A penny for your thoughts

I have been shaving with a straight now since the start of the year. I currently have a Boker King Cutter which has served me well, however its beginning to pull and the crox doesn't bring it back to life as it once did, now I feel it needs a refresh. I have decided on getting an Naniwa 12k grit along with the DMT - 325 to flatten it with.

As recommended with honing I have decided to purchase a Ralf Aust razor so I have a point of reference to work with. What I cannot decide on however is which blade to get the 5/8 or the 7/8. I have been trying to decide for the last couple of days and haven't gotten anywhere. Does anyone own either of the blades I'm considering or both? If so which one do you prefer and is their a great difference between the two?

If I was to go for the 5/8 that would leave enough cash left to get a good quality badger brush. (I currently have a cheap starter set one)

But if I go with the 7/8 the scales would be a horn and I would get to experience what its like to use a bigger size blade.

Thanks, Sam.

It seems like if you are primarily focused on fixing your current Razor issue by learning to refresh/hone then that is a bit separate an issue compared to the 5/8 vs 7/8 issue. You did not mention whether the King Cutter was 5/8 but I'm just guessing that is the case... If you are quite satisfied with the shave, aside from the current status of the edge, then that would lead me to believe the 7/8 issue could be a question dealt with at a later time and I'd go for the 5/8 and Brush as you obviously have some concerns about the Brush or it would not be listed in your description.

However, if you are feeling that the fit/feel/ergonomics/etc are not what you were hoping they would be with the 5/8, despite the acceptable shave, then that bumps up the 7/8 issue in priority.

Seems to me the best case is to handle two issues at once by getting the 5/8 and the Brush therefore giving you a point of reference for your Refreshing/Honing, adding a Badger Brush to your arsenal and leaving the 7/8 issue for a later date... Which, BTW, may be able to be handled by simply placing a WTT Ad in the Classifieds offering up your King Cutter for a comparable Razor in 7/8. You never know what someone may be out there looking for!?

Overall, pretty good problems to have, no?! ;)

Best of luck and if you can provide more details on why the 5/8 is giving you issues it may make it easier to give more detailed answers.

Shawn
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I had only used 5/8 for shaving until I purchased a 6/8. Now I really like the added weight and size of the 6/8 but still rotate in several 5/8 with the 6/8s. I, and this is just me, would go 5/8 and brush. Which brush are you looking at?

I agree with Prahston. I can also add, I have the 5/8 Ralf Aust and it is one of my favorites. I also have a 6/8 and really don't see much difference in the shaves...just need to be aware that the feel is a little different. Also, my 5/8 has jumps, which I like a lot, and my 6/8 doesn't. For that reason only I prefer the 5/8...but that doesn't help you in the least on deciding about the 7/8. Sorry for that.

Harold

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Prahston

It seems like if you are primarily focused on fixing your current Razor issue by learning to refresh/hone then that is a bit separate an issue compared to the 5/8 vs 7/8 issue. You did not mention whether the King Cutter was 5/8 but I'm just guessing that is the case... If you are quite satisfied with the shave, aside from the current status of the edge, then that would lead me to believe the 7/8 issue could be a question dealt with at a later time and I'd go for the 5/8 and Brush as you obviously have some concerns about the Brush or it would not be listed in your description.

However, if you are feeling that the fit/feel/ergonomics/etc are not what you were hoping they would be with the 5/8, despite the acceptable shave, then that bumps up the 7/8 issue in priority.

Seems to me the best case is to handle two issues at once by getting the 5/8 and the Brush therefore giving you a point of reference for your Refreshing/Honing, adding a Badger Brush to your arsenal and leaving the 7/8 issue for a later date... Which, BTW, may be able to be handled by simply placing a WTT Ad in the Classifieds offering up your King Cutter for a comparable Razor in 7/8. You never know what someone may be out there looking for!?

Overall, pretty good problems to have, no?! ;)

Best of luck and if you can provide more details on why the 5/8 is giving you issues it may make it easier to give more detailed answers.

