Thread: Extra Hollow Full Hollow and tough beards

I agree to some extend with everyone. The hollow-grounds is a product of better technology rather then a better shaver.

It's the same argument and I still say the same answer to it. If you needed a particular grind to cut a particular beard type the barbers back in the day would have had an arsenal of straights of all sizes and grinds to best tackle a particular beard type. However as Jimmy said, they didn't. They favored Full Hollows and mostly 5/8s and 6/8s and they managed to cut all beard types and give outstanding shaves too. So how was this possible?

If you think you need a certain grind and get better results you are the factor. You need to ask yourself what you are doing different. Are you using size and weight as a "crutch" in place of some skill? Maybe you are holding the razor so as to "flex" the edge too much. I don't know but all I do know is I don't have no peachfuzz and I can get the same quality shave no matter the size or grind.

Originally Posted by Higo

The hollow-grounds is a product of better technology rather then a better shaver.

I might disagree with you there. Full and extra hollow razors will take a wicked edge, and quicker than a wedge or 1/4 hollow. Obviously this would be a benefit for barbers or anyone looking to "simplify" their honing routine. Does this make them "better shavers"? Maybe, and perhaps maybe not? But is does mean you have to be more aware of technique and pressure.

In the end it matters not. Extra hollow, 1/2 hollow, wedge - they all have their place in the shave den....

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I might disagree with you there. Full and extra hollow razors will take a wicked edge, and quicker than a wedge or 1/4 hollow. Obviously this would be a benefit for barbers or anyone looking to "simplify" their honing routine. Does this make them "better shavers"? Maybe, and perhaps maybe not? But is does mean you have to be more aware of technique and pressure.

In the end it matters not. Extra hollow, 1/2 hollow, wedge - they all have their place in the shave den....

All very true, Ryan and others. I even shaved off my mustache some years ago with a regular Imperial pocket knife I had, and still have. Sharpened it to no visible edge and then stropped it on my leather belt. Took off the wiry lip hairs like no tomorrow. That was WAAAY before I knew much about straight razors, or even before internet was around. We're talking late 70's here.. 1970. But, it had no particular grind and cut the coarse hairs off with out much fan fare.

So I agree, yes, there is only the edge and the facial hairs and how they meet and how sharp are the edges for the job. Cutting aside, I was merely curious if the Extra Hollow Ground, "thinner" blades were a more comfortable shave? Did they glide along the skin, whacking off whiskers and giving allowance to the nuisances of a persons face. Other extreme would be a hatchet, or obsidian. And either will cut whiskers, but probably not my first choice.. LOL