Thread: honing

Hi I just started using a straight razor bout 1 month ago and am soooooo happy that I did. I currently have a bottom of the barrel dovo, (sorry not sure of the name of it). It is 5/8 full hollow. It is nice and does the job but, the blade just seems too light. I was researching other types, brands, etc... I found that a 6/8 quarter grind might suite me better. My question is. Is there a difference in the way that you would hone a full hollow in comparison to a quarter or evan a wedge? As I am thinking of triing one of those as well. btw Honing actually came very easy for as I have been a chef of the last ten years.

The only difference is that the quarter hollow and wedge can take significantly longer to set the bevel. Often the honing of a wedge is made easier and faster by taping the spine with one or more layers of tape. Other than that they are honed in pretty much the same manner.

You should also consider whether the blade feels too light in terms of weight or if it doesn't feel stiff enough on your face. A quarter hollow will be heaver, but it will also be stiffer on your face. I have really really sensitive skin and stiff grinds tend to feel a bit harsh on my face unless I'm really really careful. You may want to consider this in deciding whether you want a 6/8-7/8 full hollow versus a 6/8-7/8 near wedge.

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.