How do you determine what's the right razor dimensions?

Hi,

i have the Dovo 5/8" kit from SRD, as a recommended beginner's blade, and have started shaving with it. Working out well so far.

It sounds like, from what I'm reading, that I should have a second blade at some point in the future. Makes sense to get one with a rounded end, for a beginner, but there seem to be many different sizes.

How does one determine what size is right for them (other than buys a bunch of blades)? Or does the size not make that much difference (to a beginner)? Is there some general guidelines?

I think you basically have to try different sizes to see what you prefer, unfortunately.

Bob

For me its a combination of things. The size, shape condition of a vintage blade. Mostly it is the way it shaves and holds an edge. I buy primarily vintage blades. I will use them for a while. If I like them then they have a home if not I sell them.

I started with 5/8 bought a couple bigger I'm time an still shave with 5/8 and 6/8 most often.

A good shaver is a good shaver

You must find your own way. Not only do you have size but grind to consider. Without going too drastic you could look for a razor that is a wedge or not as hollow in the same size. 6/8 is not a big jump.

Size is personal preference and until you try you won't find out. Maybe start with a 6/8 vintage from the classifieds. Wont cost a lot and will ay least let you know if bigger is better for you. There are Lots of variables in the end so start small and worry about size then grind etc etc. Good luck with your experimenting

If you are lucky, you may be able to borrow a razor or two from someone you know.

I'd change up the grind before I changed up the size. But a 6/8 isn't much of a jump. Beyond that it can get pricey.

I agree with criswilson10, trying a different grind (i.e. a wedge) will offer more of a variation for you than a change in width. It's all about personal preference. I have a few different types, but most are 5/8. Some are full hollow, some wedges, some framebacks...

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Originally Posted by bouschie

For me its a combination of things. The size, shape condition of a vintage blade. Mostly it is the way it shaves and holds an edge. I buy primarily vintage blades. I will use them for a while. If I like them then they have a home if not I sell them.

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Interesting approach to consider. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I agree with criswilson10, trying a different grind (i.e. a wedge) will offer more of a variation for you than a change in width. It's all about personal preference. I have a few different types, but most are 5/8. Some are full hollow, some wedges, some framebacks...

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Thanks @pups10, @criswilson10, @carlmaloschneider, and others. I didn't know about the grind at all (I see I have a 1/2 hollow). It sounds like I'll have to just give it a try and pick one (that is shave ready, since I need more time to research into honing). I'll monitor SRD and the classifieds to look for a second blade.

Yeah, basically that's the gist of it : you've got to try.

The only advice I sometimes give with a good level of certainty is that a beginner should not choose a 7/8+ blade (and for that matter agressive points) merely because the first trys are about finding the correct gestures, postures, blade angles, etc, and that large blades make it somehow a bit more difficult.

I can always point a counter-example to any other "truth" (ex : modern wedge, singing wedge, supple or rigid large blades, light big wedges, heavy small hollows, etc, etc)

That being said

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It sounds like, from what I'm reading, that I should have a second blade at some point in the future.

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Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... No. :nono:
You don't have to, should not have to, have such a feeling. That's peer pressure.

If you can find in your heart that you are content with one blade, then that's it.
Don't give in to the ramblings of razorholics, most of our predecessors before the internet had one razor for their whole life, if any.

At the hour of glory of "semainiers" (weekly sets) or luxury pairs for the rich, poor people seldom had even one... So...

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Originally Posted by Aggelos

That being said

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... No. :nono:
You don't have to, should not have to, have such a feeling. That's peer pressure.

If you can find in your heart that you are content with one blade, then that's it.
Don't give in to the ramblings of razorholics, most of our predecessors before the internet had one razor for their whole life, if any.

At the hour of glory of "semainiers" (weekly sets) or luxury pairs for the rich, poor people seldom had even one... So...

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This was very true in the past but you also have to consider our predecessors could either hone, including repairing blade chips, themselves or somebody nearby could do it. Today, over here, that is not necessarily the case for a beginner and any honing could involve mailing the razor away for service which can take several weeks before it is back. That was the position I was in when I started shaving with straight razors. So, a second back up razor can be a good idea in that case. OTH an old DE can be used too as a back up.

