Thread: Thick Blades for Thick Beards???

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I know there are plenty of guys who really think you need to have a really big heavy razor and or grind to shave a tough heavy beard but all I'll say to this is that if you could go back in time and went to a barber back when they gave many shaves each day you would probably rarely see a wedge or 7/8s or 8/8s razor. Most barbers used 5/8s or 6/8s hollow grind razors as their go to razors. Some of the old timers preferred wedges but in general those were the type of razors that were used to shave every guy who walked into the shop.

That only tells me that it was more profitable to use hollow blades over wedges, not necessarily more comfortable. There is probably a difference as you suggest between claiming that a giant razor is necessary and claiming that it is advantageous, but what indication is actually contrary to the idea that some beards won't allow comfortable shaves with small, hollow razors?

Perhaps the deal is that we can't generalize it down to "heavy beards require heavy razors".

That being said, I think each one of us has a preference for what type of blade they prefer. For some a lighter grind may shave them just as well as a heavy grind. For others, the results will not be the same.

I myself, had two Henckels Friodurs, extra hollow grind. They were capable of getting extremely sharp, and gave very close shaves. However, they didn't feel very comfortable during the shave for me.

I have since moved on to heavier grinds (Dovo Renaissance, vintage LeGrelot, 1/4 grind LeGrelot, W&B wedge), and am liking the way they shave me much better. That being said, I don't see much of a difference between my 1/4 grind and my wedge. I think after you pass a certain point of heftyness that blade just isn't going anywhere.

My hollow Dovo renaissance is a heftier grind than the Frios, but much lighter than the 1/4 grind LeGrelot. I'd say it's about my limit for how light I like my grind. It feels different than my heavier grinds, but much, much smoother than my Frios did.

Some may prefer a feeling of wielding a deft, light, little scalpel of a razor, dancing across their face, surgically removing whiskers as they go. More power to them!

Others, like myself, prefer the feeling of invincibility of the heavier grinds. These razors proclaim loudly to the whiskers in their way "RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!" and then proceed to mow them all down...That's awesome too!

Personally, I wish lighter grinds worked better for me, as that would give me more razors to choose from.


To the original poster: I feel that it is the weight, or grind of the razor that matters most. My Friodurs were 7/8ths, but were extra hollow grind. Overall they are hefty blades, but the edge is somewhat flexible even so.

Give a heavier grind razor a try and see how you like it (or not). Wapis are 1/4 grinds, and you can get them for like $22.

Hoglahoo and I were kicking this around in chat the other day too. During the course of our discussion, I went and shaved with the lightest hollow grind I have ever used: a 5/8 full hollow. Not the smallest of razors but I have been using wedges, and half hollows that range from 6/8+ to 8/8. I feel like I had to control the 5/8 with more force to keep it from deflecting, but in the end it was my most comfortable shave as far as irritation (which I still get in certain spots). I even did some ATG which I NEVER do. All in all, there are a lot of variables in my situation. Still, I think it is interesting and will be using more hollow grinds to see what happens!



-rob

I have the same tough beard, fully hollow ground doesn`t shave well blues. Any suggestions on inexpensive wedge or 1/4 hollow ground razors?

The only thing that I can add to this Is as you experience grows you will probably find you preferences changing .
I've tried a lot of differeft razors ranging from 5/8 prima klang dovos to 7/8 wedges & with practice they all shave me very well. I just could'nt adapt to the Tosuke's though & I did find 4/8 a little light for me. I'm beginning to feel that the correct prep IS the most important thing to a great shave.
BUT whatch out for the RAD it is incurable.Paul

I can relate as I have a heavy beard when I grow it out. Now I'm clean shaven
except for a mustache. When I let 3 days growth go by.....there seems to be
no way a full hollow or ex full hollow will do. It will bite and bite and I do have
many many shave ready ones. I find if you do have a very strong/thick stubble/beard....then a 1/2 wedge should mow it down without the pain of
the flimsy paper weight of a full hollow. Mind you most will not need a 1/2 wedge just to daily shave and you can find uses for any width & thickness
of a blade. 5/8's is most common & does the majority very well. JMO.