Thread: Big Razor Sizes

So... We all know that the recommended size for beginners is 5/8. Now I got a 6/8 and I'd think its not that far off the recommendation, but what I'd like to know is the following:

Why do people like larger-sized razors? Pros/cons?

I'd hate to speak for others, so I'll just speak for me.

First, I got some larger razors out of curiosity - I wanted to know what they were like. The same reason lead me to smaller razors too.

Second, some of the razors I really liked the look of just happened to be larger ones. The Friodur with stag scales, for example, was/is a 7/8.

Third, it seems that larger blades are slightly easier for custom makers to produce - every custom I own is 7/8 or larger. There's exceptions of course, but generally speaking you don't see many 5/8 customs about the place.

Fourth, there's that kind of macho thing most of us go through, at least early on. The "that's not a knife; THIS is a knife" effect.

In terms of pro and con, really for me there's not a lot of difference in terms of size, so long as you don't end up out at the extremes - a really big razor, like say a 12/8, can be unwieldy and cumbersome to use. Similarly, something really small like a 3/8 can be quite hard to handle if you have biggish fingers. There's certainly more metal involved in a larger razor, but whether that translates into a shaving difference is, for me, debatable.

Probably for me the most important difference in terms of shaving is not size, but grind.

James.

Size IMO doesn't matter. I have from 4/8 to 8/8, extra hollow to full wedge. They all shave well to me. Bigger blades are rarer so more collectible. I wouldn't fixate on size or grind as much as technique which only comes with time. I'm sure many disagree with me though so YMV!

I have large hands (xxxl gloves) and arthritis from too much stupidity in my life.

These two factors (I believe) lead to my preference for a larger blade. I like a larger blade not necessarily during the shave, but during the stropping (which is a pretty large component of the shaving experience).

Simply put, I fumble around a bit with razors that have small (thin) tangs and have an easier time with larger (fatter) tangs that I find on larger razors (6/8 to 8/8). Perhaps I should mention that I have little use for any razor that lacks jimping, and have been cursed here before for adding jimping to a couple vintage razors that I felt needed some.

I also find larger razors more visually appealing.

Last of all, I enjoy being able to shave a lot of my face before needing to clear the blade (and larger blades hold more lather/scum).

Those are a few of my thoughts. Opinions vary, I am sure.

I would like to try something larger, but I suspect that my sweet spot is around 15/16.

All good quality razors cut well. The real thing to consider is does that particular grind of razor suit your stability of movement, your skin sensitivity, and the hardness of your bristles.

I have used from narrow to very wide razors and have about 150 different shave experiences with them. For me, at my age, the stability of a wider heavier blade is always a plus. For me 5/8ths to 7/8ths is best for control. I do like the heavy Sheffields cutting abilities..but that is just me. I have a tender skin, a sparse, very hard, wiry bristle, and it can be a bear to try to cut with a double hollow flexible blade. A Gem SE works better, for me, than a feather in a DE. Could be also the pressure that I can apply to the face at a greater included angle of the blade to my face. No pressure is a good thing but doesn't work well for me.

Try a few different sizes if you have another shaver or Mentor near to you. A few hours in driving and learning can be a money, blood, and time saver!

For instance, one of my students found that, for his beard, a pre-shave product made all the difference in the quality of his shaving.
~Richard

It's all a matter of preference obviously- and as mentioned above either extreme has its own major disadvantages. I can see how a seasoned purist my 'revert' so to speak after having a taste of all the soup in kitchen they will favor the 5/8 - 6/8 hollow- some claim they are the perfect size for stroping and maneuverability. Some same that the feedback and response of a full hollow blade is superior in the hands of an expierianced user as you can feel when the edge has ran out of stubble the sheer....

I for one like a 6/8 - 7/8 wedge. To me it's a good combination of blade weight and size.... And depending on the model has the capo biliary of a nicer hand feel based in its heavier weight. Again this it a preference thing!

To me size and grind mean less the 1 thing that commonly overl looked.... Scale shape, weight and balance... Ever try shaving with/honing/stoping a razor with a horrible, un balanced or loose pair of scales? Get back to me on that one!

Originally Posted by unit

I like a larger blade not necessarily during the shave, but during the stropping (which is a pretty large component of the shaving experience)

I note this as particularly interesting. There is so much interesting information being posted to this thread, but this, in particular, strikes me.

Stropping. No doubt inexperience plays here for me, but I've found that I need to take breaks stropping with my 6/8 on a 3 inch strop periodically because of hand cramps and when my grip begins to tire a bit, the small tang gets awkward. Anybody else have the same experience?

Originally Posted by JoeLowett

Scale shape, weight and balance...

This brings up another observation of mine. I feel as if I don't even need scales and I may even shave more comfortably without them...

Originally Posted by JoeLowett

..snip...

To me size and grind mean less the 1 thing that commonly overl looked.... Scale shape, weight and balance... Ever try shaving with/honing/stoping a razor with a horrible, un balanced or loose pair of scales? Get back to me on that one!

Good point!
I have rescaled almost all my medical razors and gotten rid of the stainless steel scales. they have too much mass to shave the way I prefer to.
I find some of the larger razors also have a very wide tang and tht makes flipping them on a strop a thumb buster after the first few strokes.
Thanks!
~Richard

Originally Posted by Siguy

This brings up another observation of mine. I feel as if I don't even need scales and I may even shave more comfortably without them...

Some people like one piece razors better, it think they are nice on occasion but IMO as time goes on I think the importance of scales in general becomes realized with experience. Scales provide grip beyond the tang and the balance you need to do more advance methods like scything or shaving across the jaw or throat. Also stroping would be unbelievably hard if you had a razor missing the scales.... It's one thing if it was built as a one piece but there's a reason western razors kept the scales for the last 300 years- it's because they are needed!