Thread: Choosing first razor

SRP wiki recommends to start with 5/8, full hollow, round point.
As i understand round point is to prevent cutting oneself. Can other point types (except spike one) be still good?
If i can pick 4/8 or 6/8 what is better for a beginner?
What does hollow type affect? Looks like it is about honing/stroping, not shaving, right?

Slimmer razors tend to be a bit harder to strop and use but there are still plenty of guys who like a 4/8. Personally I would err towards a 5/8 or 6/8. You could ask whoever you buy from to slightly mute the point if you get a square or spike. A slight mute can easily be honed out if you so desire. Choose something you find pleasing aesthetically and you will be more inclined to work through the rough patches.

I would suggest a 6/8 over the 4/8. I learned on a 6/8 myself, but the 5/8 is standard. Also, a round point is your best bet at first, the others can be troublesome. You mentioned a Dovo, that's a good razor to start with.

I'd go for a vintage or NOS shave ready 6/8. Hollow or extra hollow, does not need to be round point as long as the point is not sharp (e.g. spanish point could work if you kill the point with a swipe over a fine grit sandpaper).

Where I'm at, Bengalls are wide spread and cheap, so I own two 6/8s and one 5/8. All excellent shavers.

I'm looking at japanese blades at the moment, a lot of them that I like are 6/8 and hollow. There are sellers on ebay based in the States that sell them shave ready. That would be a very good choice and high quality steel (harder than most Sheffields and Solingens though). I like their hardness, they will take a great edge and probably hold it longer. Just my 2c...

Why "hollow or extra hollow"?
That is the last major SR parameter i don't understand

Originally Posted by lionrouge

Why "hollow or extra hollow"?

They are usually easiest and more forgiving to a person just beginning in str8 shaving. I have full hollow and 1/4 hollow razors. The full hollow are easy to use and give great feedback. A 1/4 or a wedge there is no feedback and can sometimes lead to more cuts and nicks until you get the hang of shaving.

I have one full hollow that is what some refer to as a "singer" or sings when you shave or in reality if I understand the concept makes a very distinct "ting" sound as it grabs and cuts.

Originally Posted by lionrouge

Michael70 told here i will need "a few in rotation". Why? Razors can't stand everyday use?

They can but you will find that you want to try a different size razor. I started with the common 5/8 and then I got another 5/8 then I decided to try a 6/8 which was beefier and felt great plowing through the whiskers. Then another 6/8 but with a Spanish point to do single hair and fine line trimming, then a very hefty PRC with a French point for a more subdued point for trying. Well I think you are seeing a pattern. And all of which are still and remain in rotation (all 6) and I don't have a smidgeon as compared to others.

I want a 7/8 next to see how it will plow through the facial forest! Will it ever stop??????

Originally Posted by Michael70

I want a 7/8 next to see how it will plow through the facial forest! Will it ever stop??????

7/8 is pretty nice. Very different than 5/8 but a nice shaver.

I shaved with a single SR for a year, only ocassionally using a DE. With proper care, it didn't need honing for the whole year and I was quite happy. I made sure I liked straight shaving, before I got another 6 blades. Take it slow, everyone will tell you the same thing: Better try it first and I'd say don't spend a ton of money. $100 US will surely get you a nice razor, but personally, for my first razor, I wasn't gonna pay more that $60 (shave ready+shipped). Still love that blade, it's a superb shaver.

Originally Posted by lionrouge

Why "hollow or extra hollow"?
That is the last major SR parameter i don't understand

It's simply easier to learn and maintain. You could learn with a 8/8 spike wedge but it would be harder to learn and maintain and you will probably look like you have been fighting with cats till you get your shaves right. They are recommended just cause its the easiest for a beginner,simple as that