Thread: Do different grinds shave differently?

Let me begin by stating that in my experience there are no extremely tough beards, only razors that are not shave ready. I shave with everything from 5/8 full wedges to 8/8 singing full hollows. Doesn't matter in terms of the final result.

Now then, there is the factor of what we call "flex", ie the ability of a blade to yield under pressure and spring back into its original form. Obviously, this is only helpful when the blade is truly shave ready. Failing that, it will bounce off the hairs. There is also the factor of "feedback", ie the way the blade tells you what it's doing while you shave. A wedge will have zero feedback, and that can be tricky for a beginner. Once you've learnt to "read" what little feedback it offers, there is nothing inherently complicated about shaving with a wedge, though.

Personally, I have learnt to like big blades with a little flex best, but still use small wedges on occasions. One of the fun things about our hobby, the multitudes of subtle alterations in the routine.

Regards,
Robin