Thread: Half hollow-ground? Full hollow ground?

I do not own a razor yet, but I am looking to buy one and I am wondering if I should get a full hollow ground or half hollow ground. Which is better?

Also, should I get a carbon-steel razor or a stainless steel razor?

I wouldn't say that one is better than another. It is usually a matter of personal appreciation: some prefer full hollow, some half, some a wedge.

It is difficult to say out of the blue, you'll have to try (RAD incoming)... but usually the more you are near a full hollow the more feedback you'll have from your razor (she will be lighter also), and near a wedge you will have a stiffer blade with less feedback (she will be heavier).

I started with a 1/4 hollow and I was very happy with it; I own also full hollow and I like them too (in fact, I like them all). Maybe if you don't want to spend too much money - or to explore the world of razors too much - you could try a half hollow, it is - I think - a good compromise...

Originally Posted by redcannon

I do not own a razor yet, but I am looking to buy one and I am wondering if I should get a full hollow ground or half hollow ground. Which is better?

Good question, and as simple to answer as "what colour is a car?". Started with a full hollow 4/8ths 8 months ago, wasn't happy. Best razor I have now is a 6/8ths 1/4 hollow. Gave the 4/8ths to my best man, who thinks it's the best razor on earth. Live and learn, really.

Now given the prices being charged in this forum's classifieds section, you should be on the safe side even if you find out that the razor you purchased isn't the right one, because it will go for a similar price when you re-sell it. To pick a random example, you just can't go wrong with this one from gugi. So far, I have only received truly shave ready razors whose condition was exactly as advertised from SRP. Big kudos to all sellers.

Originally Posted by redcannon

Also, should I get a carbon-steel razor or a stainless steel razor?

One answer is in the newbie FAQ. More can be found by searching this forum, e.g. by saying "stainless or carbon" site:straightrazorplace.com - Google Search

The links in http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...ght-razor.html are partly broken.

Originally Posted by redcannon

I do not own a razor yet, but I am looking to buy one and I am wondering if I should get a full hollow ground or half hollow ground. Which is better?

Also, should I get a carbon-steel razor or a stainless steel razor?

Hi redcannon:

At this point in your "shaving career" it really doesn't matter because no one can predict what will work best for you or your beard. The important criteria should be a quality razor, reasonably priced from a reputable source and professionally honed. I don't think you could do better than checking the the classifieds on this site or one of the vendors that have purchased banner ads here. The difference between a new razor and one of the razors in the classifieds is simply that you can get 3 great used razors for the price of 1 new. The only place I wouldn't go for a razor is eBay, until you know what you're doing. After you are getting good shaves, sure go ahead and experiment with other types of razors. If you end up with two or three razors and don't want them all, you can always sell them here.

The carbon versus stainless steel issue is also a matter of taste. Stainless steel is less prone to rust (but it does), is a little harder to hone and keeps its edge a little longer. I personally find carbon steel blades more pleasant to shave with and not that hard to maintain. Try one of each and form your own opinion. The important thing is to try one and come back and tell us what you found.

Personally I like Blondes over Redheads, but a Brunette with Blue or Green eyes can drive me nuts.

Razors are the same, some work with ya, some work against ya !!!!!
The fun is in finding the right one, or two, or ten or

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Personally I like Blondes over Redheads, but a Brunette with Blue or Green eyes can drive me nuts.

Razors are the same, some work with ya, some work against ya !!!!!
The fun is in finding the right one, or two, or ten or

Well put Glen...LOL

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Personally I like Blondes over Redheads, but a Brunette with Blue or Green eyes can drive me nuts.

Razors are the same, some work with ya, some work against ya !!!!!
The fun is in finding the right one, or two, or ten or

Blondes!!! You're not the talkative type, eh Glen? Ok, sorry.. waiting for the supermods to strike with the ban...

Yes, you wouldn't know what you prefer until you try them both. There's a learning curve for most people and I many find it easier to use stiffer grind (half hollow or wedgy type razor). My first razors were all full hollows and on the light side and I think that was rather useful to learn quickler (the steeper curve means you get there faster). In any case thanks for the plug BeBerlin, but I'd add that there are plenty of other great razors in the Classifieds. As long as you don't insist on a brand new razor this palce and the used section of straightrazordesigns can provide you with some quality razors for not much money.

If you have an average or light beard then most any size/grind will work. If your beard is thick/coarse/wiry then a razor with more "meat" on it will probably do you better. Like a 1/4 or 1/2 hollow 6/8. A wedge works with all beards.

Just my two cents this morning,

You will just have to try a few different grinds to see what your face likes. The only grind I don't care for is the extra hollow grind 'singing razors". I get along fine with a full hollow as long as it is 6/8ths or more. They just seem a bit stiffer.