SE wedge blades

[bprendie]

Hello all.

I have a Henckels SE razor with the wedge blades that require honing and stropping. I'm new to this process, and I'm looking for guidance as to what sort of stone to purchase - preferably without breaking the bank. I have a complete 7 day set, and I really want to use this piece as it was intended.

any guidance is greatly appreciated!

good shaving!
bob

 

[Prof. Moriarty]

I would suggest going with lapping film as it is the cheapest option http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/283576-Lapping-film-try-it. If you just have money burning a hole in your pocket (or you prefer going with a stone) there are coticules, J-Nats, and a bunch of other stones you can go with. I am sure someone else will be able to give you more information on those (as I am just trying to get the hang of lapping film after failing with a coticule).

 

[ANeat]

If you want to learn, get another razor to practice on before attempting the 7 day set. If its a wedge, get another wedge, plenty of decent vintage ones out there at a good price that are great to learn on.

Or send them out to get honed....

 

[bprendie]

I actually have a couple of extra wedges that came from a few random Rapide style razors I've acquired. I managed to strop and get an acceptably nice shave out of one of the "spares" today.

 

[onotoman]

Totally agree about the Lapping Film. I've found that lapping film provides a consistent edge in the shortest possible time (both in terms of learning and actual honing operations), not the most glamorous of kit, but functionality is key in my situation. If I want to play around with my own razors, I'll bring out my Belgian Bluestone, Welsh slate etc, but for quickness and consistency the film is king in my view.

I would also leave the 7 day set until you are a bit more proficient though.

Incidentally, when I do 7 day sets, I tend to 'batch hone':

All seven on 40 Micron film to set bevel
All seven on 30 Micron
All seven on 20 Micron
15 Micron
7 Micron
3 Micron
1 Micron

Saves time in changing over film etc.

 

[Krodor]

How do you deal with the fact they are small little rectangles, no tang, and nothing to hold on to?

 

[bprendie]

How do you deal with the fact they are small little rectangles, no tang, and nothing to hold on to?

They have a stropping handle. The wedge slides into a holder, and then you have a nice easy way to grip them.

 

[Haggises]

How do you deal with the fact they are small little rectangles, no tang, and nothing to hold on to?

from a sale on shaveden.com

 

[Wid]

I found a Wester Brothers razor like this. It doesn't have the stropping handle though, otherwise it's in great shape.

 

[Krodor]

View attachment 330337
from a sale on shaveden.com

Sweet!

 

[Haggises]

I have to rig something similar for a Wilkinson Empire razor that I cant modify se blades.for