Straights for Heavy Beards?
I had my eye on a French razor that was advertised as for “Heavy Beards”
First , what makes a razor more accommodating (specific characteristics) for Heavy Beards?
Secondly , how does one define Heavy beards?
For me I am retired so the need to shave everyday is not called for. I would say on the second day my beard feels very prickly, and on the 3 rd day I need to shave, but I am fair of complexion and color wise my beard is light (probably gray now) . Back in the day, I wore a red tight curly reddish beard. Could never grow a ZZ Top beard due to the tight kind of curly whiskers.
Thanks all,
have a good one...
Harry
Straights for Heavy Beards?
I believe the hype behind the right razor for the right beard is about like every other choice in shaving: it's subjective. It's all about what works for you. Any razor, properly honed and wielded with proper technique, should slice through any hair provided you did a decent preshave prep. Without a decent prep just about any razor you try will pull, skip, and slice you up.
That being said, I think the common thinking is that the thinner full hollow ground blades have more flex and with especially course hair may flex enough to cause pulling and skipping whereas a heavier wedge blade isn't going to flex and will push through the hair with less resistance.
That may or may not be true: for you. As always, YMMV. Differences in who honed the edge, metal composition, shaving technique, and face prep/lather all come into play. Get a quality razor made from quality steel, find the prep that works for your hair type, and lather up. Trial and error are about your best option here.