Thread: Differences between 1/4 hollow ground and full hollow ground

For the past three years I've been shaving with a full hollow ground razor, it's the only straight razor that, until now, I've ever really used. I just honed a 1/4 hollow ground (6/8" or 7/8") to shave ready condition and must say that I prefer the feel of the shave with this razor, it just feels smoother for me. It may also be that my older razor is simply in need of a honing (only been touched up in the last three years, never actually re-honed). I'll give that one a fresh honing and then try to compare at that point.

Still, are there actually shavability differences between 1/4 and full hollow ground? Does one do some things better than the other? I have very sensitive skin and pretty heavy facial hair if that makes any difference.

I find that a heavier grind is more forgiving of technique and/or honing than a full hollow. Mostly because the full hollow tends to jump or bite, while a heavier grind, since it doesn't flex, will just move on along.

That said, with a good edge and proper technique, any grind and any size, so long as it's a quality razor, will give you a great shave.

Full hollows make such a racket, I find it distracting until I see the blood.

Originally Posted by ace

Full hollows make such a racket, I find it distracting until I see the blood.

The BIG singers rule))

If it works for you..enjoy..I prefer near/full wedges..BBS almost everytime...hollow blades tend to "miss" extra spots that heavier grinds would had smoothed out :-)

I have about 21 razors in rotation right now. About 1/3 of these are 1/4 hollow or near wedge grinds. I get a great shave with all of these, but right now I am leaning towards the full or extra hollows. I have to shave every day, 3 passes. That being said, YMMV and things may change for me in a couple months, the trip is half the fun.