Shawn
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I couldn't have been happier with the Boker wouldn't dream of trading it. As I am now looking to give it a refresh I want a reference to aim for, which is a great excuse to get my second razor. I cant decide between the 7/8 or the 5/8 and the new brush.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JTmke

I had only used 5/8 for shaving until I purchased a 6/8. Now I really like the added weight and size of the 6/8 but still rotate in several 5/8 with the 6/8s. I, and this is just me, would go 5/8 and brush. Which brush are you looking at?

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I was looking at a few Edwin Jagger ones but I haven't given the brush much thought yet as if I do get the brush ill be ordering that from the U.k. The stones and the Ralf Aust I will be ordering from the U.S and sending to a friend of mine who is coming back to England in late June, the prices of the hones in the U.K are a lot higher than the U.S.

Do you have any suggestions for a good brush?

Attachment 167782
Quick Photo of the King Cutter

A penny of thought from a nickel head:thinking:: I would put more emphasis on getting a satisfying razor than worrying about the brush. You can whip up good lather with a starter kit brush. You can shave well with a 5/8 or a 7/8.

I have razors in both sizes. After using the 7/8 I like the extra weight and the smooth cutting through the beard that comes with it. My 5/8 is too light for me. It tends to jump and doesn't shave as clean as the 7/8. The lowest I would go is 6/8. It probably is me, but that's my preference.

Good luck with your decision.

OldSalt

The older I get the less I like big blades and I have quite a few. I find the 7/8s to be big and clumsy and the large scales keep getting in the way. More and more I reach for the 5/8s or 6/8s. They are lighter and more maneuverable and feel like an extension of your hand rather than a lead weight attached to it.

That's how I see it.

Got 7/8, 6/8, and 5/8 bles. I prefer the 6/8 by a wide margin. More important is the grind though I think. There's a significant difference between a quarter hollow and extra full hollow grind, size notwithstanding. All that being said, I'd wait until SRD got some more inventory in and look long and hard at the Ralf Aust blades.

I have a 5/8 Dovo, 6/8 Dovo, and a 5/8 Ralf Aust. I like the 5/8 Aust the best. Although the weight / hand feel is comparable to the 5/8 Dovo, the shave / cut feels so much better.

I use a Heinrich L. Thater Finest 25mm Badger Silvertip. I got it based on recommendations here. Love it ! I went in the mid-size of the mm, but I think I may try a slightly smaller (22mm maybe) of the same quality. I haven't tried any other brushes so my thoughts may not be worth much, but hats off to all those on the forum that recommended it in their posts. I was not disappointed.

I have the Naniwa 12k and the DMT - 325 on order. The razor I managed to get my hands on is the limited edition Ralf Aust 6/8th. I saw a post in the 'Razor' section here and decided that was the one for me, I guess the brush will have to wait. Unfortunately the source for the razor does not hone them before shipping, it was advertised with the factory edge. I plan to shave with it tonight, but from what I have read about factory edges I'm sure someone with the experience could improve it.

Could anyone recommend a place in the Uk where I could send it out for honing?

Cheers, Sam.

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Originally Posted by Harris

Unfortunately the source for the razor does not hone them before shipping, it was advertised with the factory edge.

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Did you test the edge? I've heard that Mr. Aust uses Naniwas to finish his edges, hence the razor should be shave ready. Why should he do differently for a limited Edition Razor? If you don't find it to be OK just shove it over the 12k a few times and strop. That should be enough, I reckon.

Would be interesting to hear how you went.

OldSalt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OldSalt

Did you test the edge? I've heard that Mr. Aust uses Naniwas to finish his edges, hence the razor should be shave ready. Why should he do differently for a limited Edition Razor? If you don't find it to be OK just shove it over the 12k a few times and strop. That should be enough, I reckon.

Would be interesting to hear how you went.

OldSalt

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I have now shaved twice with this razor, both times the razor has outperformed my expectations from what I have read about a factory edge. I guess what you heard was correct. The second shave was with 5 days worth of growth which the edge managed just fine.

I'm extremely happy with this razor. The craftsmanship is to a high standard and has a great balance/feel. If your able to get your hands on one snap it up before anyone else does.

Sam.

Thanks for your report. After I've had enough of my Gold Dollars and I get my X-mas gratification this year, I plan to get an Aust razor too. You can order them in different sizes and with a wide variety of scales directly from his website. No need for hurry. :)

Best shaves,
Joe