Thread: Tough Beard: Wedge or Hollow?

I've just started using an 19th century Sheffield wedge and have found that I get a much smoother and closer shave, with none of the little tugs or hesitation that I get with my hollows. Though the Sheffield was honed by someone else, my honing skills are pretty good, and I've gotten great shaves from my home-honed blades, but none of them behave as smoothly and confidently as the wedge. Does anyone else experience this when using a wedge?

I must confess that I don't shave every day, and that my beard is tough. Also: I find that among my razors, the larger and heavier ones shave better (a 1-inch Fiilly and a ugly, but heavier 5/8 Solingen.)

That sounds right to me.

I certainly find that the more wedge-like blades are easier to use and better performing when I've got a lot to shave off. On the other hand, a 4/8 extra hollow is WONDERFUL when you only have a shadow.

To be honest, I have experienced just the opposite. I like the feedback I get from a hollow blade, and even more so when I have two days growth. I shave everyday and I just always find that I get a more comfortable shave from a full hollow razor. I have since sold off the two wedges that I owned. I keep around my Hart Steel 1/4 hollow though as for some reason, it feels more like a 1/2 hollow on my skin.

It all depends on the day and my mood I guess. But I will say if I have a few days growth my big ole W&B seems to just glide through it

Either a wedge or a hollow seem to work fine. The wedge seems to handle heavier growth a tad better, but does not give me as much audible feedback.

Sharp Sheffeild steel= smooth shave. BBS has just been replaced with SSSSS. Love my wedges !!!!!!!!!!!

I've experienced that same thing. My Luer near wedge or Wostenholm is wonderful on a few day's growth. My full hollows work great for a daily shave. What soap are you using? That would help soften it as well. Mitchell's Wool Fat will not only soften your face, but your beard as well.

The answer is both. With experience and good technique you should be able to get a great shave from either type of razor, and everything in between.

Just to switch it around, I shaved with an 8/8 W and B which appears to be full hollow (cannot be many of those around) a couple of days ago and a 3-4/8 Solingen (Adoration) full wedge yestday, and got great shaves from each. My only requirements involve the bevel which has to be very sharp and very smooth. The steel backing it up, in my experience, is secondary, except for aesthetics. I have enjoyed learning how to shave with all kind of blades.