Every straight I have is hollow ground and I've been thinking of looking for a wedge. Any recommendations on what to look for?
Wedge
- Thread starter tsmba
- Start date
I'm a newbie so take my advice with a grain of salt, but depending on your budget you could do two things.
1: get a smaller no name 3/8 or 4/8 wedge like was popular in the US
2. get a fancier English blade in 5/8 all the way on up to however big you want.
1: get a smaller no name 3/8 or 4/8 wedge like was popular in the US
2. get a fancier English blade in 5/8 all the way on up to however big you want.
Just be aware that most "wedge" razors are really not true wedges but have some hollow to them. A true wedge is really rare and you would probably need to find an old English made razor from the latter or mid part of the 1800s. It would be one of those huge meatchoppers. They can be very difficult to hone. Look for Wade and Butcher but there are several others.
And by some hollow, you mean a few thousandths deep.
You could always have someone like Robert Williams build you one custom.
No probably closer to between a 1/4 hollow to an 1/8 hollow from the ones I've seen.
You can get a wedge in just about every size and style that you want. This said, they were generally replaced by hollow ground razors around about 1900. This means that wedges are generally quite old and so you have to make sure you get one that has been well renovated or has been kept stored well.
Some obvious things you need to know.
They are heavier than their comparable hollow ground razor.
They are quieter to use than a hollow ground.
They tend to plough through two or three day growth with ease.
Men with strong wiry beards often love them.
I have a 6/8" 150 year old wedge that I use when I have a two day growth and I always enjoy using it. It is "sheffield Steel" sharp and gives a smooth close shave. I love it, but I tried quite a few that I thought were past there sell by date and I couldn't get them sharp enough to cut comfortably. This is the one major problem. They can be very difficult to hone.
Hope this helps.
Some obvious things you need to know.
They are heavier than their comparable hollow ground razor.
They are quieter to use than a hollow ground.
They tend to plough through two or three day growth with ease.
Men with strong wiry beards often love them.
I have a 6/8" 150 year old wedge that I use when I have a two day growth and I always enjoy using it. It is "sheffield Steel" sharp and gives a smooth close shave. I love it, but I tried quite a few that I thought were past there sell by date and I couldn't get them sharp enough to cut comfortably. This is the one major problem. They can be very difficult to hone.
Hope this helps.
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There are some very good old English wedges out there on the bay. Don't go for anything over 5/8 or 6/8 because you will end up paying an arm and a leg for it. You'll probably have to do some clean up on it but most are just dirty or light 'black' rust.
