Thread: Experience with different grinds

Hello,

I'm pretty new to shaving with a straight, but I've already acquired 3 razors.
2 are hollow ground (not sure exactly how much, but at least half) and 1 is a near wedge.

I just can't seem to get a comfortable shave with the wedge. I know that I'm new and all, but I get a much more comfortable shave with the other 2 razors.

The wedge just doesn't seem to move as smoothly. I've tried different angles, speeds, length of strokes, but nothing seems to help. I did notice that it was a little better when I was steeper than about 30 degrees, but still now where the same.

The wedge was the razor I bought to get into this. It was an awesome antique store find. I know it's sharp because I've had it professionally honed, and I've been very careful stropping it.

I'm hoping that as I get better, I'll get the hang of it. But I'm getting pretty good shaves with my other razors and I'm wondering if wedges just aren't for me.

Has anyone else had this experience, or any advice they can give me?

Thanks!

In all probability your technique needs work. Stay with the hollows until you get the technique down, then try the wedge.

Yeah technique could be it .... Or your face doesn't like the wedge mine doesn't, I am an extra full hollow grind shaver, wedges just don't feel good on my face... Even when I am honing for other people, a freshly honed wicked sharp blade still doesn't feel good on my face, oh it shaves, and it leaves a smooth path behind, but trust me I can tell the difference between a hollow and a wedge....

The good news is that there are many different types of razors out there narrow it down to the types you like and go for those...

I agree with Glen that it could be technique or your face just doesn't like the wedge or both. I am like a pig in a sty with a wedge but for whatever reasons I don't care so much for the full hollow ground razors, especially when I start trying to shave in a direction other than with the grain. Maybe it is beard, skin, shaving style, who knows - but from quarter hollow to wedge are the grinds that just seem to work for me without any fuss.