Thick, Wiry Beard = Bigger, Heavier Blade?
I apologize in advance for the slightly wordy post.
I've just begun using straights - have about 20 - 25 shaves under my belt (still using DEs mostly during the week as it is much quicker for me). I have seen steady improvement in my ability to move the blade down, across and even against the grain. I do have some trouble spots where I can't seem to get the angle correct (curve of chin) and the right side of my face is still getting a slightly better shave than the left :).
I have been using 4 different 5/8 hollow ground razors. I purchased a Dovo new from SRD and found 3 other shave readys through this forum and other shave forums. I believe that I have my stropping to the point where I am at least cleaning up and prepping the edge as opposed to doing any harm - so far only nicked my strop the first couple of times I used it. All 4 razors seem to be sharp - or at least they all feel roughly the same on my face and to my thumbpad.
My issue is that no matter how much I play with the angle, change up the lather (making it with more water), etc all 4 razors seem to drag and catch through my beard. This happens mostly going XTG and ATG so I understand there could be issues with my technique. However even when going with the grain, all 4 razors seem to drag a bit and they don't really do a whole lot to my beard. They do remove some growth but it is not exactly smooth no matter what angle I try to use. I'm not cutting myself up either so I think I'm on the right track as far as the angle is concerned. I feel that I've hit my first roadblock in shaving with straights.
I believe I read somewhere that a bigger, heavier blade is better for thick/wiry/strong beards. Is this true?
In addition to continue working on my shave and strop technique, should I try a bigger and heftier blade? Perhaps a 6/8 half hollow? It seems to make sense that the additional weight would help cut through the beard easier. But I'm turning to the experts for confirmation.
For what it's worth, I have to use DEs on the aggressive side like the R41, Fatip, slants to get a good shave. The popular 34C, DE89, etc simply don't work with my beard.
Any and all input/advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks SRP!
Thick, Wiry Beard = Bigger, Heavier Blade?
My ideas on this issue differs from most here. My answer would be Sharper Not Bigger. Those who say bigger will tell you that Pressure is the Issue. With Bigger you have Weight and like a guillotine the beard will cut itself as it falls. Sorry I don't think so.
Bigger, I believe, was just a Function of holding more lather. You have to remember the time when they were used... No running water, ability to hold lather was an issue.
Check their sharpness.