Thread: Half/Full Hollow flexing, average beard density, stubborn stubble

I have a medium/average dense beard, with large stubborn stubble around the chin. Because of this tree trunk stubble around the chin, I'm leaning towards the half hollow to start. The last thing I want is for my razor to skip over the stubble, or irritate the hair follicle. All other areas of my face are easy to shave, and it is just the chin area that my non-straight razors struggle.

I read the half hollow is in the middle of the spectrum, and a good place to start for a beginner. But, the logic may have a flaw. Just because it's the middle of the spectrum, doesn't necessary mean it is the best place to start.

I'm choosing the 5/8 over the 6/8 because I have a relatively medium sized face with lots of angles. I'm quite happy with the size of a DE razor, so figure I'd like the 5/8 size.

However, I'm having difficulty finding a 5/8 half hollow razor. I was surprised I did not see one at SRD (Dovo or Boker). Other places list the 5/8 half hollow out of stock. The 5/8 full hollow seems to be popular and very available. The half hollow becomes fully available at 6/8.

Since the 5/8 half hollow is less available, that raises the caution flag. Perhaps it is not popular for a reason?

I have a tough time imagining flexing between full vs. half. I figure if the blade is sharp, it should be cutting the hair, not flexing. Perhaps the sharper the blade, the less flexing? Therefore a full hollow should not pose a problem for me?

Am I really going to notice "flexing" between a 5/8 full vs. half?

Perhaps the 5/8 full hollow (Boker King Cutter or Dovo Best Quality) would still be just as good as a half hollow?

Not sure how much the "flexing" I'll have with medium-light density with seriously stubborn stubble around the chin that even gives my DE some challenges? Or if the "flexing" is more of an issue for someone who has a high density beard?

Or maybe the big difference between full vs. hollow is the weight, not really the flexing?

Or maybe the 6/8 half hollow would be better to start?

Or the 5/8 full hollow will be just fine?

Or search more for a 5/8 half hollow?

Thanks for the help,
Jake

Hi Jake,

I had the same conundrum recently. There seems to be a lot of advice suggesting that guys new to straights should use a 5/8 or 6/8 half hollow, but there aren't many choices for these if you want a new razor.

Ultimately, I settled for 5/8 full hollow (Dovo Ebenholtz), choosing size over grind. Waiting for it to arrive!

Oh well, I guess this is all part of the learning curve.

Let us know what you choose.

--David

Best shot a finding thicker grinds - the classifieds.

The TI super gnome is a quarter hollow and plenty stiff IME. You can find one here .

The recommendation in the FAQ is just that, a recommendation. Whether you choose a 5 or 6/8 will not make too much of a difference, anyhow. I find the bigger blades visually more appealing, but that is really all. As for the grind, hollow grinds vary, too. I personally find the Dovo 'Best Quality' a perfect starter razor (price vs performance cannot really be beat), but I would - for now - steer clear of singing full hollows like the 'Prima Klang'.

If you really want a thicker grind, our Classifieds or even Revisor's 'Rarität der Woche' might be an interesting place to start.

Happy shopping,
Robin

Jake,

+1 on Robins' suggestion of a Dovo Best 5/8 half-hollow.

This was the first razor I bought when I re-took up straight shaving in 2008.

It really is a good razor, and remains a favourtie of mine in my rotation.

The blade is very easy to maintain on pasted strops, and takes a lovely edge.

If you don't mind getting one from the UK, Mr Steve Dempster (BluePrinciple here on SRP) has them:

Dovo Razors

His honing is superb



Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Hey guys,

My first post here. After doing a lot of research regarding str8 shaving, I'm about ready to jump in razor first (with a light touch and proper angle of course). This seems like a great group of people who are really supportive so I'm looking forward to being a part of this.

I got my first str8 shave in Las Vegas last week at The Art of Shaving and it was one of the best pampering experiences I've had (it was the "Royal Shave" after all). Inspired me to give this a shot. Especially after the positive response I got from the Mrs.

Anyway, I had this same exact issue with seeing the recommendations for 6/8 half hollow being a great place to start because the half hollow is a little more forgiving for newbies and the 6/8 provides a little more weight to allow the razor to do the work. I was thinking with a longer face and issues with an angular jaw and smaller moustache area that a 5/8 might be better.

I emailed SRD to ask about whether these things matter as well as why half hollows didn't appear to be an option on SRD's site. The response I got was not to worry about it too much--that the full hollow actually can give a shaver more feedback while they're shaving to know whether they've made a correct stroke. I worry that may be an interesting way to learn if I make an incorrect stroke. I don't like corrective feedback!

Regarding the 5/8 or 6/8 the response was that I'm probably onto something with the 5/8 being good since I need some manueverability on my face.

The recommendation for my price range was the tortoise or the silver steel since they're somewhere "in between", which I think meant between full and half hollow--unfortunately the description of these razors on the SRD site does not mention their respective amounts of hollowing. I feel stuck and am figuring I may have to make an "Oh, what the hell" kind of purchase and flip a coin. Any suggestions between those two?

After reading many posts on here I realize the importance of a good professional honing for your first blade so I'm determined to buy off SRD to know what sharp really is. I'm also worried about screwing up that honing while I try to strop for the first time. Maybe I'll shave without stropping the first time... I've watched all the videos but I'm sure it looks easier on camera than it is in person.

To all of you who have written so many great tips on these forums to get me more comfortable with the idea of trying this, thanks! Now I have to take the next step and buy the razor, strop, brush, mug, strop, creams, balms...this gets expensive quick, doesn't it?!

Anyway, looking forward to hearing anyone's suggestions regarding the Dovo tortoise special vs. the silver steel.

Originally Posted by Stubbles

[tortoise or the silver steel]Any suggestions between those two?

It doesn't really matter. Both are nice razors. The Tortoise's fame leads back to an overenthusiastic amateur review on another forum. At the end of the day, I personally find its look tacky compared to the Ebenholz, but that is just personal preference. Can't really go wrong with either.

Originally Posted by Stubbles

Now I have to take the next step and buy the razor, strop, brush, mug, strop, creams, balms...this gets expensive quick, doesn't it?!

Not necessarily, cf Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Wiki - it only gets as expensive as you let it get. I certainly wouldn't start with something in the USD 130 price range (I did, however, start with something in the USD 200 price range myself, and promptly enhanced the gold plating on a Wacker with a big water stain).

While I would not skimp on the razor/strop combo, there is no need to buy a fancy brush. Also, a good quality cream will do nicely, but need not be overly expensive. Check our Reviews section for more information - you might be surprised how relatively inexpensive straight shaving can be.

Happy shopping,
Robin

Welcome to SRP Stubbles. Cool that you did your homework on what this straight razor shaving is about. Everyone fears stropping initially. Fear of rolling the edge or nicking the strop but with practice it comes easily if you take it slow.

Here is a 1961 barber manual excerpt from the SRP Wiki help files on honing and stropping for your perusal. The last two pages are on stropping and if you follow their instructions on holding the razor and learning to flip before you try doing the stroke you'll be well on your way to successfull stropping.

I've got them in sizes from 4/8 to 10/8 and my personal favorite is 5/8. Not better or worse, just what I feel is a perfect comprimise of form and function. While there probably isn't a dime's worth of difference between the 5 and 6 it is a fact that given the identical grind the 5 will be stiffer. Whichever you choose will be fine once you get going so no worries.

Hmmmm... I'd rather think that flexing of the blade would not be an issue. The hollowness gives you the feedback. But flexing? I've never observed blade flexing in my 4 full hollow straights, even during stropping.