New Guy Razor Observations and Question

After approximately 30 days of SR shaving I have some razor observations and a few questions.

I began with a Ralf Aust 5/8 as my first razor and as expected had more than a few issues with my first few shaves, obviously related to technique and inexperience. I then began thinking I may have rolled an edge or dulled the blade, again due to my inexperience with stropping so I ordered a Thiers Issard 1937 Special Coiffeur 6/8 to compare a freshly honed blade to the Ralf Aust. It was love at first shave. Weight, blade angle, feel, just all fell into place with the TI. I rechecked the sharpness of both blades and they seem to be equal.

So here is my question. I am trying to determine if it is working due to the additional weight of the 6/8, or the fact that the TI is a half hollow as opposed to the RA which is a full hollow.

I want to buy another razor and am wondering if I should try 7/8 or a quarter hollow, or just stick with what is working and find another 6/8 half hollow? I love the TI, just trying to figure out why I love it : )

Any observations are appreciated.

We all have particular razors that are our favorites for a certain reason. I like heavier blades because I can put less pressure on my skin with them easier than a smaller blade.

However, all edges being equal, you should be able to get equally good shaves with either blade. I would keep working on the 5/8 to master it, it will make it easier to get used to your next blade. Rotating blades too often leaves you mastering none of them. Two of my blades I've mastered give better shaves than any other I own, even with subpar edges. They're a short 5/8 full hollow and a 8/8ish W&B near wedge, complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

That all being said, I don't own duplicates of just about anything. Wanted to try everything under the sun.

A lot of beginners find the heavier grinds more to their liking initially. I think full hollows are a bit more demanding to use is all.

Bob

My first (and favorite) razor is a 6/8 half hollow, followed closely by a 5/8 half hollow. I also have a 5/8 full hollow that I don't like as well. I guess maybe I prefer heavier grinds?

I can't find any information on the maker of my full hollow (J.B. DeGanne), so I'm not really convinced that I've tried a quality full hollow.

As BobH points out, the stiffer blades will not flex on your face like those paper thin bellied grinds if you put a bit of pressure on them. The same goes for honing.... paper thin blades can be a bear to hone as the blade flexes if you put any kind of pressure on them when on the hones.

A 6/8" blade can make it easier to get the angle you want as it's simply wider and more obvious as to what angle the blade is at... And... it's also personal preference. 6/8" is about the maximum size that *I* like.... 5/8 and 4/8 are my most favorite. The big stuff is just too big for my tastes and I find I struggle a bit with them. Others have different preferences... you may have simply found YOUR preferred size and grind.

I have a Boker 5/8 bellied full hollow... it's like tin foil in thickness... Once I got it truly sharp, it shaved fine and I was happy with it... but it's NOT my preferred grind, make mine 3/4 hollow.... Stiff and quiet during the shave.

I don't find much difference between razors, once they are sharp, other than my preference to size/grind.... All good quality razors are fine, it's just what you happen to like....

Regards

Christian

Heh. I've got a wedge coming in the mail. We'll see how well I like THAT one. :p

Plus now you have 30 days of shaving behind you, things start coming together that may give the impression of the new razor being better. It's like I found out a couple of months in that the first razor I Had was shave ready, it was me that wasn't. Tc

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Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Plus now you have 30 days of shaving behind you, things start coming together that may give the impression of the new razor being better. It's like I found out a couple of months in that the first razor I Had was shave ready, it was me that wasn't. Tc

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At this point I am 100% sure it is me, and not the razor : ) The 6/8 half hollow just seems to have less variables for me to deal with at this point and for me is just flat out easier to shave with. The Aust 5/8 isn't going anywhere. I plan to come back to it when I have a higher skill/comfort level.

Every razor is a bit different and some more than a bit. A difference in grind or weight or scale shape or material or balance can cause you to hold or use the razor a bit different and that can give you a different experience.

My rotation goes from 5/8 to 7/8, full hollow to wedge. I don't have a wedge or near wedge in the big sizes, but I do like the 7/8 more. Ultimately, though, it comes down to what's comfortable in your hand and on your face. There's nothing wrong with trying out different styles, but after you find one you like and you've used it a long while, go back and try one of the others...you might be surprised how much you enjoy using them once you've gotten more experience.

Thank you for all the great insight. From reading some of the comments I am learning that it not so much a matter of what works, but rather what works for me. Which I am sure will change as my technique improves

SRP is a such a great place. Thanks again for all the comments.