Thread: Experienced guys that have tried heavier blades

My experience is much the same.

I do think it requires better technique to use a full hollow and that a quarter hollow will make learning a bit faster. The weight of the blade requires less user input.

Not all full hollow blades are light, however they tend to be lighter than quarter hollows.

Some people just naturally like the heavier grinds. I am in that boat. I also like heavier razors in general.

So I started with a hollow, moved on to heavier grinds, and then kind of stayed there, while still buying every razor I could find, full or hollow.

It was not about technique for me, although I can see how the fuller grinds have helped me learn about honing, and perhaps shaving.

I'll tell you one thing - if you start down the heavy wedge route, make sure you know how to hone them properly because no amount of technique will help if you have a poor edge on a wedge.

James.

Those that have tried both - have you kept a heavy grind in your rotation, or is it something that went away altogether?

I personally have a wide variety of blades in my rotation. I can understand why some like smaller razors, larger razors, full hollows, and wedges. Personally, I'm not a great fan of full wedges & have passed them on to others...but I can't say that about 1/4 wedges. For me, it seems that the 1/4-1/2 hollows just squeegee the wiskers away without much of a sound at all. First time I shaved with a full hollow, my wife came out of the living room (television was on) and asked me what I was scraping on. She was amazed and watched me finish my first pass asking if it hurt due to the "singing"! If you have a course beard, I'll bet you will keep that Wacker around for a while. Some recommend a heavier grind for heavier beard, but again, I think that's just a matter of opinion. As long as your razor is good and sharp, any razor will give you a great shave.

I like heavier and bigger blades, just got to keep it slow and controlled...pretty unforgiving if you don't....

I have a 6/8 Wacker quarter hollow Spanish point. It is closer in grind to some of my full hollows than to any of my quarter hollows or near wedges. At the time I got the Wacker I strongly prefered my 1/4 hollows and near wedges. I was kind of annoyed when I got the Wacker and saw that herr Wackers version of a quarter hollow and mine differed considerably. Having spent the money though I determined to give the Wacker a fair shot in my rotation. It quickly became one of my favorites and helped me get back in touch with some of my full hollows that had been languishing on the sidelines. I have subsequently obtained what Wacker considers a Stosser or wedge. It is closer to what I would call a quarter hollow than a near wedge let alone a wedge. I don't really view the Wacker 1/4 hollow as a "heavy" grind, so I wouldn't draw too many conclusions about your possible preference for heavy grinds based upon your experience with that one razor. If you are as you say experiencing joy with the Wacker keep enjoying it. By all means try other grinds. I shave with everything from singing hollows to true wedges and enjoy them all.

I initially started with a couple of full hollows, then discovered wedges. After a while I went back to the full hollows and have spent about 8 months really liking those. Now, I find myself gravitating to a heavy hollow grind. Something that is light an manouverable but without any blade deflection.

This is one instance where my RAD is treating me well. I already have plenty of razors with different grinds to choose from.

I found a rough hewn B.J. Eyres in an antique store - wanted to try a full wedge. 'Took a LONG time to get the edge cleaned up and a decent state of readiness. I liked it. I broke down and ordered the Wacker 'Stosser Wedge'. John also mentioned that the larger hollows were much more stiff than the smaller blades. I thought I'd find out & ordered a 15/16 full hollow. I'd have to say John's right here. The big blade flexes, but not that much. 'Lots of feedback, but sings baritone rather than soprano. It will take some practice to get used to a blade that large, but it does seem to be a hollow that's quite friendly. The Stosser wedge was expected to be wonderful, based on my previous experience w/ Wacker and a sheffield swayback wedge. It does not disappoint at all. I need more time w/ the wedge and big hollow, but at this point, that 6/8 1/4 hollow Wacker is just phenomenal.

Started with hollows but the first razor I was game enough to try ATG was a 1/4 grind.
Went thru a wedge stage & still have a couple but prefer less stiffer grinds unless I'm using my Iwasaki kamisori which is probably my favourite.

Originally Posted by Lazarus

I have a 6/8 Wacker quarter hollow Spanish point. I have subsequently obtained what Wacker considers a Stosser or wedge.

Lazarus, I went back & got the stosser wedge. 'Shaves like a dream. I thought it would. It does seem quite a bit more hollow than a vintage B.J.Eyre full wedge - in some good ways. The Eyre is utterly without feedback - silent, almost no sensation (pronounced smile, slight swayback). The Stosser is quite vocal, which being wonderfully smooth and easy to handle. That 1/4 hollow spanish point is the one I have also. That 1/4 and the stosser are the hands-down favorite blades.