Thread: using Lead Wedges

How toxic is lead in a wedge is it a bad idea to use lead for re-scales and restores? most of it goes on to the file or sand paper when ive reshaped one before

I was just about to post a thread asking this. I have two razors with lead wedges and was a bit unsure about them myself.

Lead is not harmful if undisturbed, however it is toxic in dust form. Don't file it! Lead poisoning is very possible if inhaled.

I've seen guys here reuse them and coat them in CA or epoxy to prevent or reduce the possibility of them becoming disturbed.

However alot of old Sheffield wedges are pewter, some are lead. I am not entirely sure how to tell the difference - in any event I don't mess with them.

I would not hesitate to use lead for a wedge as long as I used proper shop hygiene, dustmask when sanding, cleaning up then washing up after leaving the shop area.

Charlie

There are 3 ways to poisoning, inhalation, ingestion, absorption. Protect yourself in regards to these methods of entry, it would also take a lot of exposure to harm you. No need to fear.

pppfffttt...I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're not exposing yourself for hours at a time for years on end. You're not drinking powdered lead like the Romans did. The scare-tactic folks will have you believe that if you touch lead or mercury once then it's certain cancer. It's the same guys who want you to believe that cell phones will give you brain cancer.

Originally Posted by red96ta

pppfffttt...I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're not exposing yourself for hours at a time for years on end. You're not drinking powdered lead like the Romans did. The scare-tactic folks will have you believe that if you touch lead or mercury once then it's certain cancer. It's the same guys who want you to believe that cell phones will give you brain cancer.

Mostly yes.
A geochemist will tell you that lead is one of the lowest
mobility metals as an oxide. However in the presence
of acid it change and moves a lot. When mobile it is
problematic to living things. I had an economic geology
professor express an opinion that it was one of the key
underlying reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. This
was long in advance of the scare tactics. You could still
buy lead paint at that time with no restrictions. Some
did express caution... and lead was still in gas.

I would not rip it out. I would not use it on new scales
for an old blade restoration.

I think the bottom line is if there is a substitue that performs about as good I would use that. If it was already in the scales I wouldn't take it out though.

Thanks for all the quick responses

I grew up in house with lead plumbing and lead paint on many surfaces. I've spent hours on indoor shooting ranges and re-loading cartridges. Then there are the decades spent breathing in car exhaust fumes. As a kid I used to cast my own fishing weights and crimp the lead shot onto the line with my teeth. Maybe the lead wedge in a couple of my razors will be the straw that breaks the camels back. I'll try to avoid licking them.