Thread: Third Razor

Evening Gentlemen.
Well i am now getting continuously smooth shaves from my 2 razors on new Dovo olive wood and one Vintage ERN. Both full hollow the former 5\8th stainless the latter 14\16th carbon steel.
I would say that my very dense tought beard does give the edge a good workout though and can start to drag by then end of the shave.
So I was wondering if when considering a third razor If I would be better looking at a 1\2 hollow, 1\4 hollow (if there is such a thing) or even a wedge? Or would I be better going to an extra hollow grind?
What would be everyones thoughts or advice?
James.

Honestly, it's as you wish, they'll all do the job if properly sharp. If you go to the stiffer (wedgier) grinds, that would probably be more forgiving of technique.

Agree. I find that the half and quarter hollows are more forgiving. Full hollows always make me bleed.

Originally Posted by AlanII

Honestly, it's as you wish, they'll all do the job if properly sharp. If you go to the stiffer (wedgier) grinds, that would probably be more forgiving of technique.

As above. You could also work on your technique & angle ie nearly flat to preserve the edge. You could try a half hollow as it is in the middle ground. Maybe a T.I. ?
I hesitantly would recommend something with hard steel as that doesn't guarantee edge longevity but it may be a consideration.

At least one of the best razors for tough beards is a full hollow so don't buy into the grind thing too much.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

As above. You could also work on your technique & angle ie nearly flat to preserve the edge. You could try a half hollow as it is in the middle ground. Maybe a T.I. ?
I hesitantly would recommend something with hard steel as that doesn't guarantee edge longevity but it may be a consideration.


I've been looking at and thinking about something from Theirs Issards stable they have some really nice new razors.
I'm sure I read somewhere that the shallower grinds like a 1/2 Hollow were better suited to a course beard that is like wire, might have imagned it though. lol

I'm not getting rough shaves the 2 razors just seem to loose there edge quick.
Both are pro honed by Neil at the strop shop and then stropped before every use by myself.
At least one of the best razors for tough beards is a full hollow so don't buy into the grind thing too much.

I've been looking at and thinking about something from Theirs Issards stable they have some really nice new razors.
I'm sure I read somewhere that the shallower grinds like a 1/2 Hollow were better suited to a course beard that is like wire, might have imagned it though. lol

I'm not getting rough shaves the 2 razors just seem to loose there edge quick.
Both are pro honed by Neil at the strop shop and then stropped before every use by myself.

It's not that the grind makes a difference, it doesn't. The factor is you. Most non hollows tend to be heavier and they feel different and I suspect folks use them differently enough to give the impression they work better.

If your razors are losing the edge within one shave that sounds like a honing issue to me. No matter how tough a beard you have a razor should be lasting much longer. Are you sure your stropping isn't dulling the edge causing the issue?

I hone for 2 guys who claim to have coarse beards. One gets 7 months from an edge the other gets 2. The guy that gets 2 is a new guy the other not. User plays a big part both in use & maintenance.

Learning to shave and prep/strop is best accomplished with stiffer, 5/8 (or so)grinds. JMO.
The "modern grind" wedge type is a serious candidate with a great shave and a responsive pupil as well. Long-term experience will prove that larger and more concave blades are just as good on a tough beard, just requiring more attention in use and prep. Those wedges and half hollows are SUPER! Nothing shaves like them. Again, my opinion.

I wouldn't have said that it was my stropping but of course at 6 months in I cannot rule it out. When I finish stropping the blades are crazy sharp. they just start to get grabby towards the end of the shave. I use 40 passes on the linen bit then 50 - 60 passes on the roo leather bit the strop is 3 and a smidge inches wide so I don't need to stop the x patten ( as far as i'm aware, lol).