The problem of diffraction by a ‘narrow double wedge’ (width much smaller than wavelength) is investigated. Strong reflexion and quasi-static effects are the main features of this problem. The asymptotic behaviour of the solution is determined by the edge singularities. This leads to an approximate solution, which seems to be very accurate. This solution is found to be in good agreement with approximate solutions derived by different methods. The reflexion coefficient and the ‘end correction’ are evaluated. The results are compared with those obtained by other authors. It is shown that they contain a new effect, the 'evanescent mode correction’, which is very small in this region. Resonance effects in channels of finite length are analyzed.