Need some guidance in choosing razor

[Predict]

Hi B&B,
I am looking to buy a traditional straight razor (i already own two feather artist clubs). I am still a novice for sure I only have a handful of shaves with the feathers. My question is this: For a guy with an extremely course beard is one grind better than another? I see most are full hollow, but for a very course beard would a quarter hollow be better? or a wedge? I dont know if this helps at all but when i use DE im using a mergress cranked all the way up, so i typically like aggressive razors. I'm just not sure what the purpose of the different grinds are and which would suit me.
Thanks

 

[Doc226]

People often recommend wedges for heavy beards. I have a relatively heavy one and do not like the feel of edges. I prefer hollow ground blades. The most important thing is to make sure your razor is really shave ready.

Whatever blade you get will feel dull compared to the feathers. Also the angle used is a little shallower with a real straight. On the feather you need to come in at a steeper angle to ever merge lip that holds he blade in pace.

 

[LarryAndro]

I strongly recommend against wedges or near wedges for newbies because they are more difficult to maintain sharpness.

 

[DogHair]

The progression from wedge to full-hollow was more of a razor manufacturing evolution. A well honed razor gives me a good shave regardless of the grind. They feel a bit different and the technique varies but you can get a good shave from them all. It's all down to personal preference but I would agree with LarryAndro on the ease of maintenance. Wedges can be a challenge to get right. I nice half or full-hollow would be a great place to start.

 

[Seraphim]

Maintenance may be slightly more difficult, but as a newbie I found wedges, or heavier grinds to be more forgiving in the shaving department

 

[Obiwan]

I'd also add that wedges (for me at least) seem to cut much quieter than thiner grinds. Some find the audio feedback helpful when learning. At the end of the day, as Doc said, as long as its shave ready it will be capable of giving you a great shave.

 

[drawonme]

Larry at Whipped Dog is a great resource, both for advice and providing great shave-ready razors at very reasonable prices, especially his kit with razor, strop, paddle, oil, etc. for about $70. Tell him about your beard and he will select the right blade.

Marty

 

[Predict]

I strongly recommend against wedges or near wedges for newbies because they are more difficult to maintain sharpness.

Thanks, that will definatley be a big factor for me as I have no experience with honing/stripping