Thread: Extra Hollow vs. Hollow vs. 1/2 Hollow

Originally Posted by engine46

If it pulled or tugged at some point, it is NOT shave ready. You should send it out to a pro to hone it. If you look in the Classifieds & at the bottom it says, Member Services & you will find a person there who will hone your razor to perfection. Then you will know what shave ready is!

Hang on a minute - this was a first shave, it may well not be shave ready but it could be technique too. I agree that sending it out to be honed would eliminate this variable.

I would also say to the OP that if you have purchased and used the razor, expecting to return it could be seen as unreasonable.

Why would you want to send back a razor that gives you a glorious shave? The only way to tell which grind is best for you is to buy one of each and try them. And that's how it begins

Welcome to SRP!
Not all straight razors come shave ready. They might be "sharp" but not sharp enough to shave you comfortably.
And yes there are many different types of grinds out there. You'll find out which ones you like and don't like.
And yes it begins! Love that RAD!

Welcome Sir !!....If I were in your situation I would have checked out the SRP Classifieds first.

You live in an area where there's bound to be a razor group or someone who could mentor you and
possibly lend you a razor to try out.

I personally found extra hollow ground blades to be too "flighty", that is to say, harder to control, particularly when starting out. That's just me.

If I had the chance to start out again I would go for a Near Wedge/Quarter Hollow with a Round Point.

There will be far more experienced forumites than me who will chime in on this subject.

Originally Posted by bongo

Welcome Sir !!....If I were in your situation I would have checked out the SRP Classifieds first.

You live in an area where there's bound to be a razor group or someone who could mentor you and
possibly lend you a razor to try out.

I personally found extra hollow ground blades to be too "flighty", that is to say, harder to control, particularly when starting out. That's just me.

If I had the chance to start out again I would go for a Near Wedge/Quarter Hollow with a Round Point.

There will be far more experienced forumites than me who will chime in on this subject.

Thanks that graphic is really good.

How would I find a razor group or even razor shops around me?

Originally Posted by cuddergambino

Thanks that graphic is really good.

How would I find a razor group or even razor shops around me?

There is a thread somewhere on this forum-I can't find it at the moment-please help someone

Pithor, I actually didn't read the whole post, and was expecting the usual epic fail from the new member, " hey guys I bought this razor off Amazon and it shaved like sheet". You made some valid points, but assumed the op got a great shave first time up to bat. Compared to what, and how would he know? I think what everyone else is trying to point out is how much better it can be.

Been shaving with a SR for about 3 months now and started with a Boker full hollow square point. Did OK but found the full/extra hollow grinds very unforgiving of even minor lapses of concentration. And that square point will remove an ear lobe in a heartbeat if your not careful.
Started acquiring different razors fairly quickly ( RAD ), got a W&B 5/8 quarter hollow barbers notch and fell in love at first shave! Now have a few different heavy grinds with round, French and barber notches and very rarely go back to a light weight blade! Love, love, love the heavy grinds and forgiving points.
Try finding a 1/4 hollow and give it a try. Sounds like you will enjoy it.
P.S. also love the silence and smoothness. Never liked the " singing " sound of a thin blade but again, everything in SR shaving is personal preference and you can read a thousand different recommendations and still be confused!! Just got to try different stuff until you find something that makes YOU comfortable and enjoy taking to your face every morning.
Good luck in your journey, have fun and enjoy!

Newell

Originally Posted by Grazor

Pithor, I actually didn't read the whole post, and was expecting the usual epic fail from the new member, " hey guys I bought this razor off Amazon and it shaved like sheet". You made some valid points, but assumed the op got a great shave first time up to bat. Compared to what, and how would he know? I think what everyone else is trying to point out is how much better it can be.

Well, he said he got a 'glorious' shave compared to a cartridge razor shave, which I can only assume means "stubble removal without (too much) irritation". And I agree, he can probably get better shaving results. But right now, I doubt getting a (much) sharper razor or a razor with a different grind will accomplish that, that is all. The acquisition of gear cannot make up for experience, which takes time.

Originally Posted by Grazor

I actually didn't read the whole post, and was expecting the usual epic fail from the new member, " hey guys I bought this razor off Amazon and it shaved like sheet". You made some valid points, but assumed the op got a great shave first time up to bat. Compared to what, and how would he know? I think what everyone else is trying to point out is how much better it can be.

People will love me for this, but I don't particularly care. Böker are not Dovo, or Thiers Issard. They need as much "professional honing" as an Aust or a Revisor prior to use. None.

Besides, this "you need professional honing!!!!" knee jerk reaction will get you brownie points with the people who have a vested commercial interest in such replies. In reality, a touch-up on a mild abrasive (Chromium oxide, to name but one) will make most factory edges shave ready.

Someone once said that shaving with a straight razor isn't rocket science. It isn't. Let's not try to make it one.