[Lt.Arclight]

I just received this razor from the Shaving Shop. This is the first Heribert Wacker that I have owned. Upon initial examination,the razor appeared to be well crafted. The scales,though simple plastic are handsome. The overall balance is good. No defects were noted. I did not opt to have the razor sharpened,prefering to do my own honing.The razor was "on sale" marked down from $184.99 to $159.99. Shipping was prompt.


The blade although sharp was not shave ready. I approached this blade with my usual new razor honing practice. NOTE:This is HARD STEEL. Most razors respond to a simple pyramid honing using an 8000 and 16000 Shapton Glass Hone-this one did not. I had to use a fairly aggressive technique dropping back to my 4000 Norton followed by the Shapton stones. I was able to acheive a very keen edge after ALOT of final polishing. I was amazed at how the steel resisted the hones,but my effort was rewarded.After finishing on the 16000 Shapton, I spent quite a while on the strop.Last night and prior to shaving.


This afternoon, I was able to shave test the Wacker. Following a hot shower and the usual prep-WTG produced a smooth comfortable shave. I'll rate it a 8/10. I like this razor.The blade is quite stiff and gives great feedback.With the steels resistance to honing, I would expect a durable edge- I'm curious if anyone else have found this INOX steel to be VERY HARD?

[netsurfr]

I have found the Wacker blades to be harder in general... not just the INOX steel.
I have three Wacker blades and at first I thought they were inferior blades but soon learned that my honing technique was inferior. I did not spend enought time establishing the bevel and subsequent work was somewhat pointless. The blades take a bit more time than most at all hone grades but extablishing the bevel is critical.

[thebigspendur]

I have one carbon Wacker and agree the steel is quite hard but hones up very nicely. Its also a fine shaver.

[Lt.Arclight]

Originally Posted by netsurfr

I have found the Wacker blades to be harder in general... not just the INOX steel.
I have three Wacker blades and at first I thought they were inferior blades but soon learned that my honing technique was inferior. I did not spend enought time establishing the bevel and subsequent work was somewhat pointless. The blades take a bit more time than most at all hone grades but extablishing the bevel is critical.

That is EXACTLY what I went through last night when I initially attempted to hone the razor. After going back to a more agressive hone and having reestablished the bevel-the normal "new razor" procedure I used worked. Although even on the Shapton's which I find more aggressive than any other system I've used-the blade was resistant to cutting.

[jwoods]

really nice razor you bought, my biggest problem in honing was not establishing a very sharp bevel in the 1st place now it is fairly easy to hone up my razors, the harder the steel the longer the edge should last on it with propper stropping i bet you will see 4-6 months between honings at least

[xChris]

Just everyone else, I have found the Wackers that I have to be harder steel, and needing more time to hone up properly. They do give a great shave, and stay keen when you get it right.

[Lynn]

I have honed a bunch of these. Just did 3 over the weekend. They do indeed feel a little harder, but responded very well to more polishing strokes. Pretty razors.

Lynn