Thread: The Sweet Spot

Interesting...I've found, surprisingly for me, that I quite like the big Sheffield razors, 9/8 or 8/8, that are termed hollow, but because of their sheer size and weight, feel much different than full hollow.

Recently, I got back my first razor, the Dovo best quality, which is a 1/2 hollow, and it was fantastic, much closer to the big Sheffields! Observation would be that it had the power of the bigger blades, but not the bluntness of a wedge.

Having said that, I find the extra-hollows at this point, just require far too much precision, it's my inexperience rather than the blade, but the x-tra hollow is the only blade that has actually cut me, 3 times!!

I have two wedges, a 6/8 W&B and a 5/8 DD Satin Wedge, and while they give fantastic shaves, I typically find them very quiet shavers, and for my type of beard, which would be medium, they're a bit overkill for me. But again, this is a YMMV.

As you mention, tastes change and evolve, currently for me, the big blades, 9/8 or 8/8, because of some issues with my left shoulder, allow me to have a more comfortable shaves and complete an ATG pass on my right side without it being painful. As well, I just find the shave overall much more enjoyable and satisfactory.

After I finished a two week rotation using my two 9/8 Sheffields, I used my TI Eagle 6/8 earlier, and it felt like a toy in my hand, but still was a fantastic shave...I'll never complain about a TI blade.

Do you find it requires more skill to use an extra-hollow?

Originally Posted by Phrank

Do you find it requires more skill to use an extra-hollow?

I would say that an extra-hollow is more sensitive to how good your technique is. I make sure my beard is properly prepped, always stretch the skin and use short scything strokes and all is well.

If I don't follow these precautions, the razor is more at risk of stalling or skipping a few patches.

I prefer them because I find they really trace my face, especially in the nooks and crannies, such as the nasal philtrum

Originally Posted by Badgister

I would say that an extra-hollow is more sensitive to how good your technique is. I make sure my beard is properly prepped, always stretch the skin and use short scything strokes and all is well.

If I don't follow these precautions, the razor is more at risk of stalling or skipping a few patches.

I prefer them because I find they really trace my face, especially in the nooks and crannies, such as the nasal philtrum

Yes, I think it was my second bite from my extra-hollow, you referred to a skip...that's I guess what happened, it had been freshly honed, and it didn't really cut me, only a little blood, but I had 3 or 4 parallel horizontal minor slices down my right cheek...I feel the curse slowly lifting from this blade!!!

And the idea that they really trace your face....yes....I can see that! Having said that, there has been discussion on what would be considered a beginner blade vs advanced...and I think, at least for me, this would be an illustration of the difference between the two.

Interesting!!