Thread: weight / size

Originally Posted by mparker762

Sharpness, stiffness, and weight all matter if you have a stiff beard. Size doesn't directly matter as far as I can tell, except that larger razors tend to weigh more and be somewhat stiffer.

So how can you can know how stiff and heavy a razor will be if you're buying it on ebay, as so many here do? I know some brands have reputations as great shavers; are there brands known for weight and stiffness?

It's not so much a matter of brand as it is grind. Wedges, quarter hollows, half hollows, and 3/4 hollows are all very stiff and heavy for their size. Some full hollows are still quite stiff, but here it's just a matter of experience as to how stiff they are. Any blade described as "extra hollow ground" is probably not particularly stiff, and the same applies for any blade described as "singing" (the singing in question is sound from the blade flexing and ringing).

Thanks mparker, that helps. It seems like extra hollow, singing etc. is preferred. You don't see a lot of half- and 3/4-hollowed razors out there, do you. Do they still make many less-than-fully hollowed?

TI still makes half-hollow razors, they're listed at classicshaving (one of them is here).

Also, John Crowley has several NOS quarter hollow blades, here's a link to one of them.

Also, framebacks combine stiffness and light weight if you want to try that combination. Crowley has several NOS 6/8 framebacks in stock if you poke around.

Originally Posted by mparker762

TI still makes half-hollow razors, they're listed at classicshaving (one of them is here).

Do they make that ina spike tip?

Originally Posted by mparker762

Also, John Crowley has several NOS quarter hollow blades, here's a link to one of them.

I like his assertion that they are as easy to hone as full hollows. Anybody else feel that way?

X

I know that TI makes some half hollows like this one:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/803567.htm

I thought there were some DOVO wedges around as well but I'm not 100% sure.

Is there any disadvantage to a quarter hollow?

It depends on the application. A 1/4 hollow is practically a wedge.. Best for heavy growth.

Originally Posted by dylandog

Is there any disadvantage to a quarter hollow?

Weight, if it's a big razor. I've got a quarter hollow 8/8 W&B that's like slinging a hatchet around my face. Doesn't seem to notice the whiskers are even there, down side is I'm not sure it would notice my nose or ears either.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Weight, if it's a big razor. I've got a quarter hollow 8/8 W&B that's like slinging a hatchet around my face. Doesn't seem to notice the whiskers are even there, down side is I'm not sure it would notice my nose or ears either.

I see. That doesn't sound so bad. This W & B I'm using is just as light and nimble and sharp as can be, but when it hits the chin it starts skipping like a cheap needle on an old record.

Joe, is it harder to hone as in trickier, requiring special techniques, or just more elbow grease & patience?