both offer their own superb attributes to the automobile. Knowing what I now know, I would say to the less experienced, whether you have a wedge or a hollow ground straight razor, they're both a Cadillac in the world of shaving. Take them both for a spin! See which one fits your fancy, you might like driving both on different days...I know I do! By the way, I know nothing about cars...just a personal observation.

That just goes to show ya that before posting something about a razor, give it a spin first. I love both & had different experiences from each but the end result was good for each also. I'm glad you were able to give it a try, I have owned two of those, I think I sold one of them but they are nice. I have a Wade & Butcher wedge I bought for just the scales because the blade was rusty but one day I cleaned the blade up & a friend asked if he could hone it & I said have at it. I can hone but since he wanted to do it, I let him. When he brought it back, it was popping hairs. It is now in my rotation I like it so much!

saxchops I really like that W&B. Cool little wedge with that etching. I think the reason that some guys favor the hollow grind is because, a wedge being more difficult to hone, they haven't shaved with one that realizes the full potential. What is not to like ? They are more work to get there, but once they are shave ready, there is no flex, I think they are less prone to nicking, and they generally have more weight to add momentum to the stroke. Cutting through those pesky whiskers effortlessly. OTOH, the full hollows 'sing' and guys like to hear the whiskers being sliced. It is all good.

I've got another one or two wedges that are no where near ready that I'll throw some pics up when I get the chance. I'm pretty sure they're all Sheffield.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

and they generally have more weight to add momentum to the stroke. Cutting through those pesky whiskers effortlessly.

That was the first thing I noticed while shaving with the wedge. The second was how far it was from actually being shave ready...

They made an earlier version of the razor also. Mine just says Sheffield on it instead of Sheffield, England. I can't find when they started adding England to it but someone will most likely log in & say. It also has horn scales. Mine originally had bullseye collars on it & when I had it apart to do a blade alignment, I screwed a couple up so I used some solid brass ones when I put it back together. I now know how to get them off w/o destroying them.