Thread: Half-Hollow vs Full-Hollow

i have a dense beard and shaving has always been a pain. Even with disposable razors, i managed to end with nicks. My doctor recommended the use of a braun electric shaver , but even with the Braun, i would get burning sensation (but no nick ;-)). However , i missed the feel of a manual shave.

I decided to try safety shavings two years ago. I read about shaving techniques and discovered straight razors. I looked for a straight razor here and the razor place i bought it from only carried one model. The rep. suggested i buy a Shavette to see if i could learn and i would like it before spending the money for a more expensive model.

I did just that. I have since tried to use the Shavette for the easy areas , complementing with the safety razors for the chin (where this is more difficult) . But because of the nicks i get, i alternate between the electric shaver and the shavette until the skin can tolerate the blade.

I am now getting better with the shavette. I noticed that it is when i change the blade that i get a lot of nicks. I have discovered this forum while searching for advice on the technique. I now know that i was not making a good prep. I also used Gillette gel for sensitive skin (in a can). Now , i think this may be part of the problem. I have bought a shaving soap and a brush and will try this later this week when the nicks are gone.

I have read somewhere that shavette may be harder and more prone to nicks because of the blade that is so sharp or whatever. Now, i am wondering if a real straight razor would help or make any difference. I have looked at the classified and most razors are full hollow. Very few to choose from when it comes to 1/2 hollow. I did not find a good description of full hollow vs half hollow and the difference it makes to have a 5/8 vs 6/8. My Shavette looks like a 5/8, but i did not really measure, i will do that.

I went to the SRP site and i did not find a single half hollow razor - or maybe i did not search properly (no search criteria for grind on that site). Can someone explain why the beginners guide of this site recommends a 1/2 hollow, 6/8 razor ? I read somewhere that someone who has a dense beard may be better off with a 1/4 hollow or 1/2 hollow vs a full hollow. Is this true?

Can someone help me with these questions. My wife wants me to forget about straight razor because of the nicks. She believes i should continue using electric shaver since i do not get these bruises. My father and her father used electric shavers because they could not tolerate razors... I did not find any good stores around here that can help me decide.

thank you

First of all, welcome! You're in the right place to get your questions answered.

A Shavette and a straight razor are very different beasts, and the technique of using them is different as well. As you say, the blades are very sharp and the teflon coating can give them that "over-sharp" feeling that some people dont like.

Some people here have actually said that they prefer their shavette after a few uses once the blade has dulled a bit..!

I love straight razor shaving, so I'm biased, but I would say give one a try. They are very different to shavettes, and I definately prefer them!

In terms of the "half-hollow, half ground, 6/8, round point" recommendation, its just that; A recommendation. You dont have to start with a blade like that.

The reason that recommendation was given is because those measurements are totally middle of the road halfway on the scale, and this gives people the option to decide on a heavier or thinner grind, and a different point or width.

I have a tough beard as well, and I started with a DOVO Black Star 5/8" full hollow round point. Other guys here have started with a smiling 7/8 Wade and Butcher wedge with a square point. The main thing is that the razor is shave ready and stropped correctly and that you have good face prep and shaving technique.

I have razors from full hollow to full wedge going from 4/8 to 15/16, and I dont notice any difference in the shave between them. They are different to handle of course, but the shave is just as easy and just as close with all of them.

IME, you dont need a half hollow or wedge for a tough beard, just that the razor is sharp and your technique is good.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I started with a Shavette and two other disposable straight razors. Many of my nicks were because of a poor face prep or bad technique. They would close up due to a cold water rinse after the shave. You need to know your face and know what areas can handle ATG passes and which whats can not.

Straight razors offer more forgiveness when they shave and you can dial in on how sharp you want them for every shave that fits your comfort zone. Overall, the straight razors are more refined than disposable straights.

I do enjoy using my disposables when I travel or just want to blow off stropping that day. As your technique gets better, you avoid small cuts and weepers. Given your history, read up on the SRP Wiki and take it slow.

Good Luck,

Pabster

Welcome to SRP. The difference in the grind is in the stiffness of the blade since a full hollow is thinner than the 1/2 hollow. If you're getting a shave ready razor either one will do the job and if it isn't shave ready neither one will be adequate. Your shaving technique, good preparation, lathering, skin stretching all contribute to the end results and to whether it is a comfortable shave. There is a learning curve and initially it may be a bit of a hassle but if your are patient and persistent you'll get there and be glad you did. Whether it is one grind or the other is not as important IME since either will get the job done. See the links below for helpful info.

