I have extremely thick coarse beard hair, it's like razor wire, and thick too boot. I know everyone says this but us mediterranean folks have some wicked facial hair.

I have never had the please of the 1/4 grind Le Grelot, I want to at some point snag one of these beauties. The closest I've have is a Wapi, similar grind, maybe not similar quality, however it shaves like a dream for me.

On the subject of which grind is best, I will say my best shaves come from the Wapi, and other such non full hollow grinds. I do get some close shaves with a a few of them, but the majority leave me unfulfilled.

Hollows require a much close blade angle to avoid flexing, and a much more rigorous beard prep routine, and extra comfort shave cream/soap( something with shea butter, coconut oil, esp Lanolin)

Robin, does have a point in that technique makes it 6 and 1/2 dozen of the other, if you really concentrate and take your time even a full hollow will give a baby butt smooth shave, but it takes more practice and well work.

I for one am lazy when it comes to working on my shaves, I prefer my blade to do the majority of it. I'm like Slash from Guns and Roses, I sound better on a Les Paul, but then again who doesn't the damn thing would make a blind kid with one hand sound awesome.

Cheers
David