Thread: how hollow

I was all set to narrow down my choices of first razor to one or two and then I realised that I had an erroneous understanding of the blade widths. What I thought were grinds were actually withs and having that cleared up I was left to wonder about grinds. Looking closely at the pretty pictures at ClassicShaving, I noticed the difference between the single and double stabalising piece. Then I encountered the terms half hollow, full hollow and double hollow.

Okay, I was just going to get one of the double hollow DOVO's but after I looked at the DOVO catalogue I noticed they were listed in with the hair trimmers, so I'm thinking these may not be the right razor to shave my face. I've a pretty light beard, but still ... DOUBLE hollow?! How hollow can it get?

After reading Arthur Boon's comments on the long life and highly professional quality associated with them, I was sure I should get a full hollow. Then I read about Thiers-Issard that they recommend half hollows to beginners since they are more forgiving (assuming less delicate) than the full hollow is. That must mean that the double hollow is even less appropriate for me, but I see them included in the starter kit from TQH. Huh?

I'm looking for THE razor. I want a blade that I WILL be happy using for years to come since it's an investment I don't want to make again too soon. I've been honing my kitchen knives for years, have a very steady hand (guitar player) and all confidence in my ability, but I would be loath to ruin a good razor because I'm in over my head. I notice that the great shaving instruments appear to all be double hollow so I don't want to sell myself short either.

I've searched for discussion on this topic and found nothing. I believe many of you to be excellently well informed gentlmen. Please, can you help me out of my sleepless nights and get me shaving well?

Hello Xman and welcome to the group!

I see that you are up at all hours of the night also.

Just my two cents here, I hope others will chime in. Historically the 5/8ths was the most popular size. Currently, it seems that a lot of the SRP members prefer a 6/8ths size.

Again, judging from the posts to this forum it seems that people with heavy beards prefer a 1/2 or 1/4 hollow grind razor in either a 5/8ths or 6/8ths size. You say that you have a light beard?
Ok, so you may not NEED a 1/4 or 1/2 hollow grind but you may prefer it. It is hard to tell. These two grinds are heavier and stiffer than the full hollow/double hollow grind. All of them will do the job for you most likely.

Instead of spending money on a new razor, which will need to be honed by the way, why not, for the same money, purchase a couple of reconditioned, honed razors from the members of this forum? Just be sure of the grind and the size. Two razors for the price of one is a pretty good deal.

Good luck,

I hope I don't add to your confusion with this ....

The grind on a razor has a greater impact on ease of maintenance than shaveability, given the nature of your beard and shaving frequency .... the full (double) hollow grind is very easy to keen .... an old-fashioned style wedge is NOT. On the other hand, a keen wedge will stay that way longer than the more delicate edge of a thin blade.

The width of the blade is better suited to "fiitting" the blade to your particular whisker particulars and shaving frequency. Largely a personal preference, a larger blade is suited to someone that doesn't shave everyday, or has a heavier beard, or is a "giant" (literally, physically) among men ink: A narrower razor may be better suited to a daily shaver with a lighter beard. See the explanation in the 1902 Sears catalog introduction to their razor listings which is in the files section on the old Yahoo! SRP site. But as pointed out in the Maher & Grosh PDF at the same loscation, a heavier grind may be a better choice for a fellow with a Brillo-pad for a beard.

Of course, the forum concensus seem to be to buy them all .... you can never have too many razors :roll:

Although I have a light beard, and shave well with a truly sharp Fully Hollow ground 5/8's blade, I find that I like the 7'8's size for the feel and fit in my hand. I recently tried an 8/8's but it seemed a little too big. I have yet to try a 6/8's to see what that is like. There is a link with the weight of the blade to how it feels and shaves. A thin and light fully hollow ground is responsive but can feel more resistance in areas where there is more resistance, on the chin or the throat, so the gliding effect is negated. A larger blade with the same profile may have more mass and impetus behind it and therefore less response in feeling the resistance.

This is all a personal like / dislike, some swear by small blades 4/8's and smaller, others stick with 5/8's. others go 6/8, or 7/8 or bigger.

Another thing is square point (spike) or round point, I have both, and the spike will nick me if i am concentrating on another part of the blade.

The best is if you are able to borrow several different straights, this will allow you to feel and work with the differences to select your favorite.

On the Otherside of this is: few of the razor guys have only one razor, we tend to treat it almost like golf clubs our bag. Some may use two or more razors while shaving as this one's better for these areas and this is better here. Others like dealing with the differences and simply rotate thru their collection. Others have a series of favorites and just use them, all the while acquiring others to evalute and selling off their lesser favorites. Others only buy new, some only vintage and restore them. There is New Old Stock: 20-50 year old brand new never used razors. Some people only collect 100 year old plus razors which came in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes not seen today. Civil War era, Revolutionary War, WW1. etc. it is all available. The choices are endless.

I'd say get a good 5/8's or 6/8's round point razor, have it sharpened by a hone meister from the group, get a good brush, mug and soap, plus a good strop. Once sharpened the strop will keep you going from a month to 3 or 4 maybe more. And in that time you can decide if it is for you, then over time add to you collection as the need or desire grows.
If you don't like it you can sell your stuff as a beginners set on Ebay.
Best wishes,
john in Covina