Thread: How significant is the degree of the hollow?

Hello all, new to the forum and have a question regarding a razor purchase I'm considering.

I have been shaving with a Dovo shavette (the one that takes the replacement razor blades) for a couple years now and am finally getting around to upgrading to a real straight.

I have spent a LOT of time looking at razors and reviews and have just about fallen in love with the new 5/8 Aust round tip with the rosewood scales. HOWEVER, I have a pretty think, red beard and I've heard that a less hollowed blade may be better for me and that the Aust's are definitely singing blades.

First, does anyone know if the Aust blade is a full, 1/2, 1/4, etc. hallow? And second, how big a deal is it really that I look for a thicker blade?

Thanks everyone!

A thicker blade is a matter of preference. Don't sweat it much for your first straight, there is plenty of time down the road to acquire more

Everything but a extra hollow would probably be fine as long as it is sharp enough. A 1/2 or 1/4 might be better for a very heavy beard. The extreme hollows could flex a bit on your face, a 1/2 or heavier won't

There's really no substitute for trying full & less than full hollow. Preferences will go all over the map. But speaking of map - what would help most would be to find a member in your area that has both & would let you try them.

good idea! Anyone near Binghamton, NY?

If it's your first straight I'd go with a 1/2 hollow - a Dovo Best Quality was my first straight, it's a 1/2 hollow, and it's right down the middle. It will let you get a feel whether you want a heavier blade leaning towards more of a wedge grind or a lighter edge going towards full hollow.

Then again, you could just end getting razor's all over the spectrum and enjoying them all...!

The most important thing for you starting off is how sharp (shave-ready) is your edge. With your Ralf Aust, you will get a high quality shave-ready edge that is ready to be used out of the box. The grind is matter of personal preference. A well honed full hollow or heavy grind can both provide you with a comfortable shave.

The second important thing is acquiring good stropping technique. Practice with a butter knife, watch some good video examples of stropping technique and take it slow.

When shaving, use short scything motions, especially important with tougher beards.

I started off with full hollow grinds, had a short interest in heavier grinds, then returned to full hollows again. I find full hollows provide a closer shave due to the thinness and flex in the blade.

Hope this helps.

I don't have a thick read beard but any grind will do the job for me so long as it is sharp.

Bob

My 2 favorite razors ( at the moment ) are a quarter hollow and an extra hollow... Go figure, but to answer your question I don't think it's that significant at all. What will mostly be the determining factor is technique. Once u have that sorted, the smaller things become more important . Good luck and have fun

Okay, thank you everyone for your input. Now does anyone know what the actual grind is of the new 5/8 Aust round point razor is?