Newbie looking for wedge advice

[ConcreteTurtle]

Hi guys,

I'm pretty new to all this, I just recently received my first razor, a dovo 5/8 hollow ground with tortoise shell scales and I'm about 3 complete shaves into straight shaving.
My technique needs a lot of work, but I have no complaints about the razor at all. When everything works as it should, it feels great and is awesomely close to boot.

Anyway, the beard under my chin is pretty thick, so I was thinking about trying a heavier straight, perhaps a wedge. Something different in the rotation to compare and contrast.

Can anyone suggest a wedge or similar that would suit a newb like myself?
Also, is a 3" leather strop suited to wedges, or do I need to buy a paddle strop for it.

Many thanks to everyone who's helped me along the way, it's great to see such support.

CT.

 

[professorchaos]

For the most part, if you want a wedgy razor, you'll have to look at Ebay or one of the gentlemen who sells refurbished vintage razors. One of my favorites in the latter category is The Invisible Edge. Should you go the EBay route, any of the classic Sheffield makers will do very well. Wade & Butcher, Wolstenholm, Rodgers, Bengal are the first that come to mind.

Bear in mind that many of the vintage razors which say hollow ground are not hollow like we now know them. For instance, I used a W&B Celebrated Hollow Ground razor today. It is more like a quarter hollow than a full hollow.

Lastly, keep the razor you have been using around. As your skill level improves, you should find it easier to use. Heavy grinds can make up for a lack of skill, they did for me. While I still enjoy shaving with wedges, I now prefer very hollow ground razors.

 

[mainaman]

Any grind razor will shave just the same as long as its sharp enough.
My experience with the under the chin hair is that you need to stretch better to get it with the WTG pass, even maybe do 2 passes, then ATG is no issue.
With very sharp razor ATG is fine after one WTG pass.

 

[Leche]

I have a wedge and enjoy it very much. It will never replace my full hollows though. If your having a problem with an area, try to figure it out with your current razor, but by all means buy more razors! The hanging strop is perfect for any razor btw.

 

[JeffE]

Advice here is perfect in all regards. You don't need a wedge to shave any particular part of your face, but we all love to have more razors, so feel free to buy some and try them out. Check out eBay vendors, especially altima55 (Bob Keyes) and cedarfurnitureman (Quinton). They often have really nice, restored and shave ready wedges for sale. Good brands are W&B, Rodgers, Elliot, Wostenholm, Feeney, Bingham, and other Sheffield makers.

Also, don't bother getting a special strop for the wedges. They get stropped on the same leather that you would use for your other razor.

Finally, if you are having trouble getting the neck shaved, try narrowing the angle between the blade and the skin. That always works well, regardless of the grind of your razor.

Enjoy!!

 

[thanks]

Lastly, keep the razor you have been using around. As your skill level improves, you should find it easier to use. Heavy grinds can make up for a lack of skill, they did for me. While I still enjoy shaving with wedges, I now prefer very hollow ground razors.

+1

I agree with this completely. After about 9 months straight shaving I find myself going back to full hollows. I still love my Le Grelot 1/4 grind and all, but there's something about a nice little full hollow that I just love. It seems that the better my technique becomes, the more I like reaching for full hollows.

 

[leighton]

I think you should save your money and get better with the straight you already own.

Now, if your looking to expand your collection, check out the BST and other classifieds. No new wedges are being produced. The closest is the Hart razor.

 

[azmark]

I think you should save your money and get better with the straight you already own.

+1

I have super thick neck and chin hairs. No matter if I use my wedges or others I have to take time and learn to apply the right pressure and IMHO learn to use the correct stroke. ATG on the chin with some pressure does the BBS effect but in the neck I think you're going to have to learn to "slice" or some of the other advanced strokes to get the results you want.

 

[OldSparks]

As a relative newby myself...one year away from double edges...I know how you feel about the grind mystery. I think everyone who can afford the luxury should have a blade at opposing ends of the spectrum. Like others previously stated, I'll use my extra hollows for a while and then when I go back to my old favorite...a notched 6/8 Joseph Rodgers..., it almost seems too easy. It's too bad it's too late, but I would have recommended Seraphim's 6/8 Turner Wedgy in b/s/t.