Quarter Hollow vs. Wedge - Can you tell the difference?

This is a question for those who own both a quarter hollow and a wedge - or at least the experience of shaving with both. Best example is probably the two Wackers that come in a set but really it is for anybody who has both these grinds and can do a comparison. Can you actually feel more feedback on a quarter hollow or does a quarter hollow go silently though whiskers just as much as a wedge? Looking forward to your thoughts, thanks!

A full wedge has zero flex. The three quarter hollows I have shaved with had flex. The 1/4 hollow Grelot I used to own had a distinct *ding* sound (as opposed to the *whoosh* sound of a wedge, and the *pling* sound of a hollow).

Seriously, a full wedge offers almost no audible feedback, and that makes it a challenge in its own right. Great fun, both of them.

Regards,
Robin

Thank you Robin,

Could you be specific about what you mean by challenge? No sound being a danger in terms of silently applying too much pressure without knowing? Cheers.

Yes, that's it, too. But mainly, you have to be able to apply minimal pressure while shaving. "No flex" means that the edge is there, right on your skin. If you apply pressure, it will cut instead of flex. Mind you, we are talking minuscule differences here, but it is something worth considering when shaving with a stiff razor for the first time.

I get you and will keep this in mind when I first shave with a wedge. Thanks. :)

I've got that Wacker set and they are great shavers IMO. I would have to go shave with one now to be sure ..... and I'm not going to :) ..... but IIRC there is no flex shaving with those two. A true wedge such as an old Sheffield W&B or the equivalent certainly has no flex that I can notice either. Full hollows, especially 6/8 and above, have perceptible flex IME. As the current ubiquitous saying goes,"it's all good."

Hi Jimmy, I read your review of those both and wondered whether there was a noticable difference in terms of flex between the wedge and the quarter - I guess it is so slight it is pretty much un noticable then, thanks. Thing is I like the quarter but I want to try a wedge. I doubt I'll get both but maybe the quarter and then another relatively cheaper wedge like a union cutlery, wester bros or sumfing at some point. thanks!

Both are stiff, a full wedge has less feed back which predisposes to applying more pressure by inexperienced shavers.

+1 on the Wedge needing light pressure. The quarter will give you a closer experience, but not exact.

Pabster

IME my wedge razors are so heavy (and large) that the weight of the blade itself usually provides sufficient pressure to get the job done. I can't speak for the smaller wedge razors though.

There are very very small differences in what your asking....

Wedge = a full wedge very very rare, very very old, "In General" This means the face of the blade touches the hone unless the spine is raised... examples some of the very old Sheffielders, and a very few new Customs...

What is considered to be a wedge = A concave wedge a very little metal relieved from the blade face so that the flat of the face of the blade is not touching while honing... examples: Many of the 1830's and newer Sheffielders.. hint: if it has blade etch it ain't a true wedge :)

1/4 wedge the first hollow cut = A very stiff blade that is much easier to hone than the wedges but still retains the stiffness of the feel when shaving...
Generally a very easy to shave/maintain razor as it just plows through the whiskers and is almost as easy to hone as a more hollow grind... examples: Wapi, 1/4 Le Gerlot, many early 1900's American makers made these, most of the Solingen razors that are stamped "wedge" such as DD, C-MON, Henckels, Beau Brummel, Red Imps, Union Spikes, are actually closer to a 1/4 wedge then a true wedge...

Hope that helps a bit..

Wedges are very cool, I own quite a few of them an de they can really help mow down a beard, especially if you skipped a shave or two. I own a few joseph rodgers and sons that I honed with a taped spine, they're among my best shavers. Hollows can bite your face easier, imo, and require more experience to shave close.

I find that anything half hollow or fuller shaves feels pretty much the same when shaving. It's more a matter of weight vs blade width, but even there there isn't too much of a difference.

Glen, that really was a great amount of information. Thank you. Also, everyone else, I am learning alot. And think this is a great topic for people such as myself who do not really know the difference. Thanks!