Was just wondering which would be better for a beginner wedge, hollow, or full hollow. Is one style more comfortable on the face, easier to keep the angle and which has a more durable edge for stropping mistakes.
I am not sure what grind makes for a better blade for beginners, but I would definitely recommend a round point. A full hollow is going to probably give you a closer shave, but in my mind a full hollow may chip easily if you bang in on the water tap by accident while rinsing the blade. A wedge is going to be heavier, and the edge may not be as fine as a full hollow, but a wedge might be a tad easier to strop. I am a beginner myself, but I would recommend the middle ground and look into a half hollow, round point in the 5/8 range (I tend to prefer 4/8 though.) The half hollow seems to be easier to learn with respect to the shaving angle and you are less likely to poke yourself in the ear (been there, done that) with a round point. These are all my opinions and may not necessarily reflect what your experiences will be and other more experienced shavers will have other ideas. If I was starting all over and had a few bucks to spend, I would probably buy a new Dovo, 5/8, round point.
My Thoughts All the grinds are fine..most say a wedge is as close to a hollow ground comparison and visa versa with all of em...any str8 razor thats honed properly and stropped correctly will give you great close n comfortable shaves..plus it'll last you about 100 more years!..:happy102 The advanteg of a str8 razor is A. Man are they cool to use and most people are shocked to find out you use em B. Good for the environment!..believe it or not..unlike DE/Shavette blades no throw away in the bin is necessary...if you have to do a complete resotre.. as I did from scratch some years ago I still have my razor and is in mint condition ST
I have them all and I use them all and they will all shave great if properly honed and maintained. Whether wedge or full hollow if they are shave ready then they are all sharp as a razor, like a feather or a personna. Jeff is right about the round point and usually you see that on some degree of hollow ground blade. That sharp square point will really get you when you least expect it. You can blunt the edge of the tip just a little if that is what you have though and it will help prevent a cut. Personally I think the narrow blades such as a 4/8's and smaller are a little more difficult, but I wouldn't opt for a huge old chopper for the first one either. Just as important is to have a decent strop and learn to use it properly so you don't have to go back and re-learn later. I hope that helps out a little. Will N.
A really monstersize 7/8ths wedge might be a bit of a handicap for a beginner, but apart from that I really don't think points and grinds matter all that much for a starter razor. Hollows are easier to hone, so if you're looking to eventually hone for yourself that's worth keeping in mind. I find my really heavy wedges a bit harder to strop too. I'd say just buy the best razor you can afford right now and get started. I daresay that soon enough you'll have one of each and the point will be moot anyway. Best Regards goshawk
Thanks for the replies, I've just started studying and there's alot of information to go through and a whole bunch of videos to watch.
I pretty much recommend the middle of the road for a first razor... Target - 5/8 to 6/8 as they are easier to strop and handle then larger or smaller razors... Target - A half hollow as the extra stiffness helps with those tentative beginners strokes Target - A Round point as it at least gives the illusion of more safety And for sure, most importantly over everything I just posted, it has to be REALLY shave ready, hand honed, by a true expert, one that you have complete confidence that it is shave ready, and that any problems are your doing, and not the razor And if you are not sure, ask the seller if they guaranty the edge...
Dovo Shavette. I just got me a Dovo Shavette because I want to eventually get me a str8 so I think this will get me a great way to practice and then move on to the actual str8.where here can I get some training on how to use the Shavette?anything will be useful for me since I am a new guy overall and need as much guiding as posible.thanks in advance guys/gals.
It's my understanding those are harder to use than a regular straight. I thought about one myself but have since chickened out.
maybe. you know,I just shaved today with the Dovo and no blood anywhere,is a miracle but I bled the first time with the DE razor,it does not mean I will abandon my other DE razors but I was very surprised when that happened today,I was kind of scared before I did this but I already had made up my mind to do it and live life to the fullest so here I go,soon thou I will be looking for a real str8.
I normally recommend a 5/8 full hollow round point. It is very maneuverable for the new shaver and really doesn't have the flex that folks worry about with an extra hollow grind. One of the keys when starting with a straight razor is to use very little pressure with short strokes and longer clean up strokes. Alot of guys used to other types of razor will put more pressure on the razor than necessary. On the other hand, because it is a straight razor, some guys will be a little more fearful and use less pressure. The thing that gets most new guys with the DE's in my opinion, is the pressure. They go from the multi-blades to the DE and apply the same amount of pressure which is a definite recipe for nicks and irritation. Another key for the new guy with a straight razor is to just shave an easy section of the face to start vs. taking on the entire face first time out. Keeping the razor vertical, as the wrist has a tendency to bend back, is key. Most any razor that is well honed will get the job done. The reason I advise new guys against the larger razors is that the wrist tends to bend back even more and this happens to those of us who have been using a straight for ever. Have fun, Lynn
