Thread: Learning to shave and grinds

I want to start shaving. Is a full hollow OK to start with; hard to learn? What is the difference between shaving with different grinds and which is easier to learn with?

Thanks

Utopian has a link to this thread in his signature line. Check it out, it's pretty informative!

I started with a full hollow. I think that while a wedge seems to be a bit more forgiving, it's better to start with a hollow because it will help you figure out the proper shaving angle and technique.

I started with full hollow, and, to be honest, I haven't used anything else. Only because opportunity to do so hasn't presented itself with the ready cash and the right razor at the same time...


Mick

I learned to shave with a full hollow and I'm still alive! Kidding aside, I think that the heft and width of the razor will make the biggest difference in your learning curve. It is much easier for most to strop a wide, heavy razor correctly. I still dislike stropping 'little' 4/8" blades. Ideally I'd say get something 5/8 or 6/8 for your first. Grind-wise, people say the heavy grinds are more forgiving to learn with, but you'll do all right whatever you choose.

One other nice thing about sticking with a full hollow--if you decide you want to hone your own later on they are much easier to get sharp then a more 'wedgy' grind. Just my 2Cents!

See:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik...traight_razor:

Smooth shaves!

IMO there are two different schools of thought regarding first razors:

-Some will recommend a heavy grind/round point due to their ease of use, with the intention of learning technique to handle a "harder to use" razor later on.

-Some will recommend learning with a full hollow/spike point, as you will learn a healthy respect for the blade very early on, and later will be able to shave with anything and appreciate the different grinds. (It would seem that, for the most part, guys who start with heavier grinds end up biased against hollows for quite a while)

In the end it totally depends on what type of learner YOU are. Do you like to jump in head first, or do you prefer to slowly ease yourself into it?

The FAQ says to start with a 6/8 half hollow. Is there much difference with this and a full hollow?
What would be the difference in the shave between a full hollow or stiffer grinds?
I read somewhere that a stiffer blade allowed for more variety of shaving angles. What does this mean?

Thanks

Originally Posted by binder

The FAQ says to start with a 6/3 half hollow. Is there much difference with this and a full hollow?

I read somewhere that a stiffer blade allowed for more variety of shaving angles. What does this mean?

Thanks

What it means is, due to less flex, a heavier grind is a bit more forgiving when it comes to angles and, dare I say, pressure. It certainly doesn't mean that they are less likely to cut you, just that they are a tiny bit less reliant on proper technique.

As for the size (I think you meant to type 6/8), the general consensus is that 6/8 is easier to learn stropping with due to its extra width (easier to maintain flat on the strop)

I've been at it since June. 'Still struggling to learn as fast as I can, but genuinely enjoying the fun, the shaves, the gear, the learning.

I struggled w/ the full hollow (5/8) - mainly the flex. I shredded strops, and had a hard time w/ angle. The angle issue was not about being able to see the blade, but simply a noob misunderstanding about general blade angle faq/wiki, stroking with the grain. It mentioned about 30 deg. I thought this was more of a hard rule, so when the edge ran into the heavy sections of stubble, it would just stop, flexing (storing up tension). When I learned that in such a case, way less angle just fine - my issues with flexible hollows went away. I have 1 flexible 5/8, one flexible 6/8. The rest are non-flexible, either because the grinds are heavier, or because of shear size (15/16) or harder steel.

For me, the heavier grind was a game changer. I could use the flexi hollow, but it was much more of a challenge/struggle. I tried a 1/4 hollow, and was in noobie nirvana. Yes, it will allow you to get away w/ crappy technique - but nothing says you have to use crappy technique. I have two wedges and two quarter hollows. I guess I'm following Ryan's observation that the preference for the heavy grind perseveres. I LOVE the heavy grinds. But now, I enjoy using the flexi hollow also. 'Just my experience, the heavy grind is alot easier to learn with. You'll want to try a number of sizes and grinds. Enjoy the learning. If I had a friend that wanted to try one of my blades as a first attempt w/ a str8, I would hand him a 6/8, 1/4 hollow or wedge, knowing that with experience, it won't matter. In fact, I did just that - yesterday w/ a former co-worker.