Thread: Grind preference

I enjoy them all, I still preffer 1/4 and 1/2 hollow out of the ones I have tried.

Wedges.

That's what they did in the stub-tail razor days.

I just returned to shaving with the Bellefontaine Deluxe after using the Sheffield chopper for a while, and it was like, so very sweet. Hot shower - pre-shave oil - Floris JF soap - 25 strokes on linen and 40 on my Spanish horse (only) strop. Best shave of my life (although that's still not saying much). For some reason, using the chopper seems to have greatly improved my technique with the 5/8" full hollow, because it just breezes through the areas I used to find difficult. It is much more responsive and accurate around the chin area, almost popping off one hair at a time with surgical precision.

I think I will hang on to the Sheffield for a while and then return to it after a few weeks.

One other thing I don't like is that the Sheffield, being a larger hunk of metal, tends to remain cold unless actually soaked in hot water (while being in contact with warm lather is enough to warm the super-thin Bellefontaine). Again it reminds me of shaving with a very sharp spoon. A very cold, cold spoon.

I can sort of understand why people almost stopped making Sheffield-style wedges.

Thats interesting,I have sheffies that exceed 10/8, never thought they were cold

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Full thin hollow is the way to go... You feel each whisker give way to the crispy edge. Wedges are like shiving with knives.. No feedback...

Right on that conclusion. I just love my lips, ears and nose.

I've got two full hollows and a quarter hollow. I love both grinds. My blades of choice though are vintage English. Thats really my only requirement thus far.

I have a 5/8 full holoow and a 4/8-1/4 hollow. I guess it all depends on the mood, just when I think I prefer one to the other I change my mind. Like them both, different feels but get a great shave with either. Never tried a 1/2 hollow

My favorite grind is half hollow but they aren't as common as other grinds.

I have a Joseph Elliott wedge and 4 x half/quarter/full hollows of varying makes, all old English between 1800's - early 1900's era. I find the wedge a scary cumbersome beast some days and yet on others I love it. The hollows do provide more "feedback" and sound like I'm shaving with a rasp, whereas the old Elliott chopper is virtually silent in comparison and just glides along quietly and efficiently.

These days it is full hollow. Most people prefer stiffer grinds when they are new, but eventually end up liking the full hollows once their technique is good enough.