Grinds

[Bnick]

I see all the mention on razors about full hollow grind 1/4 and 1/2 hollow grinds but I have know idea what that means and what the difference is. Another question is the size of the razor when it says 6/8 what is that referring to.

[ben.mid]

The grind is referring to the way a blade has been formed, whether that be flat, or more likely with a wheel that will hollow that flat plane out slightly. The size of grinding wheel used will determine the grind.
The fraction refers to the size of the blade from spine to edge in inches. 8/8 being a full inch.

[ignatz]

To clarify that point a bit more:

With a simple hollow grind the blade becomes more hollowed as the size (radius) of the grinding wheel diminishes.

However, the deeper, half hollow and full hollow grinds are not the the result of grinding the blade on single wheel. Instead, a sequence of grinding wheels of varying sizes is used to produce the final blade profile.

[Deckard]

To clarify that point a bit more:

With a simple hollow grind the blade becomes more hollowed as the size (radius) of the grinding wheel diminishes.

However, the deeper, half hollow and full hollow grinds are not the the result of grinding the blade on single wheel. Instead, a sequence of grinding wheels of varying sizes is used to produce the final blade profile.

Yeah,
I'm sure I read somewhere that the fraction 1/4, 1/2 etc, has something to do with the point on the blade where the different radii blend??
Whatever, I think the number is accademic for our purposes.

[Bnick]

Ok I kind of get it now but what does that mean for me in terms of shaving. Is one better then the other. And when you say 8/8 is a full inch from spine to edge is that referring to the cutting edge I am assuming.

[ben.mid]

Here's a better illustration of the grinds, and an image showing exactly what Ignatz describes. He raises a good point. Many grinds are derived from multiple wheels. The faux frameback is a good example.
I have borrowed the three wheel grind illustration from Butch (Harner). That man can grind!

[Bnick]

Here's a better illustration of the grinds, and an image showing exactly what Ignatz describes. He raises a good point. Many grinds are derived from multiple wheels. The faux frameback is a good example.
I have borrowed the three wheel grind illustration from Butch (Harner). That man can grind!

I think this shows the grinds well. But big question then does one affect a shave better do they have different feels when shaving what are the benefit of one grind over another.

[ben.mid]

They all feel different. It's down to you to try them & find out what works for you. Generally, it's simply down to personal preference.
I tend to favour the more hollow grinds, but this may not be the case for you.

[Nightblade]

The thinner the blade i.e the more hollow the grind,the more flex a blade will have.a full wedge will plow through thick stubble where as a full hoolow is supposedly better for thinner growth. The width of a blade i.e 5/8 ,6/8 etc. well I suppose you could say a thinner width can get into tighter spots.Most choose a 5/8 or 6/8 which is general standard.However..it is purely a personal decision and all will give a good shave.It's more of how your technique is as to how good a shave you will get.some really like'em wide and or thick.Most usually go with full hollow 5/8 or 6/8 and you will be just fine there.I would start there and as you progress and learn more,move on to other widths and grinds.Hope this helps a little ? Welcome to SRP !

[pinklather]

I've just had the same questions about the shave differences also. The perceived difference in shaves is huge - especially on the grind. Like most, started w/ 5/8, full hollow. Shaving took a long time and a fair amount of effort. I tried a 6/8, 1/4 hollow (heavy grind) and it changed the learning curve dramatically. It cut the shave time by almost 1/2, was easier & more pleasant to use. I understand this is common for the noob.

The experienced guys will say that as the skills grow, you can get fine shaves from all the sizes and grinds. I suspect that's quite true, but I now think having at least one heavy grind early in the game will shorten the learning curve. The heavier weight, perceived greater stability in the hand seems to help the confidence, encourages trying different strokes as the facial topography requires. Once learned w/ the heavy grind, I found I could do likewise (at first w/ more care) with the full hollow. And yet it was clear that 1/4 hollow still stood out as the easiest and most pleasant razor to use. My stubble ranges from medium to fairly course, w/ the course parts also covering some sensitive skin. The heavier grind seems best suited to that combination so far.

I don't enjoy selling stuff, so when I was told to try them all, it wasn't good news. But having no choice, that's what I did. What would be ideal is to have other members nearby that would be willing to let you try some of their blades to see what each feels like. Having such a good experience w/ the Wacker 6/8, 1/4 hollow, I just ordered a 6/8 wedge, which I fully expect will be at least as fine a shave. John at shave shop is wonderful to work with, and I ordered a 2nd blade (15/16 full hollow) to test his perception that 7/8 and above, the hollows are more rigid than the same grind in shorter blades. If that's true, the 15/16 should certainly demonstrate that and be a fine shaver. If it doesn't seem to work for me, there will be a very beautiful blade in the classifieds.

Check to see if any members are in your area and would be willing to let you take some strokes w/ a variety of sizes & grinds. If you're new like me, at least one heavy grind will help. After skills increase, you may still like the heavies, but find you don't have to have them to enjoy a good shave.