Thread: Please Help, Hallow\Half hollow\Not hallow ?

I just want to buy a good straight razor .
what the hell is Hallow razor ???

p.s.
I'm a beginner . today I'm using merkur HD safety razor . I want to try straight too .

Welcome to SRP! Straight razors are made with the shape of the blade either full hollow ground, half, quarter hollow and wedge. Here in the SRP Wiki you can scroll down and check out the links for all things related to razors and the shaving and maintenance of them.

Further to JimmyHAD's post, here is the exact location of the info you are looking for: Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Wiki

We are currently working on that part of the Wiki, and it is in certain state of disarray.

You may want to peruse the Beginner's section of the Wiki (link in my sig).

Welcome, and good luck!

Hollow refers to the absence of metal on the blade of the razor - the metal that was removed from the blade by a grinding wheel or set of wheels when it was being prepared for use as a straight razor by the razor maker. There are many different kinds of grinds not depicted in the henckels chart linked above.

PS It's not "hallow", although I like hallow:

Straight Razor, that art in heaven
hallowed be thy grind
thy notched point come
thy spine be done
on the blade
as it is on the tang.
Give us this day
our daily shave
and forgive us our ebay snipes
as we forgive those who have sniped against us
and lead us not to the wrong forums,
but deliver us from nonsense.
for thine is the smoothness, the sharpness, and the best shave forever
amen.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Hollow refers to the absence of metal on the blade of the razor - the metal that was removed from the blade by a grinding wheel or set of wheels when it was being prepared for use as a straight razor by the razor maker. There are many different kinds of grinds not depicted in the henckels chart linked above.

PS It's not "hallow", although I like hallow:

Straight Razor, that art in heaven
hallowed be thy grind
thy notched point come
thy spine be done
on the blade
as it is on the tang.
Give us this day
our daily shave
and forgive us our ebay snipes
as we forgive those who have sniped against us
and lead us not to the wrong forums,
but deliver us from nonsense.
for thine is the smoothness, the sharpness, and the best shave forever
amen.

Thanks for the laugh!

Jordan

lol , I read a lot about the straght razors and I watched the videos on YouTube .
I just wanna know , the Hallow thing refer to the shape of the wedge (with belly or concave) ?
and from what I understand , the full hallow\half hallow are the best , right ?

Originally Posted by naknik

lol , I read a lot about the straght razors and I watched the videos on YouTube .
I just wanna know , the Hallow thing refer to the shape of the wedge (with belly or concave) ?
and from what I understand , the full hallow\half hallow are the best , right ?

It depends on who you ask. The wedges, quarter hollow, and to a lesser extent half hollow are heavier, stiffer shavers. Generally, I would say that the heavier grinds give the feeling of mowing through a heavy beard with little resistance because of that stiff blade. But they also give less tactile feedback. The lighter grinds, to me, give better feedback through your hand and face and you have a better sense of what's going on at the edge.

The full hollow type became the "standard" somewhere along the line. I'm not sure why. Some say they shave better, some say they are cheaper to make because they require less steel - who knows.

Full hollow is more common and would be a fine place to start. Eventually, you'll want to try them all! I use them all, but usually save the heavies for the weekend when I have a more substantial beard. YMMV.

Jordan

I don't have much beard (only in the neck , moustache... ) . I don't even have on my cheeks .
and the beard is not hard and thick , but gentle . so gentle that I shave only from SOUTH to NORTH (never shave in my life the opposite , not even once ! and never had any razor burns or...)
and I have genle skin , if it's important .

I'm 31 by the way .

so what is the best for me ?
full\quarter\half\wedge...?

It's really a preference thing. If I were you, I would go with a full hollow because it allows me the use of a lighter touch when shaving minimal growth. Others might not agree...

Jordan

I have a pretty light beard myself, but still prefer a half hollow myself. They just feel better in my hand. You should try a couple of different grinds to see what you like.

X