Thread: Does Grind affect Shave Character?

Hey there,

I have started to try my second shave ready straight and have noticed it seems to shave quite differently to my first razor. It got my thinking about the impact that the grind has on the behaviour of the razor.

The second razor seems a lot more vocal if that makes any sense, more noise when stropping, louder when it is cutting whiskers etc. It also seems to be more sensitive to the blade angle. Too shallow and it barely seems to cut at all and too steep an angle and you know about it straight away. It definitely feels like you are at risk of a cut. Get it right though and it just mows down the whiskers and feels very smooth.

My first razor seems less sensitive to the angle in this regard. It doesn't make as much noise and feels like you have more margin for error. However I can't say I ever feel like I hit the "perfect" angle where the razor just wipes the whiskers away. I have had my closest straight shaves with this razor but I have also used it a lot more often too.

Is there physical differences in razors that can account for these different feels or is it just noob technique variations? Are some grinds more forgiving and some grinds more demanding of correct technique?

Cheers
SYD

In my experience, yes. Heavier, wedgier grinds seem to be less "finicky" about angle. They also tend to slide right through bumps more than hollower grinds, which do seem to require better angle control and the flex is more liable to slide over bumps.

But again, that's in my experience.

One other difference I've felt, and am unable to explain at all, is that it seems that wedge shaves don't last as long as hollow shaves; meaning that I notice the stubble growing in sooner after a wedge shave than I notice it after a hollow. Why? I can't say, but I do feel it.

Hi SYD. 'Good to see you post. I hope you've been well.

Grinds and sizes feel and behave differently. The majority of people seem to prefer the full/extra hollow grind. It will be the most vocal and likely tactile (you'll feel the vibration of the stubble being mowed down), easier to hone. They are more demanding of technique, so sometimes a beginner is more comfortable with the heavier grind. I would be among them. I can now use and enjoy the full hollow, but especially in the smaller sizes, there will be more flex, which made me anxious. I tried a 1/4 hollow grind, and from my experience so far - a particularly good one (wacker). I thought I'd gone to heaven.

The heavier grind is more forgiving of technique. That means you can get away with or even acquire some bad habits - particularly using too much pressure - because you CAN.

ATM, I have 5 full hollows, use and enjoy each one, but I'm still more fond of the 3 1/4 hollows and one wedge. You may be told that the heavy grinds give no feedback. I have 1/4 grinds and wedges that do give feedback, and ones that don't. The wackers are very communicative - more so that one 1/4 grind custom.

I DO hope you are able to hook up w/ Onimaru55 and Johnmrson - they're down under also, and each is somewhat remarkable.

All best to you SYD. Keep posting & the shaves will get better still. At 5.5 mo, I seem to be finding another step up in the smoothness scale. I hope it keeps going.

When you shave your skin only sees the very edge of the razor and doesn't care about the size and grind of razor it is attached to. It only cares that it's proper sharp.

Having said that all the other qualities of the razor affect you the user. The grind, the size, the weight all cause you to control it in a different manner which is why people get different results with different types of razors. To me the true test of a competent shaver is to be able to pick up any razor that is proper sharp and get a great shave period. Different types of razors do have differing qualities like hollow grinds flex more and give you more feedback while wedge types have little or no feel for example.

When you think about it it's like a car. if you have a driver's license you should be able to hop in and drive any car or light truck in a competent fashion. If its mechanically sound it will get you where you want to go. You may prefer the chevy or the ford or more luxury but all that doesn't affect the issue of basic transportation.

Well I have been known to stall out a new car the first time I drive it Maybe I need to double declutch with these vintage straights!!

Thanks for the information guys.

I think I am up to 12 shaves with a straight so while I've made a good start on the learning curve I can see that incline stretching off away into the distance. It's amazing how often I need to take the razor off my face and remind myself light pressure, correct angle and try again. It seems like there is often a piece of the puzzle that there isn't room in my head to remember or I concentrate too hard on one component and realise my angle has gone or my pressure has increased. Then it comes together and I make a good pass, I just need to work out how to replicate that more often and in more places across my face!

I'm sure I will be asking lots of questions along the journey

Does grind affect shave character? Yes. Does it affect the end result? Not at all. With experience and proper technique you can get an outstanding shave no matter what grind or blade size you're using. Anyone that says they can only get a good shave from a big heavy wedge or 1/4 hollow needs to work on technique with a full hollow.

As I mentioned, you'll hear the (right and wrong) stock answers. A good take away is that with good technique - it may feel or handle differently, but excellent shaves can be had with any. You'll develop your own preferences.

If you have the opportunity, maybe post a thread to see if there are members in your area that would be willing to help - either by tutorial assistance, or hopefully some that would let you try some gear. That way you don't have to buy one of everything to see what you'd like. I've posted that members in my area can contact me & we can put our heads together, try some gear, demonstrations.

As you can see, there's no shortage of help here. Great help, great attitudes.

Thanks again guys. I'm sure that good technique is the key to a close irritation free shave. The razor is just a tool at the end of the day.

I have had a couple of perfectly serviceable shaves from my first razor so far which led to trying my hand with the other one. It's just interesting to compare the differences and try to understand what is the razor and what is the operatior causing the differences.

Shave results aside, I find I have no patients for full hollow grinds or short blades, that alone passes down to the shave. While it's easy to get the thin edged blades shave ready, my interests in blade feel and balance keep me looking at heavier blades for shaving.

They both shave just fine it's how I percieve them that changes how they react to me.

And lets not get into stainless blades

In my experience, a quarter hollow works best for more than a days growth of beard. The full hollows seem to work better with a days growth.