You've gotten good advice here so I won't rehash it all. I'll just say to buy whatever strikes your fancy and become competent with it. The notion you have to match a blade with a beard type is just an old shaving tale.

having razors from 3/8 to 9/8 from extra full hollow to wedge i have to agree with the advice above, razors tend to be razors all if they are sharp will slice thru my barbwire chin wiskers like they wernt there. good prep shower lots of water on the face and a bit of hair conditioner rubbed into the beard work wonders.i cut myself a lot with the shavette and i think its a combo of the short blade lenth and the sharp corners, straights even spike point straights tend to be more forgiving.all in all it takes a bit of time to get it all down, face prep , stropping ,lather making exc. is it worth the effort?for someone like you i think its the best option. its going to be easyer on your face and give you a shave like no other. keep at it. it took me abought 3 months to make the changeover

Originally Posted by Stubear

First of all, welcome! You're in the right place to get your questions answered.

A Shavette and a straight razor are very different beasts, and the technique of using them is different as well. As you say, the blades are very sharp and the teflon coating can give them that "over-sharp" feeling that some people dont like.

Some people here have actually said that they prefer their shavette after a few uses once the blade has dulled a bit..!

I love straight razor shaving, so I'm biased, but I would say give one a try. They are very different to shavettes, and I definately prefer them!

In terms of the "half-hollow, half ground, 6/8, round point" recommendation, its just that; A recommendation. You dont have to start with a blade like that.

The reason that recommendation was given is because those measurements are totally middle of the road halfway on the scale, and this gives people the option to decide on a heavier or thinner grind, and a different point or width.

I have a tough beard as well, and I started with a DOVO Black Star 5/8" full hollow round point. Other guys here have started with a smiling 7/8 Wade and Butcher wedge with a square point. The main thing is that the razor is shave ready and stropped correctly and that you have good face prep and shaving technique.

I have razors from full hollow to full wedge going from 4/8 to 15/16, and I dont notice any difference in the shave between them. They are different to handle of course, but the shave is just as easy and just as close with all of them.

IME, you dont need a half hollow or wedge for a tough beard, just that the razor is sharp and your technique is good.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I'm offering you a "thank you" for your comments on this one.

I'm new to straights (5-6 weeks) and have improved dramatically, which doesn't mean I don't still have a long way to go. I have one new Dovo razor (Dovo Special Imitation Tortoise Shell) and one used razor I alternate, both honed by people who are noted honemeisters. I don't have a heavy beard so I shouldn't need to do anything to the blade beyond stropping (25 laps on fabric, 50 laps on leather) to this point.

What I'm finding out to my surprise is that right now I am getting the better shaves with the Dovo Shavette.

What does this tell me? Do I need to hone the straights?

Good Day Everyone,

I'm Rob, From Vancouver. I'm not even a newbie yet as I've yet to purchase a SR. I have the same question pertaining to, half hollow, full hollow etc. I have been reading this thread and still feel that I am in the dark regarding this topic. I would like to know, what are these terms referring to? Is it referring the depth of the concave?
My concern is that I am a lefty, and I'm wondering if the hollow may have an affect on us sinister types?
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers!

Originally Posted by Woaicha

Good Day Everyone,

I'm Rob, From Vancouver. I'm not even a newbie yet as I've yet to purchase a SR. I have the same question pertaining to, half hollow, full hollow etc. I have been reading this thread and still feel that I am in the dark regarding this topic. I would like to know, what are these terms referring to? Is it referring the depth of the concave?
My concern is that I am a lefty, and I'm wondering if the hollow may have an affect on us sinister types?
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers!

The hollow should not affect a left handed person any different then a right handed person since unless you have one of the Japanese kamisori style razors, the grind is symmetrical on both sides. Also, some people do use the left hand for the left side of their face and there right hand for the right side of there face. But that's a suggestion and not set in stone.

Here's a link to some views of razors with different idea's to help you out.

The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

There is a lot of good information in the library.

Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library

Originally Posted by Woaicha

Good Day Everyone,

I'm Rob, From Vancouver. I'm not even a newbie yet as I've yet to purchase a SR. I have the same question pertaining to, half hollow, full hollow etc. I have been reading this thread and still feel that I am in the dark regarding this topic. I would like to know, what are these terms referring to? Is it referring the depth of the concave?
My concern is that I am a lefty, and I'm wondering if the hollow may have an affect on us sinister types?
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers!

Left handed straight razors are sold right next to the left handed screw drivers at your local hardware store.