Thread: 1/2 Hollow First Shave

Well I honed my first 7/8 1/2 Hollow barbers use last night and went at it this morning.

It was an odd shave. The blade was sharp for a shave but could have been sharper. The odd thing was that the edge of the blade felt very thick compared to the 1/4 hollow and full hollows that I am used to. The weight was odd. I literally let the blade slide down my face. I had to use a little momentum to go ATG but for a first shave with a 1/2 hollow 7/8 razor, I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Would have been an 8 but I need to spend more time on the hone.

Any other experiences that are similar out there?

I love 1/2 hollows. They seem a perfect balance of heft and feedback. Have you tried 1/4 hollow or wedge yet?

Jordan

I have two wedges that are on the block for finishing and honing.

And I guess I am going backwards I said 1/4 Hollow as 3/4 being removed, not that 3/4 still remained.

I also love me some 1/2 hollows.

I wonder how much of the feel you're describing is from the big heavy blade vs just the fact that it's a 1/2 hollow?

My 7/8 half hollow w&bs definitely feel big and hefty, but I love that - they are my favorite shavers at the moment. They are also insanely sharp. Among my sharpest for sure. They take a hell of an edge, IME. When I use mine, the whiskers just run away scared ... I nicknamed one of them Chuck Norris lol.

Let us know what you think after you get that baby nice and sharp!

Originally Posted by singlewedge

I have two wedges that are on the block for finishing and honing.

And I guess I am going backwards I said 1/4 Hollow as 3/4 being removed, not that 3/4 still remained.

Yep, 1/4 is almost a wedge with only 1/4 removed. PJrage is correct though, the large size of the blade may be amplifying the sense of heft/stiffness. I have a couple 5/8-11/16 half hollows that are a real pleasure. You get the maneuverability of a smaller blade with the "bulky" feeling of a larger one. Nice.

Jordan

I think another 100 laps on my stones and we are good.

I use slow cutters.