Do I need a less hollow blade?

[milkmanv1]

Hey guys, I'll make this one quick.

I'm a total newb at straight shaves, I've been practicing WTG, mostly on my cheeks. My razor is a Wade and Butcher "blank for concaving" basically a full hollow 5/8ths blade.

The problem I seem to be encountering is that the blade seems to struggle a bit through my hairs, it's not that it can't or won't cut them, it just seems like I have to kindof force it through my stubble.

SO B&B brothers, bad technique, or do you think i'd have better luck if I got a less hollow blade? (Anywhere from 1/2 hollow to full wedge is what I'm thinking)

 

[silver]

It might have more to do with technique and the sharpness of the razor than the actual grind. But with that being said, my favourite grind is a 1/4 hollow as I find its good middle ground between a hollow and wedge.

 

[milkmanv1]

From what I heard, a wedge will mow down coarser hair a little better?

I know I still need to get my technique down, so I'm not giving up yet. Atleast not until this thing needs to be honed again!

I was just wondering if I traded up, to say a half hollow, I MIGHT have a bit easier of a time?

 

[Obiwan]

I think it's likely technique at this point. A thicker grind may proove better for you down the line, but while your learning, you may struggle regardless.

 

[Attila]

I think it's likely technique at this point. A thicker grind may proove better for you down the line, but while your learning, you may struggle regardless.

+2

 

[Doc226]

Likely technique but don't discount the razor not truly being shave ready.

 

[Lmarkow]

Make sure you're stretching your skin. Also, as compared to shaving with a DE, I think it helps to have a slicker, wetter lather. Have you been stropping the razor between uses? You may have "rolled the edge."

 

[Obiwan]

Likely technique but don't discount the razor not truly being shave ready.

I honed this one doc. It took a great edge IMO

 

[Obiwan]

Oh everyone has a grind preference for sure. I just don't want OP thinking a fully hollow blade is incapable of providing a smooth BBS shave regardless of beard thickness.

 

[Lmarkow]

Oh, if only this were the case. Life (and RAD) would be so much simpler . . . .

Oh everyone has a grind preference for sure.

 

[professorchaos]

Are you sure the edge is shave ready?

Thicker grinds are easier to use, especially when you are getting started. Hollow grinds take more skill and provide superb results. I rarely shave with anything that isn't at least 1/4 hollow any more.

 

[cleanshaved]

Oh everyone has a grind preference for sure. I just don't want OP thinking a fully hollow blade is incapable of providing a smooth BBS shave regardless of beard thickness.

and what you like today may not be the same after you have taken a straight for a few hundred miles around your face.
Keep some razors from all grind types and revist them every now and then. This will not just give you great variety but will prevent seller's remorse later.

 

[Doc226]

I honed this one doc. It took a great edge IMO

Carry on then. Obiwan puts a nice edge on razors.

 

[milkmanv1]

Yeah that's why I know it's me wayy before the razor. Thanks again obiwan! Clearly I didn't hit the ground running with this one, but I'm still learning.

I got the whipped dog poor man's kit, and I've been stropping inbetween every shave. As per whipped dog instructions I'm holding the strop TIGHT and the blade LIGHT.

The main point of this thread was to find out if there would be a noticeable difference if I got a less hollow. I know my blade has to be able to cut hair, it's super sharp. It still just seems a bit tuggy.

Back to the shave den for more practice I suppose!

 

[ACorazza]

Most likely your technique. Just keep at it and eventually you should be able to shave with any grind but you still might have a preference

 

[u2u]

and what you like today may not be the same after you have taken a straight for a few hundred miles around your face.
Keep some razors from all grind types and revist them every now and then. This will not just give you great variety but will prevent seller's remorse later.

Well said.

 

[Brooksie967]

It's easier, for me, to get the correct angle for shaving from a hollow ground razor. That being said, YMMV. Give it a few more shaves and if it doesn't improve I'm sure Dave will re-hone it. I'm fully confident in his edges after shaving with one of his personal razors he sent me so I could compare my coticule edge to his.

 

[weizemanner]

How is the beard prep?

Are you making sure that the point is leading like a guillotine? remember slice the hair, don't chop.

It is possible that you rolled part of the edge stropping it. I have done a good bit of stropping in the last 6 years and I still sometimes hit the edge.

If you are coming from a DE blade, remember that DEs are much thinner and usually sharper and coated in teflon and/or platinum. The edge is in the bevel, Changing the grind of the blade won't change the edge much.