Thread: Question on Grinds

Gentlemen,

I am planning to do the acquisition of a fine razor but before I need to understand the question of the different grinds. In the literature they are talking of ¼, ½ and full-hallow ground, I am wondering what is the difference between them when shaving and what are the upside and downside of the different grinds, I assume that a ¼ hallow grind will be stiffer and heavier than a full hallow but I don’t know witch one will shave better, it seems that most modern shaver are full hallow but is it really better, when I read the description of some ¼ ground hallow razor at ShavingShop.com I get confused. I am presently learning with a 5/8 Henckels Friodur and I believe it is a ½ hallow ground since I don’t see the belly. I will appreciate any comment to help me understand

By the way is there any comment on the Wacker straight razor, I found they are very nice

Thanks and I have a great day

Norm

Stiffer grinds are better for heavier stubble because they don't deflect as much as delicate grinds. Delicate grinds are easier to sharpen. I wouldn't mind having a Wacker in my rotation.

I'm very new at this (about 1 month), but have several different grinds/sizes of razors.

In my limited experience, grind is just as, if not more, important than width.

For example, I have a Holland 5/8 that is a heavier hollow (likely about 1/2) that shaves rings around my other full hollow 5/8 razors. For me, it shaves as well as my full hollow 6/8.

I also have some 1/2 and 1/4 razors in 6/8 that I think are great. I have a full wedge being restored by another member and am looking forward to giving that a go as well.

When you refer to the Wackers, you need to be specific as John Crowley has full hollow and 1/4 hollow grinds for sale.

I've heard mixed reviews about the Wackers. I have a 7/8 full hollow Bartman (by Wacker) that I'm having re-scaled but haven't used yet.

If you're looking for a heavier grind, you don't need to shell out the cash for a Wacker if you're not sure you'll like it - you can likely get a heavier grind in a 5/8 or 6/8 from someone here for a reasonable price if you keep your eye open or ask.

I really like the heavier grinds and find they work well for me. Having said that, my full hollow 6/8 Sheffield steel TI shaves great, but the full hollow 5/8 razors I have a harder time getting the tough stuff on the chin - that having been said, if sharp, they will certainly get the job done.

I'm no expert and I can't tell for sure without pictures, but I suspect your Fridur is a full hollow.

My understanding is that razors range from a full wedge (triangular cross section) to full hollow (which tapers quickly from the spine to give you a profile where there is a small hollowed triangle at the top which thins quickly so that most of the width of the blade is quite thin) - with many possiblities in between. The closer the cross section is to a triangular, the "wedgier" the razor.

You see I would like to invest a fair amount of money and purchase a new razor but beside Dovo and TI the choice is limited. I am not sure about Dovo, it seems that it is not the preferred choice of the experienced member of this forum, on the other hand it seems that there is a consensus on the fact that TI is great shaver but the finishing touch is not always there and I am sure it will piss me off to purchase a new razor and find out it is not perfect. All that said john Crowley is proposing some very nice razor of different type of grinds, some full-hallow and a large selection of ¼ hollow ground. I found they are all very nice. Much nicer than TI IMO but I am not sure about the shave they give and I wonted to understand the question of the different grind and find how it is affecting the shave

The way I see it my Henckels Friodur is a Full-hallow, it is a basic model but I have to say that it give a very smooth shave

thanks and have a great day

Norm.

You won't go wrong if you buy anything in JC's shop. Your other option are well-restored antiques. If you have $150 to burn, that Friodur that Gary's selling is an absolute peach and I'd like to see it come to Canada. (actually it's a re-scaled NOS).

I was leaning toward a new one but I am not closed to a well-restored antique since some of them could be beautiful, that friodur that Gary is selling is it possible to see it on the user gallery, I could not locate it

Norm

You're in luck. This is a restored NOS (New Old Stock -- never used) piece. Ice-hardened edge, with ice-blue scales.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=8948
If I had the cash to burn I'd buy it in a second and I usually prefer restoration projects for myself.

Norm,
If you aren't only interested in "new" razors, have you had opportunity to check out any of the old "choppers" by Wade & Butcher, etc.? Talk about a heavy hunk of steel, and no flimsy grind....
You may find they are just what the doctor ordered. I haven't looked for them in some time, but I got a few for between 20 and 50 bucks (some did go for more, but my wallet doesn't always go for more...)
John P.

This is a beautiful razor; there is no doubt about it. I am still evaluating my needs and at this moment I have two basic razors on their way to be tuned up by Lynn, I use them to learn and practice and frankly I think I am doing good, I go step by step and right now the stropping and shaving are perfect, next step is to learn the honing. If I can achieve that then I will purchase a nice razor, new or old but nice, it will be my personnel diploma but you see I am not the type of person to have a collection of razor because once I know witch one is the best then I loose all the interest in the others, I am just like that what can I say, therefore I wont to be sure and purchase the right one.

By the way those 8/8 are very impressive but don’t you find them to big sometime

Gentlemen have I great day and by the way this forum is great

Norm

Norm, I wouldn't know as I haven't tried anything over 6/8. I do want to have a 7/8 and an 8/8 in my rotation but I'm in no rush, especially considering my finances.