Thread: Why are wedges better? Really!

I am sure that I am a beginner and am trying to follow the path of least resistance in learning the sr technique. I read on a blog that wedges were probably the best type of razor for a beginner to learn with. OK, I'm game, Why?

Wedges suck

They're not, any well honed razor of good make is fine to learn with. I have razors from wedge up to full hollow and they all shave just as well as each other.

The best thing to do is get a reasonably priced and well made razor which comes already shaving sharp and learn to use that. The pre-shave prep and stropping will also make much more of a difference to the shave than the grind of the razor will.

Hope thats of some help!

Originally Posted by jebib3

I am sure that I am a beginner and am trying to follow the path of least resistance in learning the sr technique. I read on a blog that wedges were probably the best type of razor for a beginner to learn with. OK, I'm game, Why?

you'll have to ask the author of the blog why he or she wrote that

I enjoy shaving with wedge razors so much that I bought several of them. But honing them is often more of a hassle than honing other kinds of razors. especially if sharpening it from a very dull condition

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Wedges suck

Wedges or wedgies ?

Different people have different opinions about what type of razor is best for a beginner. When you read that blog, you got the author's opinion. Each person who posts here will share his or her own opinion. But they are all opinions; there is no correct answer. Here is my own opinion:

Which razor would make a good starter razor?

Width – In my opinion, the easiest widths to shave with are 5/8, 11/16, 6/8, and 13/16. There are a few reasons these sizes are optimal. These sizes are wide enough to allow you to easily see the angle of the blade to your face, and maintaining a proper shaving angle is essential. These sizes are easy to maneuver around your face and reach all areas you will want to shave. These sizes are very common; the rules of supply and demand therefore dictate that razors in this size range will be affordable.

Point – The easiest types of points to start with are the “rounded” ones. These include round points, muted square points, rounded or muted oblique points, muted barber’s notches, etc. The reason these points are easier to start with is that the rounding helps reduce the chances you will cut yourself with the point. You certainly can start with a square or spike point, but you’ll have to be more careful of where the point of the razor is.

Grind – As I see it, there are two schools of thought when it comes to grind

-Tough Love: This would be starting wit a full hollow razor. A full hollow grind will flex while you are shaving; this makes it less forgiving of a poor shaving technique. As a result, if your technique is poor your shaves will be poor too. This will force you to improve your technique rapidly, or else you will suffer poor shaves. The downside is that your shaves will probably be poor to start.

-Coddling: This would be starting with a half hollow or “heavier” razor. The heavy grinds do not flex while you are shaving. They also have a greater inertia, so they feel like they “plow through” stubble. As a result, it is easier to get a good shave from a heavy grind, even if your technique is not great. The potential downside, however, is that you will not be forced to improve your shave technique, so your development may stagnate.

Steel – I really don’t think the type of steel matters, so long as you choose a quality razor.

Wedges are cool

There's lots of coverage of the issue w/ new shavers. I did my share. The consensus seems to be that any quality blade w/ a quality edge will do the job well. I think that's completely true. That doesn't mean they're equally easy to learn with. Some have no trouble w/ a flexible full hollow, others need the confidence/friendliness of the heavy grind. The heavy grind can be more tolerant of errors in technique, and they tolerate the use of pressure more than the flexible hollow. That doesn't mean pressure is a good habit. It's usually self-correcting from the resulting razor rash.

If you start w/ a full hollow and find it tough going - you can either keep going, knowing your technique will improve (it will). Or you can get a 2nd razor (don't sell the first) and try a heavy grind. Sometimes the stability and friendliness of the heavy grind will give the confidence to try stretches and strokes that would be intimidating while you're learning. After a bit of practice, you'll find you can do the same stretches and strokes with the full hollow. Now you can enjoy either, and you'll find the heavy grind works just as well, using the appropriate (lack of) pressure.

Stubear said prep & stropping will make a bigger difference than grind, and I don't disagree. I would also ad that an edge optimized for smoothness - rather than ultimate sharp/keenness will also make a bigger difference.

You aren't going to make a wrong choice - 'cause you'll eventually learn to use light or heavy grinds. You''ve also found the best place on the planet to ask these kinds of questions. The experienced guys were extremely kind to me - with all my uninformed questions. Keep them coming, and have a great time as you start down the path. They'll be the best shaves of your life.

from where did you read That?
go with 5/8 or 6/8 hollow ground blade. and good luck

One aspect of the history of straight razors is that hollow ground razors became more and more popular, replacing wedges. The most likely reason is that at the time users started to acquire a taste for hollow grinds. That is not compatible with the theory that wedges are better.

A century ago most Europeans travelled to America by boat, nowadays most take a plane. Are boats better than aircraft?