Thread: Advise on my second razor

After a few weeks with my 5/8 full hollow Boker I realize that one blade will not be enough. At some point using this blade everyday its going to get dull and will need to be rehoned. And while getting a honing stone interest me, I think I'll hold off on that hobby for awhile. So while the first blade is sent out I'll need a backup blade.

Being a noob still, I recognize that I may not really know what preference I may actually have, but I have noticed that the full hollow provides me with a lot of feedback, perhaps too much. I seem to stop my stroke at times because the blade feels like the blade is pulling when (at least my cheek tells me it isn't).

Questions:

#1) Will a 1/4 or 1/2 hollow provide less feeback on the blade or just more weight?

#2) Will jimps simply improve the grip or will they provide more feedback to the fingers?

#3) Cosmeticly I like the thumb notch on a blade but I dont' see that very often as an option on the vintage blades. Where there particular brands that used thumb notches or is this more of a "modern" 1950 or later design?

Welcome aboard! When I picked up my 2nd SR, just last week, I went with one that was very different from my first, which is a full hollow 5/8 square tip. My new (new to me anyway) is a 4/8 round tip w/ barber's notch. This is giving me a chance to compare the two and learn about the different ways they handle. This might be something you want to do. I'd suggest looking over @ WhippedDog. Larry, the proprietor, has great prices ($26 including honing and shipping for mine), great service and is a good source of knowledge. You might pose these questions to him and he can suggest one of the razors he has in stock. They're quite inexpensive, so if it turns out what you order doesn't work out, you're not out a chunk of change.

Welcome to your new obsession!

no, thumb notch is not a new invention, many razors from 1800s have it, some even have a second one.

I would get a stiffer grind like a wedge or 1/4 hollow. I find that my wedge gives me a different feel than my full hollow. Try getting a larger blade too (6/8, 7/8).

Jimps and thumb notches do not seem as important as size and grind. They are nice to have, but don't stress about them.

I also suggest getting your blade from Larry. If you don't like the blade, you can trade it in for another blade for $13. You can keep doing this to try out every grind and size there is!

Thats what I did, I got three razors, non very expensive, to start with but very different in grind, a full hollow 5/8, a half hollow 4/8 and a 5/8 wedge. I found out in a hurry the heavy wedge was not a feel I liked so I have that one waiting to pass on to someone when I have enough posts to re-sell it here, and I am using the other two but lean toward the half hollow 4/8, I like the narrow blade and to me I seem to get less pulling with that grind or razor than the full hollow. But part of the issue is that I work 24 hour shifts so I go one full day without a shave and those shaves are tougher than the days I dont work. I have an extreamly heavy beard; which is what led me to the straight blade. In the area around my chin and what would be the ends of a stash I actually have multiple hairs from each pore and they come out at different angles so I have some interesting "grain" in these areas.

Originally Posted by takedeadaim

Thats what I did, I got three razors, non very expensive, to start with but very different in grind, a full hollow 5/8, a half hollow 4/8 and a 5/8 wedge. I found out in a hurry the heavy wedge was not a feel I liked so I have that one waiting to pass on to someone when I have enough posts to re-sell it here, and I am using the other two but lean toward the half hollow 4/8, I like the narrow blade and to me I seem to get less pulling with that grind or razor than the full hollow. But part of the issue is that I work 24 hour shifts so I go one full day without a shave and those shaves are tougher than the days I dont work. I have an extreamly heavy beard; which is what led me to the straight blade. In the area around my chin and what would be the ends of a stash I actually have multiple hairs from each pore and they come out at different angles so I have some interesting "grain" in these areas.

What type of wedge is it? I am starting out and looking for one.

I say get something completely different and try everything before settling down

Sizes and grinds give a very different feel, though I'd say the quality of the edge probably colors how we experience any given razor more than we'd like to admit. The steel also gives a very different feel. Sheffields have a distinct feel - especially in the heavy grinds. Like most everything else - people swear by or at them.

It sounds like the exchange program w/ whipped dog is very well aimed. I don't like the selling routine much. I hate the idea of having to buy one of each to see if that's my preference. I keep harping for members to connect w/ each other in their local areas and try each other's stuff - to minimize all this buying and selling, which often drains the funds.

Heavy grinds and feedback. Yes, the heavies have less, but don't buy the statement that the wedge has no feedback. The edge and the steel seem to determine whether they do or not. The harder steel wedges with a thin bevel & smooth edge will give audible and tactile feedback.

Thumb notch: I love 'em too, though I only have one now. The whole ergo preference is tougher to solve - 'cause blades that shave wonderfully, often don't have the attributes you like in the ergos. The best example for me was a Henckels I recently sold, and a Genco I'll likely never sell. The shanks are jimpless, thin, short, and more work to have a positive grip on. But the edges and shaves are just killer. With big hands, I like some size and weight in the shank, jimps all over, and a notch if I can get it. The only way to be sure you can get all the attributes is to buy a custom. Other than that, it can be a long search. You'll sometimes read a post where honemeister/vendor finally finding a blade he's searched for - for over a year or more. 'Seems we all have those blades we'd like.

Enjoy trying the other sizes/grinds. For edges, I'd say to connect w/ others also. Try a coti finish, an escher/thurry, a jnat.

And have fun while you do it!