Now that I have taught myself to hone and repair chips I could definitely survive on just one razor. Unfortunately in the process of learning to hone and buying used razors to learn on I am now a confirmed "razorholic". ;) :gaah:

Bob

@Aggelos appreciate the advice on sidings.

I was thinking of a second blade from others' comments about having a spare, for when I send mine out to be honed (or in the case that I do the honing and mess it up), or to use as a reference for sharpness.

Even though all the styles and types seem interesting, it's more of a curiosity. I don't (at this time) have the blade buying bug. :)

@BobH yeah, I could use my safety razor as the backup, and keep some blades around. Good idea! I think a second one will still make sense for when I start doing honing.

That would, indeed, be a correct, rational, motivation :)

Carry on, don't mind the ramblings of someone who bought his second razor even before he could use his first and almost only have pairs (my condition is far worse than yours, I am a deep rooted antiques scavenger, even before I ever had my first str8 in hand) :rofl2:

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Originally Posted by Aggelos

That would, indeed, be a correct, rational, motivation :)

Carry on, don't mind the ramblings of someone who bought his second razor even before he could use his first and almost only have pairs (my condition is far worse than yours, I am a deep rooted antiques scavenger, even before I ever had my first str8 in hand) :rofl2:

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Well, a year from now, after I have a billion blades and am spending all my time on the classifieds looking for yet another blade, you can tell me "I told you so!" :D (hoping I don't get addicted to collecting blades - I've been fighting off collecting camera lenses and it sure is hard :))

Unfortunately for us wet shavers razors aren't the only addiction we need to fight. I find myself splurging on one amd once I get that under control I'm into the next one. Good luck fighting them all off

Yes, no way to know what you prefer personally unless you find out by trying it out.

It's the same as wondering whether you prefer apples or pears after you've had an apple for the first time in your life and never had a pear. Even with apples there's so much variety and some apples could taste pretty similar to some pears.

I find the difference between a 5/8 and a 6/8 to be THE significant step. I'm sure this is all personal, but I like my 6/8 thru 8/8 razors much more than the 5/8 razors I've tried. My recommendation would be to try a full hollow 6/8 for your next razor.

I also have a Dovo 5/8 from SRD. I purchased a few vintage blades that were 9/16 I think, and used them while I was getting some honing practice in. When I went back to the 5/8 the biggest thing I noticed was the weight of the 5/8 blade. Most vintage razors I've purchased seem noticeably lighter. Going back to the Dovo 5/8 took a slight bit more effort to control than the smaller vintage razors. The Dovo has a rounded spine, so that adds to the weight a bit as well. Not uncomfortable just different.

I just picked up an inexpensive second razor from the classifieds, 9/16 with a 1/4 hollow. It has a square end (toe), so I'll need to be more cautious. Will try it to see how the shave is different. It is shave ready - hopefully so. When I get ready to try honing, I can use this one first, rather than the new Dovo.

My very first straight had a spike toe, they're not really much of a problem. Just be careful as you travel across your cheek to your neck; they can catch you under the ear if you're not careful...

Yeah, I've been really careful, as I just started with straights. I respected safety razors... I REALLY respect straights!

Total Newbee here, but I have a new 6/8 and an older 5/8 and a shavette. The 6/8 is much bigger and heavier feeling. It feels good in the hand, but may be a bit harder to manipulate and get an appropriate amount of pressure. Just an impression FWIW. Again, total newbee thoughts!
Jerry

I've been doing this for about a year. I have two new Dovo 5/8 razors (haven't used one yet) and a vintage 4/8. I have a full beard and only shave my cheeks and neck. I am finding that both do well, but I find the 4/8 a little more maneuverable. I am looking for another 4/8 as a matter of fact to have two of each size. I am hoping to keep it to this small collection, and not go the way I have with fountain pens, knives, and guns... :o