Full or Half Hollow on first SR

I'm looking at straight razors for my brother(christmas gift). He works in construction, likes collecting knives and has burly facial hair. He's been using one with replaceable blades. I'm considering Dovo best quality 5/8". I figure it's nicer than what he's currently using and, if he loses it, I'll still be able to forgive him.

So the question is full or half hollow? I've read that half hollows hold their sharpness longer which might be better considering his thick, burly facial hair. What advice can you lend me?

All this research has also caused me to consider switching to a DE myself. Since I'm female, I'll be posting in the ladies forum shortly.

The grind (or the size) won't make such a big difference.
The fact that it is a good razor (e.g. Dovo in this case) and shave ready are the most important factors.

Anything from 9/16 to 13/16 (e.g. 5/8 in this case) is a good starter size.
Half hollow or hollow or full hollow are all fine grinds for a starter razor.

My personal preference would go to the half-hollow.

Again, make sure that the razor is honed by a well know honemeister (see the services section of the classifieds or read/ask the forums.


cheers
christophe

There is really minimal difference between what is being called a half hollow these days and the full hollow. Both are excellent shavers and hold an edge equally well. I normally recommend starting out with the 5/8 full hollow and if you think you will like a little more heft, step up to the 6/8 full hollow. Both are fairly stiff blades and not like what most people think of when they think of extra hollow grinds as full hollow.

Have fun

Thanks gentlemen!!
So, we now stand at 1-1. I need a tie breaker.

Lol, you want a tie breaker after the founding father has said 5/8 full hollow!? :D


Ok: I recommend a wedgy grind with a smiling blade, maybe a nice vintage Sheffield 5/8 to 6/8 from the classifieds in here... A near wedge should hold it's edge longer than a hollow grind.

That's not fair! Wedge wasn't a choice. Founding father or not, everyone has an opinion.

90% of the decisions I've made regarding shaving with a straight razor have been based upon advice of the founding father. He's not steered me wrong yet. To quote George Orwell in Animal Farm: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others":)

Full hollow it is! Thank you all, again! You all have been so kind.

Avatar1999- It's exactly where I was looking to purchase from. I even called earlier to make sure it was in stock :p

I bought that same Dovo From Lynn & Don at SRD a few weeks back for my own brothers birthday . It is his first straight and he loves it. Im sure your brother will to. Dont forget to get him a strop as well.

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Originally Posted by cannes

That's not fair! Wedge wasn't a choice. Founding father or not, everyone has an opinion.

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+1
My own subjective view is that, the wedge ground doesn't really beginner straight. I really think, that the 5/8" straight razor light, comfortable to be well-maneuvered him. Perfect choice for the beginner movements.

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Originally Posted by jrabi

+1
My own subjective view is that, the wedge ground doesn't really beginner straight. I really think, that the 5/8" straight razor light, comfortable to be well-maneuvered him. Perfect choice for the beginner movements.

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In general a very light razor´s harder to shave with, in my view :D I belive a wedge is easier to learn with, for most people, but that you'll learn the technique better with a hollow ground razor (easier to find the angle and easier to rely on only the weight of the razor with a wedgy hrind).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mikael

I belive a wedge is easier to learn with, for most people, but that you'll learn the technique better with a hollow ground razor (easier to find the angle and easier to rely on only the weight of the razor with a wedgy hrind).

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Okay, I adjusted to ensure that, it was easier for me, to learn to maintain good straight-edge. I shave every day, and gives better results with hollow ground. Weekends are always just shaved on Sunday with wedge straight , and this time it's a perfect result ... :beer1:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jrabi

Okay, I adjusted to ensure that, it was easier for me, to learn to maintain good straight-edge. I shave every day, and gives better results with hollow ground. Weekends are always just shaved on Sunday with wedge straight , and this time it's a perfect result ... :beer1:

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:beer1: It's really hard to know, for sure, what's best for one person. But I usually do recommend a wedgy design and smiling blade for newbies (5/8 to 6/8). It's certainly much easier to maintain a hollow edge and in general I would say that my best razors/shavers are hollow grounds (except my Max Sprecher and still some of my favourite razors comes with a wedgy grind, if it makes sense).

Full hollow, spike, dive all the way in, like I did:

“The truth is always an abyss. One must — as in a swimming pool — dare to dive from the quivering springboard of trivial everyday experience and sink into the depths, in order to later rise again — laughing and fighting for breath — to the now doubly illuminated surface of things.”

― Franz Kafka

Guys- Thank you so very much! I ordered him the razor and it's already shipped. My sister ordered him a strop. I'm sure he'll love it. I will refer him to these boards after I give him the gift.

hey everyone, I'd like to thank you for all of the advice you have givin my sister. The razor is fantastic and a dream to use compared to my old Fromm.. I'm still learning all the terms and different types of razors and plan to eventually get another one. :bow