Shaving with an SE Wedge Blade

[Fergiebilly]

Billy
Thanks. So I am actually looking to have 2 angles per side? The first bevel done outside of the Rolls. Then hone and strop the final cutting edge?

Tom

The Rolls will maintain you're set bevel & a sharp edge..The bevel you have set outwith the system will be maintained as the blade does go naturally flat inside the system & of course the Stropping will make it sharper for shaving...The Rolls System is designed to Hone the blade & Strop it in Tandem...That is to say..Before & after shaving you have to hone & strop it equally every time you use it..Around 30 laps a side on both the hone & strop..If you were using it every day you would get away with just honing it every other day or so according to some folks..

Billy

 

[twhite510]

The Rolls will maintain you're set bevel & a sharp edge..The bevel you have set outwith the system will be maintained as the blade does go naturally flat inside the system & of course the Stropping will make it sharper for shaving...The Rolls System is designed to Hone the blade & Strop it in Tandem...That is to say..Before & after shaving you have to hone & strop it equally very time you use it..Around 30 laps as side on both the hone & strop..If you were using it every day you would get away with just honing it every other day or so according to some folks..

Billy

Thanks got it. I will keep at it. Can't wait to give it a go.

 

[Fergiebilly]

View attachment 16595
Not sure if this picture is clear enough. Was wondering how that edge compares to a shave ready wedge. There seems to be some slight waviness. Is that to be expected?

Thanks
Tom

Hollow ground blade..

Rolls Wedge Hollow Ground Blade..

Tom

These photos are hardly scientific & of course there are changes in the light...I put these up just to show that the edge of a sharpened Hollow ground is almost invisible even to a modern camera lens...Check out the natural curvature of that edge...Its more of a natural edge and its obviously not coated with anything...It just seems to disappear into nothingness..Once you see that you never forget it..

Billy

 

[UKRob]

Billy - if you don't already have one, it's worthwhile buying a jewellers loupe for inspecting the bevel on razors - a triplex 10x is good. It lets you see if there are any minor chips in the edge, but more importantly, you get to see how the edge improves with honing.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'natural curvature' - but the bevel on each side of the blade needs to be flat, and of course, the bevels must meet in order for the blade to be sharp. The recommended bevel angle for shaving is around 18 degrees and this is achieved from the geometry of the blade where width of blade (spine to edge) is about 3.5 x width of the spine. So with the honing attachment on the Heljestrand effectively being the spine width and measuring from the point that it hits the hone to the blade edge - you can draw that as a triangle and calculate the bevel angle.

 

[Fergiebilly]

Billy - if you don't already have one, it's worthwhile buying a jewellers loupe for inspecting the bevel on razors - a triplex 10x is good. It lets you see if there are any minor chips in the edge, but more importantly, you get to see how the edge improves with honing.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'natural curvature' - but the bevel on each side of the blade needs to be flat, and of course, the bevels must meet in order for the blade to be sharp. The recommended bevel angle for shaving is around 18 degrees and this is achieved from the geometry of the blade where width of blade (spine to edge) is about 3.5 x width of the spine. So with the honing attachment on the Heljestrand effectively being the spine width and measuring from the point that it hits the hone to the blade edge - you can draw that as a triangle and calculate the bevel angle.

Thanks Rob..I do need to get one of those ASAP ..I was just referring to the Shape of the Blade & Not the Edge or the Bevel & of Course You are correct as Always..Your Advice is Always Welcome Rob..

Billy

 

[Fergiebilly]

Kampfe Lather Catcher..

Three Pass Shaving Routine...
Hot Water prep & massage with Coconut Oil
Kampfe Lather Catcher
CV Heljestrand Hollow Ground Blade
LeonHardy Pure Badger
LEA Tallow soap
Thayers Original Witch Hazel

I almost forgot I had my Star/Kampfe Lather Catcher..I have used this a number of times with a Gem shimmed blade..I used it today for the first time with a Hollow Ground Job..These are fairly aggressive with a Gem blade but a lot milder with the original hollow ground..You just cant compare Like for Like because as that akin to comparing a Steam Train to a Diesel Train..They both get you there but that's where it ends..The angle on the Kampfe was pretty subtle..I was expecting it to be more Aggressive to be honest..I was throwing the Kampfe around about just as easy as a Modern Cartridge System..Very smooth & forgiving..It would be almost impossible to cut yourself with this set up..

