Thread: New to the game, razor sizes?

Hello,
Im new to both straight razors and forums. I tried to search for info on how to find the right blade size, but can't find what I'm looking for.

I have a nice shaving whipped dog straight razor from larry. I'm curious as to the pro's and con's of having a larger blade size (7/8) or having a smaller blade size (3/8) or something in between. I know everyone has to figure things out for their own preferences, but I would rather not make a pricey mistake buying a razor that is uncomfortable to handle when I decide to buy my first "new" razor (whipped dog is a freshly honed used razor).

Aside from a smaller size being easier to handle the mustache area, what are your thoughts?

If a post already exists covering this, please let me know.

I use all the different sizes from 3/8 up to and including a 10/8. The bigger the razor the more unwieldy it becomes, meaning that it usually takes some getting used to that is why the majority of them are considered "barbers". I would say that starting out, anything from a 4/8 to a 6/8 would work depending on the size of your hands and how dexterous you are. A 4/8 is usually considered "safe" for a beginner because it is a lot easier to handle. Also consider, Don't go for a Full Hollow blade just yet as those take a bit of getting used to and can be persnickety because they tend to flex. Go for a 1/4 or a 1/2 hollow razor. Also, a round point will be better for you just starting out because there are no pointy ends to gouge and cut your face. I hope this helps.

Generally, it's suggested that you start out with a 5/8 size razor. In terms of handling it's right between the bigger, heavier ones and the smaller, lighter ones. 5/8 being about average in handling for most beginners and leaving the room to concentrate on learning the continual basics of the craft. Lather building, learning the ins and outs of your face, learning to strop without ruining the edge. The "right" size will show it self to you once you get comfortable with getting decent shaves under your belt. And any chance you get to try another shaver's razors of different sizes it will help you zero in on your general decision. You
might eve decide that size doesn't matter, it's the quality of the shave that is more important. Time will tell.

In my case I started with a 4/8 and a 3/8. My general preference now is any size from 5/8 on up for the challenge of learning to master that particular size and grind. And grind isn't even on your mind as yet and that's another can of lather to think about.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Generally, it's suggested that you start out with a 5/8 size razor. In terms of handling it's right between the bigger, heavier ones and the smaller, lighter ones. 5/8 being about average in handling for most beginners and leaving the room to concentrate on learning the continual basics of the craft. Lather building, learning the ins and outs of your face, learning to strop without ruining the edge. The "right" size will show it self to you once you get comfortable with getting decent shaves under your belt. And any chance you get to try another shaver's razors of different sizes it will help you zero in on your general decision. You
might eve decide that size doesn't matter, it's the quality of the shave that is more important. Time will tell.

In my case I started with a 4/8 and a 3/8. My general preference now is any size from 5/8 on up for the challenge of learning to master that particular size and grind. And grind isn't even on your mind as yet and that's another can of lather to think about.

Is that's what she said???

Since you already have a razor, perhaps you might start by thinking of what you like about it and what you think its drawbacks are. As others have said (setting aside grind for the moment), a smaller razor will tend to be easier to work in tight spaces. A larger or heavier blade may work better with your beard.

For me, experimenting has been part of the fun. I started out with a 6/8 round point but now also use and enjoy some 5/8s as well as square and spanish points. Each requires slight adjustments to my technique but all shave very well.

Larger blades are harder to maneuver but angle is easier to maintain where smaller blades are easier to maneuver but you need to pay more attention to angle as slight adjustments make a bigger difference. I have from 3/8 to 7/8 and you can use any of them they all will take time to learn.

Hand and finger size also makes a difference. In my mitts anything smaller than 5/8 is hard to control. Skinny tangs. I favor 6/8 or 5/8 though I also have some larger blades when I'm in the mood.

Welcome to SRP!
A lot of this is covered in the Library - you definitely want to read through it and watch some of the videos.
The typical recommendation for a beginner is a 5/8 or 6/8 round point that is professionally honed (personally I'd recommend 5/8).
The smaller and larger blades require different angles and pressure than the 5/8 which all of the tutorials seemed to be aimed at. And you don't want to mess up the angle with a small blade or the pressure with a large blade - you will wind up with more than just a nick that a styptic pencil can handle. OK, you don't want to mess up pressure and angle with any razor, but my small blades are more sensitive to the angle and my large blades are more sensitive to pressure.

If you can find an antique store that has different sizes, you could hold them and see how you like the different weights.

Unfortunately, for you wallet, you will probably end up with multiple razors of multiple sizes within a year, so keep an eye on the classifieds and experiment.

While I agree with the general 5/8 suggestion, a 6/8 will not be much more difficult to handle for a beginner and may prove more appropriate in the long run, as seasoned straight shavers tend to migrate to slightly larger sizes.

While I started off with a 5/8, as many of us did, I now prefer 6/8 blades and only occasionally touch my smaller 4/8 and 5/8 razors.
The progression happened within the first 100 days and in hindsight 6/8 straights would have turned out to be the betters investment.