Hi from Poland

Hi everyone, I'm writing from Poland. I've been using a straight razor for a few years now but never was happy with the sharpness and the resulting... well... results. I guess I made some serious errors or bought a crap blade. Another factor might be that I'm a seasonal shaver (spring and summer) and too lazy to shave regularly, so there goes mastering the techniques.

My blade is a #70 J.A. Henckels Zwillingswerk, I wonder if it's any good - I mean now it most probably isn't after all the honing practice it took from me. It might be a 1/2 or full hollow for all I know, and measures around 9/16 in width.

Despite some disappointment I really enjoy straight shaving so I've decided to get a couple of blades from knowledgeable guys - meaning you. ;) I'm sorting out now which grinds and sizes to go for - I'm thinking about 11/16 and 5/8, 1/2 and full hollow (is there much difference?), and I surely want to try a spike point.

Cheers!

Welcome!

You may find all three sizes you're looking for in the classifieds section. Take a look.

IME, the closer you are to a hollow grind, the more "flex" the blade offers. That is to say that a wedge is not very flexible.

I do like half hollows, and I enjoy full hollows as well. Get some of both and have a go at it. Then you'll be able to see what you really enjoy, and you can list the others on the classifieds for someone else to try.

Your current blade is just fine :) But as you say, it may benefit from a good honing.....from a reputable honer.