Thread: Pros and cons of a full hollow ground straight razor

Everything that Bob said. That should be a good starter blade for you until you find your skin and beard type and whether or not a different size or grind will be better suited for the job. I personally prefer 6/8" full hollow (give or take an eighth) and even have some extra hollows in my rotation. there's no wrong answer in my opinion but the blade you have in mind would likely be a good start

I don't know the validity or the source, but I once read that the advent of the full hollow grind was considered a major advancement in straight razor development. I certainly feel that way.

As to pro's and con's. The only con that I can think of is that full hollows are more sensitive to pressure when honing. Once that is understood it's not really a con. The extra mass of heavier grinds does seem to help beginning shavers and people with unsteady hands. Also some people do not like the auditory feedback of full hollows. I see (hear?) the feedback as a plus.

My only razor is a quarter hollow Portland Razor Company Sprite, and I am very pleased. My research led me to the fact that the quarter hollow was more forgiving than the full hollow, and forgiving is a word that resonates with me. I have had no issues with this razor, or the face which it attends to. It is the shorter (2") model, 6/8, and it does what it is supposed to do, and the length makes it easier, at least for me, to navigate. Just my $.02.

Bite the bullet and buy one of each to find out what YOU like best. Once you start down this slippery slope, you're going to end up buying one (or more) of each anyway LOL.