The Kampfes were made in high numbers & sold all over the Western World..They were one of the mainstream safety razors of the day..No bones about that..The Kampfe Hollow Ground Blade combo sure is One Safe Safety Razor..Its as safe as a modern cartridge razor & maybe then some..I ended up with an Irritation Free Mixed DFS & BBS Result ..I had a really nice shave today..The Kampfe Lather Catcher just doesn't look anywhere near the Mighty CV Heljestrand..The Rolls Razor is Twice the Razor an All..I don't fall into the Camp that there is no better razor than another..Things can be close & things can be just different but when there is a Wide Gap in Performance One Sure Wins Over an Other..Any body that wants to tread this path..The Rolls & the CV Heljestrand are up there..No Bones about that..


Billy

 

[grarea]

Does anyone know what thread size the handle is for the Heljestrand?
I picked up a cheap one as it only has half a handle.
It is still completely usable as it is the correct half of the handle.
I was wondering if i might be able to find an adapter of some sort and use a standard handle.

 

[Karl G]

Does anyone know what thread size the handle is for the Heljestrand?
I picked up a cheap one as it only has half a handle.
It is still completely usable as it is the correct half of the handle.
I was wondering if i might be able to find an adapter of some sort and use a standard handle.

I just had one rethreaded as the top portion of the handle's threads were too worn. It turns out it was a non-standard size.

 

[Fergiebilly]

Does anyone know what thread size the handle is for the Heljestrand?
I picked up a cheap one as it only has half a handle.
It is still completely usable as it is the correct half of the handle.
I was wondering if i might be able to find an adapter of some sort and use a standard handle.

The CV Heljestrand has its own thread size..I don't know what it is but I have never come across one that size before..They came apart so you have a short handle as well..I reckon you would need to Tap the head out to take a bigger thread for a Standard Handle..

Billy

 

[Fergiebilly]

Rolls Razor..

Three Pass Shaving Routine...

Hot Water prep & massage with Coconut Oil
Rolls Razor
Wedge Hollow Ground Blade
Mason & Pearson Pure Badger
French Monsovan Bol Tallow soap
Thayers Original Witch Hazel

I just had the Most Wonderful BBS Dolphin Smooth Shave with my Rolls this Moring..I am really Digging the Rolls at the Moment..You can see the shaving angle is the same as a straight razor..I don't use the Safety Bar as I enjoy the Freedom of the Blade on its Lonesome..Smooth & Smooth..I couldn't have got a better shave out a Schick Twin Blade Injector ..I brought some life back into the Hone & Strop by cleaning them with Baking Soda & a Soft Tooth Brush..The Hone & Strop Pads need to be absolutely immaculate & flat or you are up a Gum Tree..Any Dirt Particles will just damage the blade..The Pads can be a bit brittle after laying around for years especially the Stropping Pad..

I Softened it up by applying Hemp Oil a layer at a time & allowing it to soak it up..I got hold of some Red Oxide Stropping Paste & Bobs your Uncle..The Runners in the Stropping Mechanism need Cleaned & Greased as well..There is a lot of heat gets generated when using this System..My Blade is Awesomely Sharp & that Dolphin Smooth Shine on my Face is the End Result..The Rolls Wedge Blades is just so Comfortable Indeed..I am Loving the Feel of Natural Steel & the Post Shave Sorta Feeling that these blades have to offer..Good karma..

Billy

 

[Dharte001]

I'm very excited about my recent purchases today after reading this review. I'll be back to annoy you on how to get the best out the wedge blade on these sets!! Lol

 

[Fergiebilly]

I'm very excited about my recent purchases today after reading this review. I'll be back to annoy you on how to get the best out the wedge blade on these sets!! Lol

These are Awesome..You should be excited..The only folks that that are not excited by the Rolls are the folks that Cant be Bothered..

Billy

 

[twhite510]

I just finished my third shave with my Rolls. I was able to get two passes this time. I am getting the blade sharper each time out. As I am using the Rolls sharpener this may take some time.

