Choosing a new razor (I know, another one, sorry)

I'm new to this straight razor thing. I have two razors. Both are 5/8" hollow ground blades. I'm thinking about getting another one but have no idea why to use something else. I did get a razor on ebay for about $20 a few months ago. I only mention it because the grind is like a full flat grind on a knife. Very thick and I don't think I'd like shaving with it. I did try to hone it and I have to say the steel quality seemed a lot like the cheap blades on knives you buy at the cash register at the gas station. So if anyone can give me some idea of what differences I can expect from 6/8" razors or any other shapes and/or sizes. BTW, why is it called a 6/8" instead of a 3/4"? Just curious. Normally fractions are converted. Anyway, any difference explanations are appreciated. More than likely I'll get replies that I won't really know until I try different ones. But, I don't want to collect and I don't want to spend a lot of money on a razor. I'm thinking $100 max. Also, different places to buy them would be nice to get a larger selection. Thanks for any help. Don't forget I'm new to honing. How different are the different shapes when it comes to honing? If there is a difference I'd prefer to go with an easier to hone choice until my honing skills are better. I'm getting better and am just now getting an edge "shave ready" IMO. Before they would shave but not really all that "shave ready" in an experienced honer's opinion I don't think. I'll be practicing and in an hour or two I'll be really good. :)

Jack

I usually refer to a 6/8 as a 48/64, but that's just me.

My suggestion is something that I would have done myself if I had to do it over again.
I'd start with a Feather or Feather clone Str8 razor. I'd start that way with a ProGuard blade. Fantastic shave. Would be a great way to learn.

what kind of razor you got off the bay that's thick. just wondering. A 6/8 to me is a little better or easier to use but then again each person is different. I have round points that I use a lot and I have 2 square points I use to shape around my mustache. I would say find one that you like the looks of after all it will be you that uses it . as long as it's in the list of good razors you'll be alright.

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Originally Posted by Johnus

My suggestion is something that I would have done myself if I had to do it over again.
I'd start with a Feather or Feather clone Str8 razor. I'd start that way with a ProGuard blade. Fantastic shave. Would be a great way to learn.

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What is a Feather? Type of razor? I'll do research. What is a ProGuard blade? I'll do research. :) See??? Told you I was new. :D

Jack

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Originally Posted by rhensley

what kind of razor you got off the bay that's thick. just wondering. A 6/8 to me is a little better or easier to use but then again each person is different. I have round points that I use a lot and I have 2 square points I use to shape around my mustache. I would say find one that you like the looks of after all it will be you that uses it . as long as it's in the list of good razors you'll be alright.

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What is a round point or a square point? I'm thinking shape of blade. But I don't know much and have lots to learn. My Boker was old when I got it and it had a CORNER at the toe end of the blade that almost cut my ear off once. I thought it would be a good shape for getting close to something like an ear. Maybe I got TOO close. :) I "honed" it into a round shape. So the only blade shapes I know of are they are supposed to smile a little and I prefer a rounded toe (and heel I guess). I assume a blade edge that frowns is like a recurve knife blade. Seems like that may be a useful blade for the shapes of some parts of the face. That "makes sense" to me but I'm assuming it's a bad idea or there would be razors out there like that. Or maybe they are out there but I haven't seen them. I have a bad habit of re-thinking a lot of stuff when I'm new at something. Also, I bring previous knowledge that may be inappropriate. Knife sharpening knowledge and razor honing is completely different in technique and how to obtain the optimal edge. Still I keep thinking "I do this with knives, maybe it will work with razors". I think this even after experienced honers have explained how to do something. This is a bad habit and I'm working on it.

I get the feeling I may like a razor with a little more weight in the blade. Is this just a matter of choice that people will differ in?

Jack

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Originally Posted by ace

I usually refer to a 6/8 as a 48/64, but that's just me.

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With that knowledge of fractions you must have spent multiple years in 4th grade math. :):D Just kidding.

Jack

I think most razors just tend to be made in 1/8" increments, and that's why they're referred to that way. It does seem odd at first, but you'll probably just get used to it. You may even see some 9/8 or 10/8ths sometimes.

There is certainly a difference in how you'd hone a hollow ground blade with a straight edge versus a heavy wedge with a smile to it. My experience is that it is easier to keep a nice even and clean looking bevel on a hollow/ish straight edge. I have a few heavy wedge ground smiling blades which I can get a nice edge on, but a couple have significant hone wear, so when I honed them with tape on the spine, it creates a secondary bevel that I don't find pleasing to the eye. It also definitely feels different, which may be what you're experiencing with yours. Good learning experience, but I think a safe bet for honing practice would be something fairly basic. Straight and hollow.

