What grind gives you the most comfortable shave?

I've had the pleasure of trying many different styles & grinds of razors at this point and have definitely found 1-2 razors that I prefer.

I'm just curious where others find their most comfortable shaves are coming from...
I don't know that this is a sharpness\stone\honing difference, but I can see how this can be a factor in comfort.

So, assuming your blades are sharpened with your preferred method to an equally shave-ready state, which do you prefer to use?

Wedge \ Near wedge
1/4 Hollow
1/2 Hollow
Full Hollow
Extra Hollow

Full hollow bellied

Not fussy, any grind will do nicely.

Bob

1/4 hollow, followed by near wedge

Most of my razors are 1/2 the full hollow. But the smoothest are two vintage near wedge 3/4 to 7/8.

In the following order:

wedge/near wedge
wedge/near wedge
wedge/near wedge
full hollow
extra hollow

That is so difficult to answer, it's like trying to pick a favorite color. It depends on which day you are asking. Today I think I really love my Feddy Reynolds smiling wedge, tomorrow it might be my Henckels 17 carbon steel.

My favorites these days are stiff full hollows. For me, it's about a balance between the stiffness/hardness and the grind. I really don't like hard steel in heavy grinds. So, to paint in broad strokes, I really like American or Swedish full hollows and heavy grind Sheffields.

1. Wedge/Near wedge
2. 1/4 hollow
3. 1/2 hollow
4. Hollow
It's a personal thing. For me it's all about the weight and the beefiness of the blade.

Pete <:-}

I have been all over the place. I started out preferring more of a wedge, then worked my way down to the singing hollows. I like a variety now & different sizes. It's all about the edge for me, if it's a properly honed razor...I can get a great shave.

like above i started out liking the wedge , but have found myself more and more in the half hollow blades , i seem to get my best edges off of a half hollow for some reason also ..

I like all grinds somewhat equally, for me it’s more about the weight of the blade. Too light and I find myself forcing the blade too much, leads to a less than ideal shave.
It doesn’t stop me using the lighter ones, I just have to take a little more care.

I didn't have expectations on any of the replies, so I'm not too surprised that there is a happy mix between the grinds.

Weight, width, and grind can all impact comfort has been my experience. I guess this is yet another YMMV factor and when you hit a sweet spot that provides a superior shave it's a good day.

I like them all. 1/4 is very nice but I also like my TI extra hollow. And everything in between

I get equally comfortable shaves from all razors no matter the grind. As to preference, I prefer full hollow.

This is a really good question - I can get great shaves from all of my razors, but which are the effortless ones, the ones that you wipe the blade after and don't think any more about?

I think it's the wedgy blades for me - the shaves where I don't have any burn from aftershave or a shiny face for 24 hours after shaving. I suppose you could use my method and say its the razor that you would use two or maybe three days running.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tab

So, assuming your blades are sharpened with your preferred method to an equally shave-ready state, which do you prefer to use?

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In this case the grind is irrelevant for me.

As long as the razor is honed well, grind doesn't really matter, but I prefer to use 5/8" full hollows over everything else.

Full hollows at this point in my straight razor shaving experiences.

As mentioned in a lot of posts........grind isn't as much of a factor as the quality of the edge. Give me 1 or 2 shaves on a great edge and that's my favorite grind....subject to change with the next razor. :shrug:

I find I'm more picky with size. I pretty much prefer a 6/8, but will use a 5/8. A 7/8 on some razors (mostly customs with medium to heavier grinds) will do. More than 7/8 just doesn't fit for me.

A quality edge is everything for me!! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tab

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,So, assuming your blades are sharpened with your preferred method to an equally shave-ready state, which do you prefer to use?

Wedge \ Near wedge
1/4 Hollow
1/2 Hollow
Full Hollow
Extra Hollow

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Comfort while shaving comes from not only the feel of the razor's edge as it glides across your face; it also includes the tranquility of the act itself.

When I seek this experience, I use a wedge.

When I'm in a more aggressive mood & comfort is far from my mind; I use a full hollow so I can hear the screams of the little ba@&$*ds as they are mowed down & fall helplessly into the sink. :beer2:

Half hollow would be my preference my big 8/8 Filarmonica 14 Especial would be my perfect choice, another thing I really like the auditory feedback from half and full hollow ground blades never been a fan of wedge type blades.

In my order of preference and use

1/4 Hollow
1/2 Hollow
Extra Hollow
Full Hollow

I like as near to a wedge or a hollow as possible. I'm not a fan of the 1/4 grinds

There seems to be quite a preference for heavier grinds here. Why do people think that most companies produce almost solely full hollow blades? Aust, revisor Etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dmnc

There seems to be quite a preference for heavier grinds here. Why do people think that most companies produce almost solely full hollow blades? Aust, revisor Etc.

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Because that is what most companies produce today. If someone is using a wedge, 1/4 hollow or 1/2 hollow it is either a vintage or a custom razor. There a hand full of razors being produced today that are heavier grinds.

I like my 1/4 hollow Hart but this mornings shave with a full hollow 8/8 Revisor was as nice. I think if the company is set up and good at making one type of grind, keep at it. Vintage razors are out there in every grind to dabble or try and new makers are picking one or two grinds and sticking to them. Just the way it is today.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mephisto

Because that is what most companies produce today. If someone is using a wedge, 1/4 hollow or 1/2 hollow it is either a vintage or a custom razor. There a hand full of razors being produced today that are heavier grinds.

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Of course, that doesn't answer WHY companies are making full hollow ground blades almost exclusively. You'd think if market demand for a heavier grind existed, companies would be producing them to meet that demand.

Framebacks Ofcourse, can I say anything else?
:)

1/4 or near wedge works well for me, I can shave with a full hollow but it does not feel as smooth.

Anything but the membrane thin grind of my Double Duck Goldedge....:p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Anything but the membrane thin grind of my Double Duck Goldedge....:p

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Phrank,

I tried to find your post on the (cursed) DD and not sending it to the US, risking the sinking of aircraft carriers, etc.. I still laugh about that post. Any link, etc.? Just couldn't search it out.

Howard :)

Although I can get just as good of shave from any grind I prefer the heft of a 6/8 near wedge. It just reminds me of shaving with a small buck knife. Hollows feel cheap to me in the hand compared to a nice wedge or near wedge grind with a pewter end cap or a lead spacer. Just personal preference as they all get as sharp as the others.