Editing Making Wedges

From the SRP forum thread titled ''You Can Make A Wedge! The Icedog Method'' by icedog<ref>icedog https://straightrazorpalace.com/workshop/44690-you-can-make-wedge-icedog-method.html</ref>

== How to Make Wedges; The Icedog Method ==

We are very fortunate in this community to share the company of many teachers, artists, craftsmen and generally fine and knowledgeable gentle-people. Although membership in Straight Razor Place comes with no warranties, it is a safe bet that at least one answer will be available for any question that may arise. In those questions regarding woodworking, there will always be at least two answers. The question today is: When re-handling a straight razor, what is a safe and efficient method to fabricate the wedge between the scales opposite the pivot?

== Selecting a Material ==

First, a material for the wedge must be selected. Aesthetically we like everything from a strong color contrast with the scales to no contrast at all.  As can be seen some modern razors (eg. Filarmonica 13), you can find plastic scales that have the wedge as part of the casting process. That is, the handles are molded with one half of a wedge on each scale. I have made wedges from a blank made from laminated veneers, effectively a striped wedge. Wedges are a completely subjective subject. In this example, we are making a wedge for a razor that belongs to SRP member Wulfgar. The scales are Gabon ebony and he has decided the wedge should be holly. Holly is a pure white, very dense wood with grain so straight and tight that it seems to have no character at all. This procedure is equally effective whether you select wood, plastic, metal, bone or stone for your wedge.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (1).jpg]]

== Fashioning the Wedge ==

Begin with a piece of the chosen material that is at least as thick as the desired wedge at its maximum. It is good to begin with stock that is approximately 25% thicker than the thick end of the desired wedge.

Cut a strip about 25% wider than the final wedge will be (if the finished wedge will be one inch wide, cut your blank 1 1/4".) During normal conditions, the wedge is subject to only compressive stress. However, it is important for uniformity of finish to match the grain direction with the scales.

Note: If the wedge and scale materials are metallic, plastic or something else with no discernible grain, “grain direction” is immaterial. The strip must be as long as the finished wedge plus enough to facilitate handling while tapering. I typically will make my wedge blanks 4 to 5 inches long.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (2).jpg]]

== Positioning the Wedge ==

Lay the new scales out with the wedge strip blank.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (3).jpg]]

Mark the position of the thick end of the finished wedge. The thick end is inboard so that you taper from inboard to the end. In other words, the wedge will be tapered toward the end of the blank, like a chisel.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (4).jpg]]

Once the strip is fully prepared, you are ready to begin tapering. You can taper manually with a rasp, Microplane™, hand plane or a sanding block. You can also use sandpaper flat on a hard surface (eg. glass, MDF, plywood or bench top.)

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (6).jpg]]

If you don’t have access to a disc or belt grinder, it is very easy to taper your wedges with a hand held belt sander clamped to a sturdy table.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (7).jpg]]

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (8).jpg]]

Taper one or both sides of the wedge. Working only one side is perfectly acceptable as the inside end (the thick end) will be adjusted or “squared up” after your wedge is cut from the strip.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (9).jpg]]

The goal is to have two flat surfaces that taper from full thickness (at your length mark) down to a point at the end of the strip.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (10).jpg]]

Once you are satisfied with the taper, cut the entire end off the strip being sure to save the entire tapered portion. Again, be sure to cut through the strip above the taper.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (11).jpg]]

If you shaped your wedge by sanding only one side, then it will appear to be a right triangle once it is cut from the strip. Functionally, this doesn’t matter at all. However, if you are like me and go through life tortured by all things asymmetrical, this razor won’t become your sworn nemesis. It is very easy to use sandpaper and “square up” the large end of the wedge. (I know it’s not really “square”. That’s just what we call it when we even up the angles on something like this.)

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (12).jpg]]

This is where it all starts to come together. This is also where it can all fall apart. Carefully position your wedge in between the scales and, using the scales as a template, drill the hole(s) through your wedge. 

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (13).jpg]]

== Securing the Wedge ==

I use 0-80 x ½ machine screws and nuts as temporary pins to hold the assembly together while shaping the profile of the wedge. Take your time. Be mindful of grain direction, especially if you are carving the wedge with a sharp knife. If you attack that little bit of wood with your X-ACTO™ knife, the blade will follow the path of least resistance and, if given the opportunity, will split the wedge right in two. I use the band saw to get close then finish by abrading the wedge to its final shape.

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (14).jpg]]

[[Image:Wedgemaking - Icedogs Method (15).jpg]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Scale_Making]]