Thread: Did I make a mistake by buying a 5/8 straight razor?

Originally Posted by realdog4

Thanks for the replies. I bought a Ralf Aust razor/strop package from SRD. I upgraded to the 3" strop. It includes oil but no mention of paste.

Do I need paste?

Wow! This is indeed a steep learning curb.

Reminds me of the first time I went snow skiing. I wanted to try the blue run and ended up on a black diamond.

Most SR shavers use a clean (no paste) strop as a daily driver. Some, not all, have a paddle or a hanger with some paste to use occasionally but certainly not on a regular basis. At least that is how I approach it. Don't use that oil unless you want to increase the draw (resistance). If you do use it, a little goes a very long way.

Raff Aust is a fine razor. A 5/8 is a good size to start with, and many guys stay with that size. Easy to maneuver yet large enough to get the job done. Personally I don't care for 4/8 but that is more ergonomics for my thick fingers have a hard time with the skinny tangs. Some guys like those as well.

You will be fine!

I learned on a 9/16 Genco Grant Square Point that was my Uncles. I've since found that I 'Prefer' a 6/8 to 11/16 but as Everything associated with Using and Maintaining a Straight Razor it's all about 'Personal Preference'!

'Personally' I wouldn't recommend a 4/8 for a beginner. Here's my reasoning; Due to the light weight and 'quick angle changes' a newbie has a much greater chance of an AW CRAP! And that AW CRAP may be enough to have them determine that using a straight razor 'Isn't For Them'! However with that said; Once a newbie becomes proficient with a larger blade they may find the 4/8 very handy!

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Thanks for everyone's input. As I mentioned in my New Member Introduction post, I have been a DE user for the last year.

I really like this forum and appreciate the willingness of all the members to help the beginners. I am confident that I am in the right place.

I am equally confident that this is not going to be just a hobby but an evolution to the art of a good shave.

In short, you won't see my straight razor and related items for sale with the explanation that "it is not for me".

Take care,
Jason

As others have said, the 5/8 is a good size to start with. It's not too big and it's not to small.
When your blade arrives don't strop it. It is already stropped and ready to go from Lynn. Just wipe the oil off and shave with it.
After you shave, strop it about 10 travels on the linen to dry out any tiny water droplets in the bevel.
From there, it is up to you.
I do a full stropping 40 travels on linen and 40 travels on leather so I'm shave ready the next day and it seems to make a more comfortable shave.
Some people strop more, some strop less; some people wait until right before they shave to strop. You get to play around and see what works best for you and what you like.

The strop from SRD comes pre oiled, so you don't have to treat it right away. I treat mine about once a month with about a quarter sized drop in my hand and just rub it in good. When you do oil it, you will notice an increase in the resistance of your blade on the strop (that's the draw).

Most beginners nick up their first strop and consequently the blade during the first month. So after a month your blade will probably need a refresh hone.

A pasted strop is a secondary leather or linen strop that is treated with polishing compound to make the edge smoother and increase the time between honing on stones. Some people use them, some people don't. I do about 10 travels on a CrOx pasted leather bench strop about every week or so. CrOx paste is pretty popular, as are diamond sprays, carbon, iron, and CBN. Each of the pastes/sprays gives a different feel to the shave.

Originally Posted by realdog4

I thought I made a good first purchase from SRD but I just read somewhere in the library of this site that 6/8 was ideal for a first razor.

Did I make a mistake or is this a marginal deviation or an issue too subjective to render an opinion?

On a side note, Lynn mentioned that I would need a touch up rather than honing after a certain period of time.

What does this mean? I was a bit overwhelmed at the time and forgot to ask.

Take care,
Jason

A 5/8 is a fine razor to start with...no problem!

My first, which I still use and will always have a place in my rotation is my Dovo Best Quality 5/8 half hollow grind. Perfect blade to start with IMO, the half hollow gives great feedback while still having the heft of a wedge-like blade.

I think what Lynn was referring to is a, "refresh" for your razor rather than a full honing. The bevel will be set on your blade, and as beginners, we tend to be harder on an edge with being new to shaving and stropping, so a refresh on a finishing stone, like a Naniwa 12k for example, brings the edge back to shave ready rather easily. Lynn has a great video on various ways you can, "refresh" the blade yourself.

Originally Posted by Phrank

A 5/8 is a fine razor to start with...no problem!

My first, which I still use and will always have a place in my rotation is my Dovo Best Quality 5/8 half hollow grind. Perfect blade to start with IMO, the half hollow gives great feedback while still having the heft of a wedge-like blade.

I think what Lynn was referring to is a, "refresh" for your razor rather than a full honing. The bevel will be set on your blade, and as beginners, we tend to be harder on an edge with being new to shaving and stropping, so a refresh on a finishing stone, like a Naniwa 12k for example, brings the edge back to shave ready rather easily. Lynn has a great video on various ways you can, "refresh" the blade yourself.

I wanted the same DOVO but SRD is running low on inventory. I think he mentioned that DOVO is extremely behind in fulfilling orders.

I started with a 5/8. Almost everybody does. I still shave with 5/8 razors.
5/8 are not beginners razors just razors everybody begins with when starting this better way of shaving. If you like your 5/8 and do no become a shaving related addict it will serve you and your children and their children well. To most of us on SRP this has become a hobby or rather an addiction. Just yesterday I bought soap and shaving cream from three different vendors, oh and another hone

Start out with shaving and stropping. If you learn that well and are satisfied with that you will only need something to touch up a blade and paste or a barbers hone can do that.

Hello, from all accounts you are in great shape right now.

Many opinions (including mine) say the Ralf Aust is a notably superior razor when compared to a Dovo of the same price range (+/-$20 or so). I have one Dovo in the rotation (had two a while back) and two RA blades..Ralf Aust is just a better product all the way around ...I think.

After nearly 40 years of using a straight, I still keep a couple 5/8 blades in the mix (both Bokers) and I enjoy them quite a bit. Yes most of my razors are 6/8 with a 7/8 or two as well. 6/8 is my preferred size blade but that is merely personal choice.

As others have said here (good advice too) a number of laps on both fabric and leather before shaving (I go 25 on fabric/50 on leather before and 25/25 after just to ensure the blade is dry before I put it up) is all I have ever done. Never used pastes...never will. No need for such I believe. Touch up stone is a good thing. Again choice is yours. I have had good luck with Welsh slate, a Naniwa 8k and/or 12k; a Zulu Grey is en route which should prove interesting. Again, all a matter of personal preference.

Only thing I can add is to take time to read the Forum threads which deal with your questions. There is a wealth of knowledge to be found (wish I had this resource 30-40 years ago) and armed with that knowledge, you will find your own path.

Jason,

I am a wee bit late to this thread, and you've been given solid advice. I add one more thing: have patience and embrace the whole ritual of straight razor shaving.

I love my DOVO Best Quaility 5/8