Thread: hollow ground vs flat ground?!

Hi everybody, I hope things are going well.

I am a beginner to straight razors (I shave with disposable blades and straight razor handles.)
I was wonering the difference in performance between full hollow ground, half hollow ground and flat ground razors. I know the physical difference between the shapes but I dont know what difference it makes in shaving.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one?!
thanks

A full hollow is easiest to hone to shave ready IMO. A quarter or half hollow has a stiffer grind and feel on the face. They do not flex as a full hollow sometimes will. Some guys think they are more comfortable or that they are more suited to a coarser beard.

The "flat ground" you refer to is probably a full wedge. They all have a certain concavity or the steel would rub the hone in the belly of the blade and you'd never get it sharp. The heaviest grind of all and well liked by some for their stiffness and smoothness. I like all of the grinds myself. The only way to really see which is going to be best for your preferences is try them.

That's a fair question. FYI we call 'flat ground razors' wedges or wedge grind.

Your typical wedge or heavy grind (1/4 hollow, half hollow) has the advantage of extra weight, which adds momentum and therefore requires less pressure per stroke. Some guys claim they are good for heavy beards, as they "mow the whiskers down". I like using them for days when I'm shaving off a few days growth. The disadvantage is the lack of feedback they provide. They shave almost silently and are more forgiving of poor technique, which can lead to a false sense of security. Some may not see this as a disadvantge, but many do. They are also harder to hone.

A full hollow can be a whole different shaving experience. They require a very light touch and a bit more skill to master. The thinness of the blade actually allows it to flex, which can provide a very close shave with practice. Once mastered many shavers who previously did not like hollow razors eventually come to prefer them. Hey, if they were the razor of choice for most barbers there must be something about them.....

well thanks a lot that was educational!

Looking at your original post again I might add that if you've been shaving with a replaceable blade straight any full or quarter hollow would be an improvement if it was shave ready. Same for a half hollow or wedge but the full hollow didn't come to dominate the market for no reason. As Ryan said, barbers and the general public back in the old days came to prefer them.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

That's a fair question. FYI we call 'flat ground razors' wedges or wedge grind.

Your typical wedge or heavy grind (1/4 hollow, half hollow) has the advantage of extra weight, which adds momentum and therefore requires less pressure per stroke. Some guys claim they are good for heavy beards, as they "mow the whiskers down". I like using them for days when I'm shaving off a few days growth.

I've seen you lately and you're gonna need more than a wedge for that beard buddy...lol

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

I've seen you lately and you're gonna need more than a wedge for that beard buddy...lol

lol - well, I guess I meant under "normal" circumstances! It will all be coming off via straight razor some day...