Thread: First shave with new full hollow straight.

I just got my Robeson shuredge full hollow back from the honemaster and tried it out last night. Was humbled quite a bit. I have been using a 1/4 hollow for quite some time now and become very good with it. I found the shave to be very close and very aggressive. much more than my 1/4 hollow. It was like learning all over again. Right back to razor burn on my neck. I have no doubt that it is solely the fault of my technique. I am of the belief that the full hollow is MUCH less forgiving of improper angle. Anyone else have similar experiences going to a full hollow?

Learned on full hollows and then tried heavier grinds. I think you are right, full hollows are less forgiving. I like all the different grinds though.

Bob

Good to know. So it seems that my next step in the long journey towards competency is the full hollow straight. I shall embrace the horror and overcome.

My story is on the other end of the spectrum. I started at half hollow, and then went to full and extra hollow, after months with that rotation I went to a near wedge. It does take a shave or two to get the hang of it. I wouldn't say that I got a rash but it was not CCS, mostly lacking on the comfortable. I few shaves and you will either have it dialed in or put it in the classifieds.

Yes, all the grinds are a bit different and your technique needs to be tuned to the grind. A lot to be said for only using on grind type but that is not much fun.

Bob

The full hollow is definitely less forgiving, but once you have the technique down for that razor grind, then the shave because extremely close.

All of that is interesting, in that I believe the recommendation (from Lynn?) is to start with a 6/8 full hollow.

Gentlemen,

A straight razor of any grind, hollow, half-hollow or wedge, is unforgiving when used with the wrong angle and raw technique. I, too, recommend the hollow blade, 5/8 or 6/8, for the newbie. Besides, I can't resist the music the hollow blade creates with each stroke — like buttering dry toast to accompany that heavenly morning coffee.

So is it that with a full hollow, the blade itself flexes a bit more than a half hollow? What property of a full hollow makes it less forgiving, and what are the benefits of a full over a half hollow?

Gentlemen,
All this talk about full hollow and half hollow is really unnecessary in helping the OP to concentrate on his technique. It just muddies the focus. The blade's grind is not important; improving the technique is. Use a general angle of 20 to 30 degrees, keep the pressure light, stretch the skin, and prepare the face properly. The rest is secondary.