Thread: Noob to straights - the first of many questions.

Originally Posted by Sunsi

Like I say it is contentious, so I would not take it as gospel. Theoretically a 3/8s sharpened to perfection will take the hairs off your face just as easily as a 7/8 will, but my very limited experiences to date are that a heftier blade is easier to work on a thick beard.

Cheers

Si

Si, thanks, I know the YMMV mantra but I do like the feel of a heftier implement in my hands (oo'er missus) so I'd probably feel more comfortable with a heftier blade, whether it makes a difference or not.

Originally Posted by Sunsi

Theoretically a 3/8s sharpened to perfection will take the hairs off your face just as easily as a 7/8 will...

It is, however, a lot easier to hone and strop that 7/8 to perfection, which probably has something to do with it. The bigger blades do seem to be easier on beginners regardless of beard type, though this may not be true once you get into the really big blades like 8/8s or even 7/8 wedges because the weight can be a bit cumbersome.

Originally Posted by mparker762

It is, however, a lot easier to hone and strop that 7/8 to perfection, which probably has something to do with it. The bigger blades do seem to be easier on beginners regardless of beard type, though this may not be true once you get into the really big blades like 8/8s or even 7/8 wedges because the weight can be a bit cumbersome.

Thanks, even better, sounds like a 7/8 it will be then ( Once I have got some experience wielding a straight or similar anyway ).

Before you proclaim a preference I'd recommend trying one first because talking about a 7/8 is one thing.....but when you hold it for the first time it really is quite big. My favorite size is 6/8 big enough to feel like you're holding something but small enough not to feel like an axe but like a precision instrument.

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Before you proclaim a preference I'd recommend trying one first because talking about a 7/8 is one thing.....but when you hold it for the first time it really is quite big. My favorite size is 6/8 big enough to feel like you're holding something but small enough not to feel like an axe but like a precision instrument.

Point taken, either way I need to to be sure a straight will give me a reasonable shave before I make any purchases.