Thread: Hollow-Extra blade grinds

I used full or extra hollows exclusively for almost four years, until a few months ago when I got my first near-wedge. I'm finding I like the peace and quiet in the morning. With the hollow blade, the feedback tells me there is still hair to shave, but even though experience tells me I will never get it, I'm still tempted to chase it. This leads to more strokes with no benefit, and possible irritation. With the wedge, I don't hear it, so I don't chase it. I get a CCS shave with either blade, but notice the wedge shaves have been quicker, sometimes more comfortable, and frankly, more enjoyable. I have four near-wedges now. I still very much like my hollows, but am quite happy to have the new experience.

I've shaved with probably every grind under the sun & all have the potential to shave perfectly if the steel & honing are optimal.
The nut behind the bolt is the other factor.
Now ask me which I'd rather hone & my lazy self will tell you something about 9/10 away from being "foiled". The less steel to move the better.

A lot of razor grinders prefer making 1/4 hollow blades. It takes a lot less work and there is a lot less risk. With a full hollow, extra hollow, or bellied grind, once you get close to being finished, the slightest error may destroy the blade. With a 1/4 hollow, you have some steel left to allow correction of minor errors.

I have a very tough beard and find that I greatly prefer the thin grinds that sing as they slice through my stubble. The singing is music to my ear as I shave. I have a couple of heavier grinds and can get a good shave, but do not like them nearly as much. I won't even consider buying another 1/4 hollow or near wedge blade. However, that is just me, my face, and my beard. Others love them. So whichever you prefer, enjoy the shave.

Ulrik of Koraat recently started producing a bellied grind that he calls his grind for tough beards. I do not have one, but would like adding one to by collection. Brian Brown also produces a nice bellied grind on his semi-custom razors. Jerry Stark has what he calls his extra-hollow grind that is neither a typical bellied grind nor a full hollow, but is quite thin at the edge. That took a little getting use to. I also love the hollow and extra hollow grinds made on the vintage double-wheel German grinders. I think my thinnest blade is a Boker extra-hollow sliver steel. It is a great shaver.

For those with a tough beard, however, be aware that very thin grinds may need sharpening more often than a heavier grind. They can also be damaged easily if mistreated. However, the trade-off is that razors with thin grinds don't take long to touch up. Thus, for those who hone their own razors, it is not an issue.

I now have one full extra hollow and 3 Koraat full hollow bellied razors. I really like the Koraat's. It took me a little time to get my technique using them but now I use them all the time and really like the shaves.