Thread: Need advice on Union Cutlery Wedge

Hey all,

This is my first restoration, a little 4/8 Union Cutlery razor (exactly the same size as the coochie razor, it turns out) that says "WEDGE" on the scales but is really a 1/4 hollow, not a true wedge. I'm having the hardest time getting an edge on it.

First thing I want to get out of the way: is the steel on these razors known to be problematic? The coochie razor is a fantastic little shaver, and although the two razors look identical, the coochie razor is German, and the Union Wedge is American.

Assuming that Union Cutlery was not private-labeling Zeepk razors, let's move on to the next potential issue: this razor had some tiny chips in the edge (actually looked like the metal had rotted away from 40 years of disuse). I had to sand the sh!t out of it with 220 grit to get past the chips & get down to fresh metal. I've never used anything coarser than 1000 grit on a razor before. Is it possible that I didn't spend enough time on the 400- and 600-grit to get the 220 scratches out? I only gave it about 20 strokes on each, & what I'm reading here implies that it takes a lot more work than that. Am I essentially trying to shave with a 220-grit razor?

One last question: anyone know why these razors say "WEDGE" on the handle and not "QUARTER HOLLOW"?

TIA, -Johnny

PS: so far I've yet to find anything that shaves as well as my paper-thin W&B meat chopper that I paid $10 for.