There is also a different feel to shaving with such different blades. Maybe a generous member in your area would be willing to let you test shave a couple different styles to see what you like.

A lot of it just comes down to preference. I will say I enjoy my vintage razors more than the 1 new razor I have. (Dovo Bismarck)

You probably want to take a look at The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

I found this article while browsing through Psychology Today. It was written by a Psychology Professor at the University of Boca Raton in South Florida, Elmore P. Cranston, Phd. I'm pretty sure this was in the January issue, but I've forgotten where I put it.

"Straight razor shaving has been demonstrated through psychometric research to have severely limiting effects on intellectual capabilities. The supposition has been, and is soon to be verified, that the plethora of subjects to be learned and managed in order to become a straight razor shaver has a deleterious effect on the ability of straight razor shavers to think clearly and retain information.

Apparently, all the issues connected with straight razor shaving, such as soaps, creams, pre and post-shaves, angles, blade grinds, scale materials, strops, hones, various grits, not to mention technique issues generate a severe drain on the ability of the straight razor shaver to retain information, produce articulate posts on shaving forums and manage mathematical calculations.

This effect was demonstrated most recently when a group of straight razor shavers were tested by a measure requiring converting fractions from one denominator numeral to its equivalent. It was discovered that the reason that blade widths are stipulated in fractions containing the denominator '8' only was because the straight razor shavers were unable to calculate the conversion to an equivalent fraction. Professor Cranston, a straight razor shaver himself, has speculated that straight razor shaving may be causally related to the development of Alzheimer's Disease. He reported in an interview that he has done research showing this causal connection, but he is unable at this time to remember where he placed it."

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Originally Posted by jackknifeh

BTW, why is it called a 6/8" instead of a 3/4"? Just curious. Normally fractions are converted. Anyway, any difference explanations are appreciated.

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Is it an American thing ? ;)
Bengall boxes are labelled 3/4 rather than 6/8 .

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Is it an American thing ? ;)
Bengall boxes are labelled 3/4 rather than 6/8 .

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Blades are traditionally described in eighths of inches, sometimes sixteenths, but never any other denominators.

It's akin to old-time sawyers speaking of board thicknesses in quarters of inches, no matter how thick. Two inches is "8/4" to them.

Traditions and exceptions trump "general mathematical principles" sometimes.

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Originally Posted by ace

I found this article while browsing through Psychology Today. It was written by a Psychology Professor at the University of Boca Raton in South Florida, Elmore P. Cranston, Phd. I'm pretty sure this was in the January issue, but I've forgotten where I put it.

"Straight razor shaving has been demonstrated through psychometric research to have severely limiting effects on intellectual capabilities. The supposition has been, and is soon to be verified, that the plethora of subjects to be learned and managed in order to become a straight razor shaver has a deleterious effect on the ability of straight razor shavers to think clearly and retain information.

Apparently, all the issues connected with straight razor shaving, such as soaps, creams, pre and post-shaves, angles, blade grinds, scale materials, strops, hones, various grits, not to mention technique issues generate a severe drain on the ability of the straight razor shaver to retain information, produce articulate posts on shaving forums and manage mathematical calculations.

This effect was demonstrated most recently when a group of straight razor shavers were tested by a measure requiring converting fractions from one denominator numeral to its equivalent. It was discovered that the reason that blade widths are stipulated in fractions containing the denominator '8' only was because the straight razor shavers were unable to calculate the conversion to an equivalent fraction. Professor Cranston, a straight razor shaver himself, has speculated that straight razor shaving may be causally related to the development of Alzheimer's Disease. He reported in an interview that he has done research showing this causal connection, but he is unable at this time to remember where he placed it."

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I think I believe this article. It explains a lot about my concentration and ability (inability) to remember things. In fact, straight razor shaving damages brain capabilities so much it started to effect me before I even started using a straight razor. :)

BTW Ace, I put in bold type one of your comments. This is also evidence of the damage this shaving method does to the brain. :) OTOH, I'm thinking that was the punch line to this post. :D

Jack

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Originally Posted by WadePatton

Blades are traditionally described in eighths of inches, sometimes sixteenths, but never any other denominators.

It's akin to old-time sawyers speaking of board thicknesses in quarters of inches, no matter how thick. Two inches is "8/4" to them.

Traditions and exceptions trump "general mathematical principles" sometimes.

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Maybe not in Sheffield. :)

Size matters...to the individual user. I got a 7/8" Livi I hardly ever use bc it is quite simply too big for my jaw line. Too bad, as a lot of the nice custom razors are always 7/8 or 8/8. I bought a 4/8" Zowada and 5/8" Williams and they are the go to blade for me. Yes, smaller runs between cleaning, but they are like carving knives that can easily get into all the right angles of my jaw line without those "oh no" moments.