Thread: preferred blades for shaving.

It seams hard to believe that it was only April when I had my first shave.
It was on a Modern steel Dovo Bismark Honed by Outback. (Thanks again Mike.)
since then I have collected 14 razors that I consider shave ready. and have another 25 or so at different stages of the resto process. I know compared to most of you that is a drop in the bucket.

But on to something I have learned and the reason for this post.

With different blade types and grinds at my disposal I have found that I really enjoy Sheffield razors with a heavy grind over the full hollows. I find the full hollows to be a very uncomfortable shave. and the Dovo Bismark the worst by far But I have a vintage Hollow that was also honed by Outback and it is miles better than the Dovo

If I could offer any advice to Beginning wet shavers it would be don't give up if you don't like you're first shaver Try something different you just may find the one that does it for you. And absolutely start with a vintage blade.

Like most when new, it’s preference only on grinds, if your not getting a good shave with full hollows it’s you, or your edge, which can be you also. The tool is only as good as the hand holding it

To this day i enjoy a hollow grind. Very hollow to half. I dont like the cleavers that some others enjoy for shaving. As TC said, its all choice as long as the edge is right.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Like most when new, it’s preference only on grinds, if your not getting a good shave with full hollows it’s you, or your edge, which can be you also. The tool is only as good as the hand holding it

Exactly to the point!

I was not trying to say that heavy grinds are better than full hollows just that so far Sheffield's with a heaver grind are becoming my preference and that someone just starting that is really not liking the shave might want to try something different to what thy are already using before giving up.

Originally Posted by Audels1

I was not trying to say that heavy grinds are better than full hollows just that so far Sheffield's with a heaver grind are becoming my preference and that someone just starting that is really not liking the shave might want to try something different to what thy are already using before giving up.

I started with a 5/8 Dovo Best Quality full hollow, I didn't know anything about the different grinds back then. I have a mix of grinds now, I like the silence of the wedges and have a fondness for those small, American wedges like the Spike, usually fairly narrow and very nimble but I still shave most of the time with my Dovo out of familiarity. I don't think grind really makes too much of a difference to the shave unless you have something really thin and flexy razor where technique needs to be solid, just pick something that feels right at the time.

Originally Posted by thp001

I don't think grind really makes too much of a difference to the shave unless you have something really thin and flexy razor where technique needs to be solid, just pick something that feels right at the time.

I think this is why beginners sometimes find full hollow blades give them poor shaves, their technique is not refined enough. Again as TC said, that is assuming all blades are shave ready.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I think this is why beginners sometimes find full hollow blades give them poor shaves, their technique is not refined enough. Again as TC said, that is assuming all blades are shave ready.

Bob

Yeah I remember my first shave with the Dovo and it was horrendous, lots of nicks, major irritation. The thing is I knew it was going to be like that and I wanted to learn the skills enough that I persisted. I think many people today expect these instant results, they hear about how close and comfortable a shave with a straight can be but don't realize just how much technique is needed. The first shave goes poorly and they need an explanation, blame the tools, razor isn't "shave ready", not the right grind, soap wasn't slick enough, etc. Not that those things can't be an issue but I've shaved off edges way worse than any factory razor, used common bar soap to lather with and it's amazing what you can do once you have technique. I'm still learning even now every single day. Had a bad shave today in fact, lather was way too foamy and was dissipating rapidly, couldn't be bothered to go and do it again so I shaved, got some nicks around my mouth and chin, home alone moment when the Old Spice hit, all part of the fun.

Yes, for a beginner to straight razor shaving technique is king always assuming a shave ready razor is used. Good technique comes with time and 3 months of shaving every day being considered to be normal to achieve that. During that time the cause of any trouble with getting a good shave result is likely staring back at you from the mirror. You literally can't buy a better shave by spending on more gear as you don't have a good enough technique yet.

Bob

I also prefer half hollow razors, but I shave perfectly with full hollows as well.

When you start honing your razors by yourself, you will appreciate full hollows better.