Thread: 7/8 Extra Hollow?

So far in my shaving career, I've had the chance to shave with two different extra hollow razors (both 5/8, if I recall correctly)-- and found that my face did not agree with them. Well yesterday at a local antique shop I came across a 7/8 Otto Deutsch Hans, and the price was so great that I couldn't pass it up, I almost felt bad getting it for so cheap... almost. Anyway, I took it through my usual honing progression, finishing on my coti. I shaved with it this morning not expecting to like it, and achieved the most effortless and comfortable shave of my life! I always just assumed that my whiskers were just too coarse to comfortably use an extra hollow, so now I'm wondering if the added weight from the 7/8 blade made the difference?

Did I just get lucky, or has anyone else experienced anything similar? If so, I would like to know what other 7/8 or larger extra hollows are out there? Thanks for the help, I look forward to hearing your responses.

Possibly the extra width give a sharper edge because of the more acute angle.

Try taking the two 5/8's back to the hones again. Maybe you just didn't push them far enough on the last honing. What brands were the 5/8's?

Originally Posted by Joed

Try taking the two 5/8's back to the hones again. Maybe you just didn't push them far enough on the last honing. What brands were the 5/8's?

That could be. I already sold the first one, it was some Solingen brand, I don't really remember. I still have the second though, it's a Finedge Ostiso. I really hope it works out, it's a sweet razor with a worked spine and a cool hunting scene in silver inlay on the scales-- I haven't been able to bring myself to part with it yet.

Finedges are really great razors.

The bevel angle on all razors is approximately the same, so that shouldn't be a factor. It's also my opinion that any finely honed razor will shave any beard just as well, regardless of size or grind, so I'm inclined to agree with Joe's advice.

Yes, the added weight could have helped. Could also be that 7/8 razors are easier to stabilize on hones and strops....

I have a 7/8 schulze extra hollow that is the sharpest razor I have ever felt (and I own 3 razors that where honed by Lynn) My 6/8 TI (honed by Lynn) extra hollow is a very close second.

Originally Posted by chay2K

. . . Did I just get lucky, or has anyone else experienced anything similar? If so, I would like to know what other 7/8 or larger extra hollows are out there? Thanks for the help, I look forward to hearing your responses.

The Dovo 55 is another big extra hollow. Discussion and photos are here and it is indeed a very fine shaver!