Originally Posted by
Oglethorpe
This is the key and I agree. Heavier grinds are more forgiving than full hollows. You can use more pressure (though you don't need to) and you will be less likely to get a nick. I imagine it has everything to do with surface area. While still only one part of the blade (the very edge) does the cutting, with a wedge, the metal around the edge also touches the skin giving you more surface area. And as we know from science class, more surface area = less pressure.
Am I way off here? I'm just going by feel but it makes sense. With a hollow grind, just that edge is gliding across your skin.