Experienced guys that have tried heavier blades

Again seeking help from those way further down the road than I. I'm at 7-8 wks. 'Recently acquired a 6/8, 1/4 hollow wacker and it's been a real game changer.

Several threads from experienced users say that the heavy grinds helped them learn. (It's definitely helping me now). But that after more experience, they gravitated back to full or extra hollow. Those that have tried both - have you kept a heavy grind in your rotation, or is it something that went away altogether?

I don't know if I should view the joy w/ the new 1/4 hollow as something transitory (don't buy more, thinking it's the end-all solution), or if this the early results of emerging preference. Yes, time can tell.

The reason for the question is the contemplation of a Williams blade, which is a hefty commitment - what size/grind.

I started out preferring full hollows to heavier grinds and then went through a period where I much preferred quarter hollow and heavier. Now I like both equally. I can't predict which I'll favor next month. I found that the more my shaving/honing technique improved the less it mattered which grind I shaved with. :)

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.

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Originally Posted by pinklather

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

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My experience has been the "start heavy and move to full hollow" story... That said, I DO keep a couple of heavy hitters in my rotation. I like a change of pace. It's like the guys have said... I enjoy all grinds, and can get great shaves from them. At the moment, I prefer hollows. I'm not tossing out my wedges though :D

You are going to have your preferences, and they may change, but I doubt you'll ever regret having your 1/4 hollow... especially a custom.

hope this helps

I have em all but to tell you the truth I prefer a 5/8s or 6/8s hollow. I find big blades a pain to use, are less maneuverable, and the large scales get in the way. In the end they shave equally good but it's a personal preference thing. I think most rookies prefer the large heavy blades because it's kind of like a crutch and gives more stability and weight and is one less thing you have to worry about while shaving which is helpful to someone starting out.

I used a full hollow when I started and had the usual difficulties. I was getting pretty good shaves. One day I had the opportunity to obtain a 1/4 Grind LeGrelot and from my first shave, things changed. Almost three years later I have many different types of razors and not one razor can beat, many can equal, that 1/4 razor for smoothness. My Robert Williams are awesome and they are 1/4 grinds. I have a new full hollow TI C135 razor that is good but for smoothness just can't beat my 1/4's. I get good shaves from it but it is just not as enjoyable to use. I hear technique, technique, technique....sorry full hollows are not in the same league for me. My beard is very tough and my wife even comments when I use a full hollow how much noise it make when I am shaving she doesn't like it.

The short of it. I don't much like full hollows and they are regulated to shaving the back of my neck. :D

YMMV


Take Care,
Richard

I have come to prefer larger full and extra hollows, in 7/8 or 8/8. I still have a few smaller blades, both wedges and full hollows for variety. Large Sheffields I find the most aesthetically appealing, specifically the more uniquely shaped blades. They all shave well.

That being said, I would enjoy the Wacker and learn it's nuances first before contemplating a new custom, IMO, to make sure this is really what you want. That may be academic, though - Robert does make excellent hollow ground razors, too, and not just wedges. With the 9 month wait list, you will still have enough time in case you change your mind about your grind preference.

I started with hollow grinds at first because that is what I had. I now have a wide variety of grinds and sizes and enjoy each an d every one. As long as you have a really good edge on the razor they all shave fine. If I have been shaving with hollow grinds for a while and a wedge (more like a 1/3 hollow) comes into the rotation I find myself wit a few nicks due to the lack of feedback and sound the fuller blades deliver. I'd say go with the Wacker and vintage blades for at least 6 months and rotate through all of the blades you have to develop a true liking to a specific type before spending big bucks on a custom. You'll like the custom more in the end.

I keep two wedge style and two extra hollows as my main rotation. I like the contrast of these razors and find that both grinds do a great job.
I never really took to the middle grinds, but that may change in the future.

Gents, your kindness is SO appreciated. The noob can't see downstream, and hearing from you guys that have been around this block helps so much. At mid 50s, my hands are fine, not as steady - especially on an empty stomach in the morn. The weight & stability - crutch or not, have made the shave a total pleasure, not just a challenge. If my skill develop so that the grind doesn't matter, that many of you have kept, if not preferred the heavier grinds, tell me I wouldn't regret committing to a really nice one - whether that's a Williams or just another Wacker. This whole transition from challenge to pleasure would likely happen w/ experience, but it sure changes the game for me. What used to take 45-60 min, I did this morn in 20. With confidence. Scything strokes, AGT, no prob. Just smoothness.

I'd say more, but it would only repeat some version I so appreciate your kind help.

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.

I'm glad to find this post.I have been using a straight razor for about a month and a half now.I have a 9/16 full hollow and have been getting some really nice shaves with it(although I find myself about ready to just grow a goatee at times).I think the small full hollow has helped me learn good technique especially to use a light hand.I have some pretty coarse whiskers and can get a really smooth shave now with several passes.
I have been considering getting a wedge or 1/4 hollow just to try out a different grind.Is there a big difference between a 1/4 and a wedge?

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Originally Posted by aib1015

I'm glad to find this post.I have been using a straight razor for about a month and a half now.I have a 9/16 full hollow and have been getting some really nice shaves with it(although I find myself about ready to just grow a goatee at times).I think the small full hollow has helped me learn good technique especially to use a light hand.I have some pretty coarse whiskers and can get a really smooth shave now with several passes.
I have been considering getting a wedge or 1/4 hollow just to try out a different grind.Is there a big difference between a 1/4 and a wedge?

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A true full wedge is a total PITA to hone, I don't recommend one & will probably never hone another after I got rid of mine. The 1/4 is hone-able and typically more of what you will find. You will not get a lot of feedback, just squeegee the wiskers away without a fuss...

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Originally Posted by shooter74743

A true full wedge is a total PITA to hone, I don't recommend one & will probably never hone another after I got rid of mine. The 1/4 is hone-able and typically more of what you will find. You will not get a lot of feedback, just squeegee the wiskers away without a fuss...

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And I would think for someone learning to shave feedback would be an important thing. Hollows have it. Wedge and near wedges don't.
Historically once hollows came back wedges all but disappeared and there is a reason for that. I say that in deference to all the heavy grind fans here.

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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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by aib1015

Is there a big difference between a 1/4 and a wedge?

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The wacker is the only 1/4 hollow I have experience with, but in the wedges, the difference between the wacker and the Eyre is huge. The Wacker talks back, the Eyre is off somewhere, meditating.

From what Lazarus says, the wacker version of 1/4 hollow is pretty hollow, compared to others.