Just got 2 joseph allen and sons back from being honed and had some uncomfortable attempts at straight shaving. I am new to straight shaving and had only used a dubble duck prior to this. Are there any tricks to shaving with a wedge which may make it more comfortable? The razors were honed by a reputable individual and i do not believe that is the problem. Could i be having stropping issues? Is there a recommended angle for wedges?
shaving with a wedge
- Thread starter Squidma
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Basically the technique is the same for a wedge as a hollow blade. Some people find wedges a little more difficult because of the lack of audible feedback, but sharp is sharp. It should mow down hairs the same way.
This reputable individual. Without naming names, is it someone who hones for a living, or someone who does this as a hobby?
This reputable individual. Without naming names, is it someone who hones for a living, or someone who does this as a hobby?
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He has a well known business honing and restoring razors.
I have never liked the shaves I get from wedges. I think I put too much pressure and I don't care for lack of audible feedback.
I have tried some wedges I honed and hated, sent them to another member and they loved them. Goes to show you the differences in preferences.
I have tried some wedges I honed and hated, sent them to another member and they loved them. Goes to show you the differences in preferences.
That might explain why kamisori are "meh" for you to.
Wedges are difficult to hone to a level of sharpness I like without investing a lot of time. What does it HHT at?
you havnt rolled the edge stropping ?
i agree with Ken whats the HHT?
i agree with Ken whats the HHT?
Doc's loss was my gain. The wedge I got from Alfredo is fantastic. I, for one, prefer a wedge over a full hollow, but as legion said, sharp is sharp. I think a wedge is more comfortable but it's probably just that buttery smooth JNAT edge Doc put on it.
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I like wedges and hollows. They feel different to use, but I find the end result to be the same.
It is possible that your problem is the quality of the edge. Obviously I don't know that for sure without trying the razor, but even pros have off days. And if they have the kind of business where they have to do a great number of blades in a day, obviously they cannot shave test them all before they send them out.
With any luck one of the regular guys around here who is in the US might volunteer to check your razors edge for you, and hone it again if it is not up to scratch. We have a bunch of experienced guys who often do that sort of thing for nothing more than the price of postage, just to help new guys out.
I don't think it was the edge itself, I don't remember what the HHT was on that one.
Glad you are enjoying it. I have to look at my other wedges and see if you want them. LOLDoc's loss was my gain. The wedge I got from Alfredo is fantastic. I, for one, prefer a wedge over a full hollow, but as legion said, sharp is sharp. I think a wedge is more comfortable but it's probably just that buttery smooth JNAT edge Doc put on it.
I have a dozen straights and nearly all are wedges. I find that due to the added heft that a wedge has, it simply has more momentum shaving. So I don't have to shave as much as just hang on to the straight and let it mow away!
Be certain first you have a good edge. Guys will quibble but the HHT is a starting place. If it passes that most would agree you have a good edge. From there on just be patient with it. It took me months to develop a sequence that works for my face so stay at it.
Be certain first you have a good edge. Guys will quibble but the HHT is a starting place. If it passes that most would agree you have a good edge. From there on just be patient with it. It took me months to develop a sequence that works for my face so stay at it.
You have spoiled me with the JNAT edges. The one on the Sheffield wedge and Hart are both super keen but buttery smooth. And I'm talking slightly microwaved, softened butter smooth.
I actually prefer near/full wedges..I have VERY coarse facial hair..and they do the best job..I also have 1 hollow ground razor..its not bad..but more shorter strokes are needed..the weight of the near/full wedge blades is on the spine..which "mow's" down any thick or coarse hairs it goes against..it should anyways
Boy don't I know that LOL. No matter the grind I go for the same level of keenness, you can most certainly get a wedge as sharp as a full hollow.
Just put an edge on an old J Allen & Sons WW I army issued wedge and the hair comes off like it is scared of it. Ive had great shaves off full hollows as well and the feedback is handy when you first start off. I started on a Bengall full hollow supplied by legion and it shaved and still shaves like magic. The feedback was handy for me in regards to being able to understand the pressure required to get a good shave and to see how a sharp razor feels. This also holds true for sharpening I started on a full hollow and and now have done a few wedges. I'm just about to go back to a Russian I picked up a year ago and could never get an edge on. From another member I learned the Russian stainless requires a lot of work.
If you think it is sharp try changing the angle/pressure on the blade. If your not sure check the edge, does it take hair off your arm or try Lynns test against your thumb. That being said the only true test is to shave with it, the aaforementioned only gives you are starting point. If that does not work see if you can find an experienced member close bye, get in contact with them and see if you can catch and have them have a look at your wedge. I've found everyone I've been in contact with on the forum really helpfull and accommodating.
Good luck.
If you think it is sharp try changing the angle/pressure on the blade. If your not sure check the edge, does it take hair off your arm or try Lynns test against your thumb. That being said the only true test is to shave with it, the aaforementioned only gives you are starting point. If that does not work see if you can find an experienced member close bye, get in contact with them and see if you can catch and have them have a look at your wedge. I've found everyone I've been in contact with on the forum really helpfull and accommodating.
Good luck.
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