New Razor Grind

[mmiller3475]

I hope I'm posting this in the right section.

After using DE razors, I am considering buying a straight razor. I have looked at several "basic" razors including the DOVO best quality. The razor would be a 5/8". I need help in choosing a full hollow grind or a half hollow grind.

In particular would I be able to notice any significant differences between the two grinds? I understand that the half hollow will be "stiffer" than a full hollow, but how does that translate to shaving? I suspect that for a new user I wouldn't appreciate any difference, but I have to ask. Either razor will be professionally honed when I purchase it.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Luc]

I'd say pick half hollow for a first razor. The Full hollow will sing louder but the half will give you better feedback IMO.

 

[mmiller3475]

I'd say pick half hollow for a first razor. The Full hollow will sing louder but the half will give you better feedback IMO.

Thank you for the reply. I think the half hollow would be a good compromise for me. Now if I can convince myself that I can shave with a straight razor without having the rescue squad on speed dial!

 

[JPDyson]

I'll second the stiffer grind; half-hollow will make up for what you lack in technique pretty well (at least, stiffer grinds do that for me).

 

[johnmrson]

Definitely the half hollow.

 

[honed]

Another vote for half hollow.

 

[BillEllis]

My preference is for half or quarter hollow, but maybe for different reasons. A full hollow requires two things to provide a satisfying shave for me. It has to be very sharp, and the beard prep needs to also be good.

For some reason, I can get a good shave with a half/quarter hollow if I don't spend as much time with the beard prep. Sometimes, I'm lazy...

 

[mmiller3475]

Thank you all for your input. Apparently the previous advice I got about little or no difference between the two grinds was incorrect. I appreciate all the feedback/1

 

[FiveOhNine]

Thank you all for your input. Apparently the previous advice I got about little or no difference between the two grinds was incorrect. I appreciate all the feedback/1

There is definitely a difference.....maybe the previous advice was that you can get a great shave from any grind once you know what you're doing?

Anyway, another vote for 1/4-1/2.

 

[thirdeye]

I'd say 1/4 or 1/2 as well. I personally like a 1/4 grind but either is a great place to start.

 

[mmiller3475]

There is definitely a difference.....maybe the previous advice was that you can get a great shave from any grind once you know what you're doing?

Anyway, another vote for 1/4-1/2.

I think your right about getting a good shave with anything if you know what you're doing. I really hadn't thought about it in that context. I thought it sounded like maybe that particular razor wasn't in stock and I was being steered to something else

I don't think I've heard of a 1/4 razor. Is that a specialized razor...maybe for hard to reach places?

 

[domino]

I think your right about getting a good shave with anything if you know what you're doing. I really hadn't thought about it in that context. I thought it sounded like maybe that particular razor wasn't in stock and I was being steered to something else

I don't think I've heard of a 1/4 razor. Is that a specialized razor...maybe for hard to reach places?

Check here this should help you:http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28457

 

[FiveOhNine]

I think your right about getting a good shave with anything if you know what you're doing. I really hadn't thought about it in that context. I thought it sounded like maybe that particular razor wasn't in stock and I was being steered to something else

I don't think I've heard of a 1/4 razor. Is that a specialized razor...maybe for hard to reach places?

No, sorry for the confusion. I meant quarter to half hollow.

 

[JPDyson]

My preference is for half or quarter hollow, but maybe for different reasons. A full hollow requires two things to provide a satisfying shave for me. It has to be very sharp, and the beard prep needs to also be good.

For some reason, I can get a good shave with a half/quarter hollow if I don't spend as much time with the beard prep. Sometimes, I'm lazy...

Hey, Bill - I think you're spot-on. In my previous trials with straight shaving, I had a full-hollow and a 1/2 hollow. I liked my very first shave with the full hollow alright, but my 1/2 hollow even better. Subsequent shaves with the full-hollow went downhill quickly. The half-hollow maintained usefulness w/my technique a lot longer.