Thread: Could it be a wedge is the best way to learn?

I don't know if I'd say one is better than the other, but when I first started shaving I had both a hollow and a wedge. The hollow, for me, was harder to use (didn't know why then and don't remember why now). I'd get nicked every which way. Thinking back, I think it's because I didn't have a light enough touch. With the wedge this wasn't so much a problem, I suppose, because I needed the slight bit of extra force to move the heavier blade. On the hollow, however, it was just way too much so perhaps the razor ended up skipping all over the place. The downside to this was, and still is, that the heavier wedge will cut skin bumps more easily than a hollow, so a rookie would need to know/learn that.

After shaving with the wedge pretty much exclusively for a long time, I went back to the hollow, and it much, much easier to use and get a nice smooth shave. So maybe your hypothesis is correct? Or partially correct? As always, there are many ways to practice and learn a skill that lead to the same end result.

I honestly don't think it makes a difference!

The best way to learn is get a decent well honed blade, a good strop plus some decent soap and a brush and stick with that kit for a good few shaves until you're used to them. Only then start adding new and different blades.

Eventually you'll be able to swap things around as you like!

From the total beginner...

I probably have 20 shaves under my belt. 19 of them with a full hollow ground W&B. 1 with a wedge W&B (today). It was like night and day. With the full hollow, I cut myself quite a bit, felt alot of pulling because the angle wasn't right or I hit a particularly thick part of my beard. With the wedge it was like wiping shaving cream off my face with a squeegie or something. No pulling... close shave... bliss! Before you ask... yes, both were professionally honed and shave ready (thanks Sham). I am happy that I have the experience of the full hollow ground razor under my belt, and I will go back to it eventually to test things out, but until I perfect my technique, I'm sticking with the wedge and would suggest that any beginner start with one also.

Myles

The great thing about this art form is everyone has their own road! A lot like the secret to success....there is no secret, it's different for everyone!

For me, it seems a wedge may need to have a few more
passes on the strop, but it might just be that wedge.
I do have a wedge, and two razors that are 1/4 grind,

My full hollows seem to strop faster, but who's to say.
Full hollows certainly flex more, and for my chin with
it's heavier beard, I use the blade close to the heal
of a shouldered full hollow, it seems to have less flex there.
Of course with a wedge or a 1/4 grind it doesn't seem
to make a difference,

Originally Posted by Stubear

I honestly don't think it makes a difference!

The best way to learn is get a decent well honed blade, a good strop plus some decent soap and a brush and stick with that kit for a good few shaves until you're used to them. Only then start adding new and different blades.

Eventually you'll be able to swap things around as you like!

Totally agree. If only because I got a full hollow 5/8 Burrell with a spike point as my first straight razor. Seemingly what one shouldn't get. Then I got a 7/8 W&B that was much less hollow and much heavier. I couldn't feel a thing. I LIKE the feel I get from the Burrell. It's like shaving with a razor blade. I then got a 4/8 W&B (swapped the 7/8 as I didn't like it after shaving only 1/2 my face) and found it again so different. That 1/8 of an inch less makes for less feedback, but still a nice shave. It appears for me, a full hollow 5/8 is probably my ideal (at this early stage). I've now bought a frameback (11/16) so it'll be interesting to see how that feels.

Isn't it so very interesting how 'all roads lead to Rome' so to speak.
I started with a GD without honing (ie straight out of the box) and the learning curve has been very steep since then.
I have not tried a wedge or a faux frameback yet and am itching to try them both.
The attention to technique that I need to have when using my full hollows is just amazing and yet the heavier grinds that I have are much more forgiving.
I don't think that I have anything heavier than a 1/2 hollow ATM and I have to agree with Stubear that I should have gotten my technique sorted out before trying other blades, however, every shave seems to get better and I am still learning.
Just my $0.02

It all depends on the user. I started with a hair shaper, then a more focused disposable straight, then a wedge, then a full hollow, then ....etc. Learning how to use what you have goes a long way to a bbs shave. I did spend a lot time getting the technique down with the hair shaper and that was the spring board to any other straight razor I bought.

Looking back, it was fun and adventurous. Enjoy the learning curve!

Pabster