Thread: 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.