Thread: Metal Wedge Material

I am doing a couple of simple restoration and have seen metal wedges used on several razors and I would like to use metal on one of my razors and was wondering what type of metals are most commonly used for wedge material and are there any resources of where to get it. I have tried several Google searches and have come up empty handed. Any help with online retailers or if someone has an abundance of material that they wouldn't mind selling a small amount of would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for something in the silver colored range as I am using Nickel hardware.

Traditionally lead is used on alot of Vintage stuff,Brass comes to mind,something thats easy to work with.
Is a an ebay seller that sells brass wedges,spendy but good quality,have silver plated a few in the past.good luck,any metal will work.

I'm planning on getting a lead melting pot and making some molds. I like the heft it gives to razors and lead is so easy to work with and cheap.

I've seen quite a few aluminum wedges and even saw a pair of ivory-scaled Bokers with a sterling silver wedge.

Honestly, sky is the limit with metals. Just like with scales, as long as the material is strong/durable enough, you can make a wedge out of anything AFAIK.

I have an old Wostenholm with a pressed leather wedge.

Get a pound of cerrobend off the bay or a gunsmithing supply company (melts at 158 degs) make an epoxy or even a plaster of paris mold,real simple to do using just a hotplate or on top of the stove.

I have something against lead in my environment so I use aluminium for wedges - almost any scrap lying around has worked for me.
It just gets hot when on the belt sander.
Yes I know that I'm being paranoid about the lead, however, it accumulates in the body and I've used enough in my lifetime to be concerned.

If you want to stay with the old materials, please consider tin or pewter in stead of lead. There is a reason lead was abolished, it is highly toxic and generally not a barrel of laughs to work with.

Originally Posted by str8fencer

If you want to stay with the old materials, please consider tin or pewter in stead of lead. There is a reason lead was abolished, it is highly toxic and generally not a barrel of laughs to work with.

I forget what it is called, but there is a "no lead" lead out there. Same stuff that newer fishing sinkers are made of. I'm probably wrong but I think it is some type of graphite alloy.

Meh....If you keep your hands clean and use a respirator, lead is a minor concern. You need to injest or inhale it. It doesn't get absorbed through the epidermis iirc.

Tl;dr - fear of lead is overblown.

Originally Posted by geauxtig3rs

Meh....If you keep your hands clean and use a respirator, lead is a minor concern. You need to injest or inhale it. It doesn't get absorbed through the epidermis iirc.

Tl;dr - fear of lead is overblown.

Is plenty of good data to support that,Same with mercury.At any rate,any metal will work as a wedge.

If working with lead, proper procedures allowed, I should'v been dead, toes up, years ago!! I don't know how many lead projectiles I have cast in years past, in both 45ACP 357mag 38specail[same diameter] and other calibres.
ALLways wore gloves and use to good fans to keep the fumes from the pots flowing away from my breathing.
Take a chance in life, Columbus did!!!

With all Sincerety and good humor, tinkersd