Thread: Does Shoulderless Blade Lack Stability

I'm new to straight razor shaving. Been at it a month now. I'm trying to soak up all I can from this site and other places. I finally figured out the physical difference between a blade with shoulders and shoulderless. What I'd like to know is whether or not a shoulderless blade is as stable as one with a shoulder? Thanks.

_Larry

Of the shoulderless I've seen the grind is a bit heavier so they are fine. The blades with stabilizers tend to be a much thinner grind so they have the stabilizers to reinforce the heel. Just IMHO.

Jimmy, does that mean blades with shoulders flex more during the shave?

Originally Posted by lfloyd

Jimmy, does that mean blades with shoulders flex more during the shave?

The really ultra full hollows do flex a bit IME. Using what I think is good shaving technique where your blade is skimming the skin to shave the whiskers it ain't an issue. If you apply pressure when you shave you will notice flex in some of the full hollows IME. Still not a big issue IMO. The larger the blade the more you can notice it. A 5/8 won't flex as much as the same blade in an 8/8.

I've got a few of each but never thought about any difference in stability. Like Jimmy mentioned, the shoulderless blades are a bit heavier grinds but all shave just fine. Other than the grind difference I don't see where the shoulderless blades have any negative issues.

Thanks JoeD. Just newbie curiousity at this point, but I hope to own one for my razor set some day.

_Larry

I haven't really ever noticed a difference either. Maybe I'm just not perceptive enough, or maybe there is no difference.

But the most flex-y blade I ever shaved with was a Waterville faux frameback, shoulderless, with an extra hollow grind. I had to be very careful to use a feather light touch when shaving with that razor.

I've always thought of it as more a style thing. I have a few and they seem to shave the same as ones with shoulders. Maybe when you get into the more extreme sizes or grinds it makes a difference, I don't know. The ones I have are pretty much middle of the road types.

Originally Posted by Joed

I've got a few of each but never thought about any difference in stability. Like Jimmy mentioned, the shoulderless blades are a bit heavier grinds but all shave just fine. Other than the grind difference I don't see where the shoulderless blades have any negative issues.

Really, Joe? A few of each?

I've got quite a few shoulderless straights and I haven't noticed anything different in the way they shave. They look great as well.