Thread: Extra Hollow vs Hollow Grind

So I have two blades that are Extra Hollow, one of which is my cursed Double Duck Goldedge, used that blade four times, and it's bitten me each time.

Just tried my restored Extra Hollow W&B Celebrated, and while it was a bit stiffer than the DD, it was a whole new world of danger, right away I knew was a different blade, I could tell it would be very unforgiving, while on a hollow, you may get a nick, on the Extra Hollow, for me at least, it would be a cut.

So, are Extra Hollows a blade for advanced users, definitely not a beginners blade, or even in my case, an intermediate shaver. Didn't get cut or nicked with this blade, mind you it's been months since I tried, again, to use an Extra Hollow, but I could tell this was a different beast. The shave was incredibly close, an unintended BBS, but man, from the first I put the blade to the sideburn area, I knew and felt this was a completely different experience.

Is this just a preference thing, i.e., wedge vs. hollow vs 1/2 hollow, or do using Extra Hollow's require some pretty serious skills....

Just throwing this out there....

I don't think so. It's probably just what you're used to and difficulty with the different feedback.
I suspect if you shave for a long period with extra hollows and one day you pick a stiff grind you'll have the same problem.

I don't think so either, I think it's the angle of attack. A wedge takes a steeper angle of attack, and extra hollow minimal angle. I think that you are not used to it.

Phrank,

I know you've probably seen this before, but here's a link to the different grinds that gives a little visual input. The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

An extra hollow can have a bit more flex. I have two Boker's that are extra hollow and both of them are bellied......the image just to the left of the extra hollow. Early on I just couldn't shave with them, but since have found them my favorites. I would think that an extra hollow that's not bellied...adding a little rigidity to the edge, could be a little more challenging.

Howard

I think gugi nailed it - it's just getting used to the blades. There are those who say that the EHG blade requires more attention to stretching and angle than a standard 1/1 grind but i don't find it so. My last two shaves were with a 6/8 EHG Silver Steel and a 7/8 1/4 hollow Hart & I really didn't think about the very different grinds until just now. (There is, of course, the difference in the feedback, particularly the sound.)

Just "endeavor to persevere" and you'll get used to them both.


rs,
Tack

Originally Posted by SirStropalot

Phrank,

I know you've probably seen this before, but here's a link to the different grinds that gives a little visual input. The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

An extra hollow can have a bit more flex. I have two Boker's that are extra hollow and both of them are bellied......the image just to the left of the extra hollow. Early on I just couldn't shave with them, but since have found them my favorites. I would think that an extra hollow that's not bellied...adding a little rigidity to the edge, could be a little more challenging.

Howard

Thanks Howard...yes, I've seen that before, and mine are extra hollow, not bellied, which looks like it would provide a bit more rigidity, which I guess could be a good thing, depending on your preference.

My first time using a wedge was equally eye-opening, lots of horsepower, and everything dies in their path, but I didn't butcher myself with it, actually the wedges always give me a chuckle, they're like one pass and you don't need to shave for the next week!!

Guess more specifically in my question, are the extra hollows more at the fringe, a) seems like you don't see to many, and b) in regards to preference, is this one of those grinds that few favor? I've read many here who kind of stay away from the xtra hollows.

edited to add: and yes Tack, they are noisy, noisy blades! Well then, another go with the DD Goldedge....

Well, they require a lot more skill and work to produce and the big manufacturers aren't really making them anymore. Dovo still has the Bergischer Löwe, but TI's current offerings have nothing to do with the vintage grinding way way stiffer.

New makers, e.g. hart also stay away, most likely because they can't pull off that level of precision (based on what I've seen on their razors) and with the much higher production cost they may not have a big market and/or big profits.

The high cost is also most likely the reason you don't see them much on custom razors even from the few custom makers who have the skills do to them.

Originally Posted by gugi

Well, they require a lot more skill and work to produce and the big manufacturers aren't really making them anymore. Dovo still has the Bergischer Löwe, but TI's current offerings have nothing to do with the vintage grinding way way stiffer.

New makers, e.g. hart also stay away, most likely because they can't pull off that level of precision (based on what I've seen on their razors) and with the much higher production cost they may not have a big market and/or big profits.

Cool...I did not know that...love this place, learn something new everyday!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Guess more specifically in my question, are the extra hollows more at the fringe, a) seems like you don't see to many, and b) in regards to preference, is this one of those grinds that few favor? I've read many here who kind of stay away from the xtra hollows.

I think they take a more refined technique than a new shaver has...usually. I know that was the case for me. I started with heavier grinds and then when I got the extra hollow and tried it, it really highlighted the deficiencies in my technique. Mainly, for me too steep of an angle which I had gotten away with on the heavier grinds. But then, of course for me, I decided it was the razors edge. So I honed it. Now it would really dig in and bite.

I think they're a great razor and grind now, but it probably wouldn't be the first razor I'd recommend for a new shaver. But there are probably some that could and have pulled it off without a hitch.

I think one reason you see less of them is the difficulty in producing that grind. It looks incredibly difficult to me!

Howard

Edit: gugi explained the grind difficulty much better. I wouldn't be posted for another 30 minutes trying to type that. Concise by necessity, thats me.

A well executed extra hollow singing razor is a marvellous thing. With the right technique they shave beautifully and in my experience, provide the closest shaves.

I have yet to encounter a modern production razor that has a grind like that of my vintage singing razors.

Indeed, the modern variety are stiffer and I found the Bergischer Lowe very stiff which is why I ended up selling it a few years ago.

I have to agree, it is not cost effective to produce such blades. Some get discarded in the process and the craftsmen able to execute such a quality hollowing are few and likely an endangered species.