Thread: Getting better -grind question

So four shaves in. Still nick myself, but much better. I bought a Dovo 5/8 full hollow ground razor. Some of my reading indicates that perhaps I should have gone 6/8 and half hollow. It seems that my beard, which is wiry and thick, might be better cut with a slightly heftier and less flexible blade.
Per usual, I may have jumped in with an experts taste and novice skill level.

I have been looking for half hollow blades without much luck. Thought.

Or you could go quarter hollow and even bigger/heavier.

The idea that a bigger razor cuts thicker beards better is hooey if you ask me...perhaps my beard is not manly enough, but a properly SHARP and shave ready razor will crunch right through the heaviest growth weather it's a heavy or light blade...your hand outweighs the razor 100 to 1 probably, but you never need more than your fingertips

Yeah, I LOVE a heavy blade, but it's all preference.

Yup, I'd have to agree with Unit on this one. You may prefer a bigger, heavier blade, but that's a matter of personal preference and not necessarily a formula related to the thickness/wiryness of your beard. I love big, heavy blades, but that's just because I love big, heavy blades. I think it has everything to do with a subjective judgement based on how the things feel when I use them. I get just as good a shave from the smaller ones I own, but I just prefer the big 'uns. And for a lot of guys, you could reverse that formula.

Do you know anyone who could lend you a bigger blade to try out?

nope, i'm the recon unit on this one for my group of friends.

Taking it back to the basics - are you shaving off the factory edge or was it honed by a pro before you got it? That could also be causing your problems.

i am sure it is a lack of skill issue. bought from straightrazordesigns and was pro honed.

Originally Posted by sbonder

i am sure it is a lack of skill issue. bought from straightrazordesigns and was pro honed.

Ah, OK. That rules out that theory then.

Once you get the angles of your face down and how to hit your particular beard growth the right way, and learn to strop properly it will just kind of fall into place. Just be patient and keep at it.

In my opinion, if you really commit to shaving with a light hand, you will see the potential of your razor. Just prep well and let the razor do the work. I had the same experience as you when I started off, the light hand made all the difference to me.
John

It took me about three months to get consistently comfortable shaves. Having fun and patience are key.