Thread: Are wedges easier on the skin?

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.

Surface factor sounds interesting, so many applications in how and why things happen. I think also the plain old less complicated idea is that they are much stiffer. A very skilled shaver can take a flexible very hollow grind and make the flexibility work for them to get a closer shave. That same flexability works aganst you if you are not skilled and can cause a cut or nick. Wedges and very heavy grinds don't have the flex. I think that is why even heavy bearded guys use the hollows as the level of the sport is ramped up? Maybe?
Mike

Hmmmm,

I would add to this thread but Holli4pirating still has MY, Mappin & Webb round point, 6/8, wedge-ie...that is.... he wants to sell it to me when he finds a nice replacement...so I still do not have a WEDGE.


YET

I'm being patient...LOL

Originally Posted by crushnbugs

Hmmmm,

I would add to this thread but Holli4pirating still has MY, Mappin & Webb round point, 6/8, wedge-ie...that is.... he wants to sell it to me when he finds a nice replacement...so I still do not have a WEDGE.


YET

I'm being patient...LOL

Brutal man, just brutal.

Originally Posted by crushnbugs

Hmmmm,

I would add to this thread but Holli4pirating still has MY, Mappin & Webb round point, 6/8, wedge-ie...that is.... he wants to sell it to me when he finds a nice replacement...so I still do not have a WEDGE.


YET

I'm being patient...LOL

I feel your pain!! (not really, but hthought it would make you feel better)
M

Originally Posted by crushnbugs

Hmmmm,

I would add to this thread but Holli4pirating still has MY, Mappin & Webb round point, 6/8, wedge-ie...that is.... he wants to sell it to me when he finds a nice replacement...so I still do not have a WEDGE.


YET

I'm being patient...LOL

Yup, just as soon as I get another one. As I was looking at her and shaving with her, I think she's actually more like a half hollow-ish - not as wedgie as I'd first thought.

Getting back on topic, I'm not sure that wedgies are easier on the skin, but I think that, if you're going for a quick and slightly less careful shave, you would be less likely to nick yourself with a wedge than a full hollow. No idea how that would play out irritation-wise, though.