Thread: Need Help Choosing Less-Than-Hollow Razor

Hi Guys,

I want to try a beefier razor than my full hollow 5/8 stainless Dovo. I am still new at this, but with my heavy beard I suspect I might like a different blade.

Is there such a thing as a half hollow stainless razor? Is damascus steel really all the stores claim it is?

What are some of the pros and cons of the various options?

Scott

Unless you get a custom I think all the stainless are hollow grinds. probably full or double since they were made at the end of straight manufacture and full or double hollows were what were being made then. You could go with a larger razor like a 6/8s or 7/8s which will be heavier or go with a part hollow or wedge which would also be heavier and feel different.

Personally, I think you can get an equal shave no matter your beard type or razor size and or type. Many will prefer one over the other and you just have to experiment for yourself to see what you prefer. Sorry but there is no other way to do it unless you know someone with alot of razors who will loan you different kinds.

I have to agree with thebigspender in that you can get an equally good shave wtih just about any grind of razor. Having said this, I prefer a half hollow or quarter hollow razor.
There are not too many customs that are made in stainless. Joe Chandler uses stainless and I believe Maestro Livi makes some of his blades in stainless. One thing to consider when getting a stainless is that they are somewhat more difficult to hone. However, they do maintain an edge a wee bit better than high carbon steel. For the differences, I would recommend the high carbon steel for your razor. A little camelia oil and your blade will maintain its nice finish between shaves.
Damascus steel is gorgeous but will not give you a significantly better shave than a finely tuned high carbon steel razor.
Since you now have a 5/8 razor, you may want to try a 6/8 razor as your next razor.

I have never honed a damascus razor but I have read several times on SRP they ain't easy to hone.

Originally Posted by Kees

I have never honed a damascus razor but I have read several times on SRP they ain't easy to hone.

Depends on the Dam some are just as easy as Carbon some are a bitch

I would agree with you about the less that full hollow ground. While I would agree that you can get a good shave from about any razor, what kind of effort does it take? It is like the old adage about the motorcycle and the Mercedes, they both get you there but they are different. I finally have a 1/4 ground and I love it. It is so smooth and gives me a great shave, every time. Do I like taking the motorcycle out for a spin, you bet!, but I just can't put down the 1/4 ground because it is so smooth and non-irritating. YMMV

Later,
Richard

Originally Posted by Kees

I have never honed a damascus razor but I have read several times on SRP they ain't easy to hone.

Don's right. I have a few and my Zowada's and Livi's are really pretty straight forward to hone. On the otherhand my TI damascus is the razor from hell as far as honing goes. Luckily once honed you can get hundreds of shaves before having to even do a touchup.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Don's right. I have a few and my Zowada's and Livi's are really pretty straight forward to hone. On the otherhand my TI damascus is the razor from hell as far as honing goes. Luckily once honed you can get hundreds of shaves before having to even do a touchup.

The Zowadas are some I have been eyeing. Do they last as long as TI?

What is so difficult about the TI?

Scott

Originally Posted by beezaur

The Zowadas are some I have been eyeing. Do they last as long as TI?

What is so difficult about the TI?

Scott

Not sure what you mean by "last." Any new straight razor will last a lifetime of you, your son, a grandson, and at least a great grandson given proper maintenance.

Now a vintage razor might last maybe one of the above lifetimes less so it might only be good for another 150 years or so with proper maintenance.

On a more serious note, if you have the bucks go for a Zowanda. You will get a premium custom razor. You should know that they honed up with tape and a double bevel so you will either need to send your razor to someone that understands this technique or learn it yourself.

I mean, how long does the sharpened edge last before it needs rehoning. This seems to be a major selling point according to some stores. For example:

Originally Posted by classicshaving.com

When genuine Damascus Steel is used as a blade in Shaving Razors, the edge that can be attained is absolutely fantastic. Routine stropping will keep the edge fresh for years and the quality of the shave, in terms of closeness and comfort, is beyond description. . . .

Emphasis mine. Source: Zowada Razors

I was wondering if they really are "all that."

Scott