I have a griffon 5/8 quarter hollow (pretty sure those are the measurements anyway, if I'm off it's only barely) with a slight spike point. I haven't gotten a brush and soap yet, as mentioned above somewhere, so I used gillette goop in a can. I know, I need to get a good brush and soap. As for beard prep I just did a hot towel before lathering. I think I'm gonna do the shave after my shower tomorrow also.