Thread: Thick Blades for Thick Beards???

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?