Thread: Yet another new guy, with a question

Good morning everyone! I found this forum after visiting on B&B, and recently took the plunge on a straight. I've had a few good experiences thus far - my technique's not that great, but I do have some carpentry skills under my belt. No major blood loss - yet.

I've been looking around a bit, and it occurs to me that my 4/8 Dovo isn't quite standing up to the morning's stubble. It's not full-hollow, but moderate

For coarse hair, would you a) go with a larger blade, b) a thicker blade, or c) both, and in what proportions? Does a 5/8 wedge shave similar to a 6/8 half-hollow?

Thanks!

I'd say that a half-inch half-hollow should do the job on any sort of a stubble. You may wish to revisit your honing technique. I've used a 4/8 half hollow to wipe off 4 days of stubble just as easily as one day and DOVO uses superb steel.

I will reccomend a nice big blade. I like 7/8 very much. This morning I took off 3 days of growth as easy as pie with a 7/8 W&B and face is as smooth as a baby's bottom.

It's the edge which cuts the beard. If you're having troubles, that's the likeliest culprit, so I'm with Ilija on that. The rest is just your preference as to how it handles. Heaftier blades have more momentum in the shave which can be more comfortable for bigger jobs. I don't even have that big a shaving job and I still prefer a 6/8 or 7/8 so I'm with Rich on that one. I guess I'm with both Ilija and Rich.

As for comparing shapes and sizes, I'd answer your question with 'no', a 5/8 wedge is dissimilar from a 6/8 half hollow. I'd have to say a wedge regardless of its size, shaves unlike anything else except perhaps a 1/4 hollow, full and double hollows seem very much alike and very light weight, and that a half hollow is a comfortable compromise between them. I'd also say that 3/8 & 4/8 are very exacting tools for delicate work, like driving a sports car, 7/8 & 8/8 are more like driving a pick-up, and that a 5/8 or 6/8 is your standard family sedan.

X

I have to agree with the heard on this one. Your razor should be capable of shaving you very handedly. maybe it needs a touchup on the hone? Maybe if its new it was never shave ready to begin with or maybe marginally shave ready.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have to agree with the heard on this one. Your razor should be capable of shaving you very handedly. maybe it needs a touchup on the hone? Maybe if its new it was never shave ready to begin with or maybe marginally shave ready.

I completely agree with thebigspendur. Only the edge comes in contact with and cuts the beard. My beard is very heavy and although I prefer the larger blades because of the weight and ballance, one of my best shaving razors is a 4/8. I really think that the razor is just not sharp enough.

Gents,

Thanks for the responses. I stropped the razor again and shaved this morning to discover that my blade is sharper towards the heel end than the tip. It was a good shave, once I made the adjustment. So, I've got some practicing to do yet. I will try the heavier blades to see how they feel, but at least this one's not going to be unfairly neglected.

The 4/8 size gets a lot of undeserved flak. I have a crazy beard that seems to beat the crap out of edges. (I only get 5-7 shaves out of a Feather disposable, and most guys seem to get 10-15.)

Some of the best shaves I've had came from 4/8 blades. They have a zippy quality to them that makes them work really well for me.

It's all in the honing, although there will be some variation from blade to blade.

Each blade size and grind has a very different feel, as the other guys have pointed out. But all should be capable of giving you excellent shaves with the proper honing and shaving technique.

Josh