My first pass WTG went pretty good. I as very cautious about the angle. My face and neck went fairly smooth. My problem area under my jaw took extreme caution. No nicks or weepers so pass one was a success.

Pass two XTG went fine on the face. on my neck I usually go from ear to Adams Apple. I found though the Rolls cut better tho opposite way. Under my jaw went ok too. I finished my second pass with no blood. Another success.

I did a cleanup pass with my Bunny razor with a twin in it.

I ended up with a nice shave. I like the wedge blade shaves. I cannot wait until I get the blade dialed in to see what it can really do.

Tom

 

[Fergiebilly]

I just finished my third shave with my Rolls. I was able to get two passes this time. I am getting the blade sharper each time out. As I am using the Rolls sharpener this may take some time.

My first pass WTG went pretty good. I as very cautious about the angle. My face and neck went fairly smooth. My problem area under my jaw took extreme caution. No nicks or weepers so pass one was a success.

Pass two XTG went fine on the face. on my neck I usually go from ear to Adams Apple. I found though the Rolls cut better tho opposite way. Under my jaw went ok too. I finished my second pass with no blood. Another success.

I did a cleanup pass with my Bunny razor with a twin in it.

I ended up with a nice shave. I like the wedge blade shaves. I cannot wait until I get the blade dialed in to see what it can really do.

Tom

Sounding Good Tom..Once you get over the Extreme Caution Phase cause we all do it..Things start to get free & easy like..Like a Hollow Ground Straight it takes a moment to get used to..The Angle is very steep the exact same as a Straight & once the penny drops that you have to maintain that Angle things get easier..A Wee Tip that I got from my Brother when using a Straight helped me a lot..

When you Touch your Face with the Rolls already have it on the Cutting Stroke..That is to say have it moving as you touch your face with it..Anytime that you stop ..Don't start again..Lift it from the face & repeat the procedure I have mentioned..Once you touch your face with it on the move..Keep it moving..Always keep it on the move & Don't Stop & Start as you would get away with a More Modern Safety Razor..This will prevent it from Digging In..

To me that's the Key to using a Straight Razor which you have there on a Stick..It will become 2nd Nature..I use this method with all my razors now..

Billy

 

[twhite510]

Sounding Good Tom..Once you get over the Extreme Caution Phase cause we all do it..Things start to get free & easy like..Like a Hollow Ground Straight it takes a moment to get used to..The Angle is very steep the exact same as a Straight & once the penny drops that you have to maintain that Angle things get easier..A Wee Tip that I got from my Brother when using a Straight helped me a lot..

When you Touch your Face with the Rolls already have it on the Cutting Stroke..That is to say have it moving as you touch your face with it..Anytime that you stop ..Don't start again..Lift it from the face & repeat the procedure I have mentioned..Once you touch your face with it on the move..Keep it moving..Always keep it on the move & Don't Stop & Start as you would get away with a More Modern Safety Razor..This will prevent it from Digging In..

To me that's the Key to using a Straight Razor which you have there on a Stick..It will become 2nd Nature..I use this method with all my razors now..

Billy

Billy

I did some more work on the blade last night. I will do more tonight. I plan on using it tomorrow. I will take all of your advise and put it to use. Thinking more about it today. I never really felt that I was in real danger of cutting myself. It is just a head game on myself.

I must say that it is smooth on the easy areas. I will stick with it for a few weeks. If I like it I will need to hunt down some razors that take "wedge blades" and find blades to pair with it.

Tom

 

[Fergiebilly]

Billy

I did some more work on the blade last night. I will do more tonight. I plan on using it tomorrow. I will take all of your advise and put it to use. Thinking more about it today. I never really felt that I was in real danger of cutting myself. It is just a head game on myself.

I must say that it is smooth on the easy areas. I will stick with it for a few weeks. If I like it I will need to hunt down some razors that take "wedge blades" and find blades to pair with it.

Tom

Yeah..It is a Head Game Tom..Once that goes that's it..I was the same with a Straight Razor an All..The Truth be told these blades are more Dangerous when getting handled than when shaving with them..

Billy