Thread: Grind preference

So I just received my second and third razors. My first razor I've mentioned here before - it's a full hollow "Bellefontaine Deluxe" Montreal French-made french-point. The second and third razors are from Larry. The first is a small, light, half-hollow Theo Kochs Co "Attila". The next is a "Clarke Shirley" Chicago (Sheffield) near wedge with lovely original horn scales (currently soaking in camellia oil).



All of these razors have been honed by a pro. All get 20 strokes on linen and 40 on leather before use. Face prep is a hot shower and hot towels. Floris JF shaving cream with Larry's 24mm silvertip. Post shave Nivea Balm.

The near wedge is a scary, scary beast. It's like shaving with an axe. A really, really sharp axe. I am used to the feedback from the full hollow Bellefontaine. With the wedge, I feel as if I could shave my nose off without it slowing down.

The little Atilla is a nice shaver. Very light and dextrous. However, still not as much feedback. The Bellefontaine is definitely the winner.

Does anyone here prefer wedges or near wedges? Or full hollows? Why?

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...

+1 with the above!

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...

That is a +1 on that.

Bob

I just shaved this morning with a Joseph Elliot. I dont' know that its a true wedge but its definitely a heavy grind. I LOVE a wedge and/or heavy grind. They glide so smoothly across the face and the added heft of the blade mows down stubble like its not even there. No, no feedback to speak of. I don't miss that too much. I find that my heavy grinds cut extremely efficiently. I'm a big fan of the wedge and heavy grind razors.

I like them all Variety is the spice of life after all lol

Plus it feeds the RAD.

I prefer the half hollows by far. I don't like the singing of the fulls.

I prefer 1/4 grind. I personally do not like the feel of every hair being popped off my face. There is also the aspect that a 1/4 is a tad easier for a new guy to hone. The edge is not so pressure sensitive as an ultra flexible hollow grind and will stay flat on the rocks.


Take Care,
Richard

I've used everything from near wedges to full hollows and I have to say that 1/4 hollow is my sweet spot. All the other grinds get the job done but I feel that 1/4 hollow is the most enjoyable and consistent for me. Not to mention that I can get a BBS shave from a 1/4 hollow so I don't really see any need for the grind to be lighter. Heavier grinds are definitely more forgiving and do just as good a job as the full hollows. It really comes down to what feels right on your own face though. I just don't like the way full hollows feel on my face and half hollows, while more enjoyable, just aren't quite there for me. Near wedges just don't give enough feed back to my liking so I settled on 1/4 hollow as my favorite grind.

Originally Posted by EdwardRoland

The next is a "Clarke Shirley" Chicago (Sheffield) near wedge with lovely original horn scales (currently soaking in camellia oil).

Does anyone here prefer wedges or near wedges? Or full hollows? Why?

First off you want to soak it in Neatsfoot oil..

But to answer your question, I would have to say YMMV