Thread: Half or Full Hollow?

I say try something different. 6/8 half hollow. Eventually you are going to want to try everything from extra hollow to near wedge in all different sizes anyway so might as well start now. Atleast that is what I ended up doing. Damn people on this forum always talking about different razors and kicking in my RAD

A 6/8s is a good size and I personally think it's the ideal size. Good heft and yet very maneuverable. I think once you go to 7/8s and above they tend to get clumsy. Kind of like driving an 18 wheeler on your face as opposed to a sports car. As to the grinds, the half hollow will feel very different but variety is the spice of life isn't it?

Thank you thebigspendur!
My question now would be different in which way?

Try the 6/8 full hollow "Fox and Rooster" which is really an extra hollow singing razor. I have various grinds but my favorite razors are either 5/8 or 6/8 singing razors. The thinner blades give the most audio feedback during the shave, give close comfortable shaves and are fun to strop as they sing their siren songs enticing you to future shaving nirvana.

I enjoy using my 5/8 TI Special Coiffeur half hollow razor but would prefer their 6/8 full hollow singing versions. I have 3 vintage singing German razors which have become my favorites. They're all fun to shave with and strop because the steel sings its high pitched tones with each stroke providing enjoyable "Music of the Steels".

Originally Posted by Attila

I also cut myself less often with them. Nowadays never, really. Thank God!

Oh man, you know what this means... keep an eye out for Attila's upcoming post in the Cut of the Day thread...

My vote is also for the 6/8 half hollow. Why not try something new? Or as in this case, two things new. As for how the different grinds feel different, to me a big factor is sound. The heavier the grind is, the quieter the shave will be. The first time I used a near-wedge after using only full hollows I didn't think it was doing anything because I was used to the sound of a full hollow. Turns out it was in the process of giving me the best shave I had yet had. Also, because it is a heavier grind, the blade itself will likely be noticeably heavier. Personally, I like that and my favourite blades are all bigger and heavier (with a couple of exceptions, but that's the general rule). But that's a very personal thing and something only you can decide on.

I really like a 6/8 half hollow. To my mind it kind of reminds me of a classic when I think of straights. Of course I like variation, but this seems to be my personal standby.

Originally Posted by Eco82

You are right ecormier!
I believe that's gonna be my place to shop, specially because they ship their blades shave ready and I have absolutely no idea how to hone a blade...

Well I can tell you that I've had top notch service from them.... I use phil's edges to help me figure out how to improve my own honing

To be honest once are comfortable with a razor there should be no difference. I do no think there is much difference between a full hollow and half.

Originally Posted by Eco82

You are right ecormier!
I believe that's gonna be my place to shop, specially because they ship their blades shave ready and I have absolutely no idea how to hone a blade...

I've dealt quite extensively with Phil and Jane at the Classic Edge, and they are really great people. They came up to a meet in Southern Ontario back in the summer, I couldn't make it, but a few members here were there.

Phil's helped with me honing, and I've bought a bunch of razors and stuff from him over the last year. Highly recommend them....

I started on 6/8 half and like it. I don't care for the lighter razors as much. I really dig 7/8 quarter, but nobody recommends starting out that fat. That blade also carries a super sweet edge...which makes any size feel like gold.