The shave? I only have experience w/ 1/4 grind w/ 2 blades - a wacker and a Williams (the williams, just hours ago). I have a Joseph Allen & sons from the weekend Antigue show that is in the process of being honed. Yes, it takes longer - alot more metal to move to get to fresh, clean steel.

My experience ( a bit over 4 months) has been different than heirkb. That doesn't make me doubt his assessment - we have that broad a difference amongst us all. For me, the 1/4 grind was an epiphany - a total game-changer. Lack of skills/technique + a fairly heavy stubble w/ spots of sensitive skin gave me alot of trouble initially, using a flexible full hollow. The 1/4 grind wacker was just easy to use, and use well. Unknown to the seller/dealer (John at shavingshop), it also had a very very slight smile. The friendliness of the 1/4 grind inspired confidence to try strokes I would not have done for some time w/ the flexy blade. After doing w/ the heavy blade, I found I could do w/ the flexy blade. I have a number of full hollows, and get great shaves with them now, but I think the heavy grind helped accelerate the learning curve. Now the down side: they can be so friendly that you can get away w/ poor technique - too much pressure, little or no stretching, etc. Now using good technique, it rewards well. It just is somewhat more forgiving. I still can't describe it well - only hours old, but the shave w/ the Williams 6/8, 1/4 hol. was just unnatural. Total lack of drama. It handled more like a wedge (which I like & have a few of also) than a 1/4 hollow, though I've read that wacker is on the light side of most grinds, meaning their wedge would be considered 1/4 hollow my many. I suppose that would make my 1/4 hollow more like 1/3 hollow? Whatever. The short version is I can thoroughly enjoy full hollows, but that 1/4 hollow wacker remains my fav. blade. I don't know how to process the Williams yet. It's magnificent.