Thread: 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.

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?

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

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.

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.