Thread: coarse heavy beard & hollow

I think the heavier grinds are more forgiving of poor technique. That is why I love my wedges.

Originally Posted by riooso

I do not think it is a accident that most people with heavy beards prefer heavier grinds.

I am not sure this is true. Nearly every newbie is convinced that the reason he gets better shaves with a heavier grind is because of his heavy beard. But heavier grinds are also more tolerant of problems in his shaving technique, and don't need to be as sharp to shave well so they're more tolerant of honing and stropping issues as well. Not to say that some guys don't need heavy grinds to deal with their heavy beard, I'm just not at all sure that it's as prevalent as the posts around here would indicate. One good check is to shave with a feather AC, which has very sharp blades but the blade holder lets them move around a bit. If you can get a good shave out of a feather then a heavy stiff grind isn't really necessary; you can also get a good shave out of a sufficiently sharp full hollow.

One additional data point: I've had several razors that were labeled as being for tough beards, and all of them were full hollows. Two of them were Pumas (pour barbe tres dure) and the other was a Robeson (the "tough beard" bit was on the label that was still on the scales).

The correct answer is which ever blade gives you the best shave. Shaving technique, hollow, brand, size, steel and experience is not the key, it is just finding the right blade for you. Juan

Originally Posted by juannaredo

The correct answer is which ever blade gives you the best shave. Shaving technique, hollow, brand, size, steel and experience is not the key, it is just finding the right blade for you. Juan

This is almost totally wrong.

As long as it is sharp then the blade itself matters very little.

Originally Posted by mparker762

One additional data point: I've had several razors that were labeled as being for tough beards, and all of them were full hollows. Two of them were Pumas (pour barbe tres dure) and the other was a Robeson (the "tough beard" bit was on the label that was still on the scales).

I've seen both types full hollows and stiff grinds with "for (very) tough beards (and sensitive skin)". The 69 pumas are stiff grind, forgot the number on the hollow with such etching.
So, I wonder is this just marketing, or is there something specific to the steel?

Assuming it's not the edge, maybe the problem is not adjusting one's technique slightly to suit the size/grind.

Originally Posted by sparq

If you cannot get a close and comfortable shave from a hollow or singing blade, you have not mastered the technique well enough yet.

You're right, we're retarted. Klugscheisse

Originally Posted by sparq

In other words, (some) heavy grind lovers are ... lazy?

OHHH, guys, forget what you Prefer, this know it all, know's it all. And as for being lazy, I have to save something for some know it all's sister. Don't discourage others dude

Ok guys no need to get all worked up.
Disagreeing is fine, but keep it civil and polite.

Dear Juan,

Allow me to humbly offer my personal opinion on your observations so far.

Originally Posted by juannaredo

The correct answer is which ever blade gives you the best shave.

That is, obviously, correct.

Originally Posted by juannaredo

TheShaving technique, hollow, brand, size, steel and experience is not the key, it is just finding the right blade for you.

That, however, seems to warrant an alternative view.

1. The best blade will not work without proper technique.
2. Extreme hollow grinds with lots of flex are considered difficult to use even by some experienced users, so chances are beginners will find them equally difficult to use.
3. There are some brands of razors that should be avoided, and even though every purchase is a risk, there are few popular vintage brands that are generally good. Mostly has to do with the quality of the steel used.
4. Size can matter a lot, especially for a beginner. While it is, of course, possible to master a very small or wide blade even as a beginner, thousands of beginners here on SRP have found 5/8 or 6/8 blades with round points the easiest to use, because they offer a good compromise between manoeuvrability and ease of use.
5. Last, experience cannot be beat. You mentioned previously that you are new to straight shaving, and that is excellent. We are here to help beginners overcome their teething problems as soon as possible. However, that requires co-operation, and the ability to listen. Or read. Case in point, you are cordially invited to read http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi..._razor_shaving, as it will probably support you in taking informed decisions.

Any questions, do not hesitate to ask. SRP are on a mission to make the acquisition of shaving knowledge as convenient as possible, and if you should have any comments, suggestions, or enhancements to the Wiki article, do feel free to make them.

Enjoy your reading, and your stay on SRP,
Robin