Thread: What to start with?

I believe that you will find that 99.9% of Everything about using a straight razor is 'Personal Preference'.

When I started all I had was my deceased uncles 9/16 Genco Grant with a spike end. On occasion I still use it as it's a great shaver! However through the years I've found that I 'prefer' razors in the 6/8 to 7/8 range. That's just my preference. I can shave with any size razor.

With that said I don't recommend anything smaller than a 9/16 as a beginner blade as the angles change much faster. It may be hard to imagine but try to keep Two Spine Widths off of your face. That is a good guide regardless of that size razor you are using.

Also about the 'weight' of a razor, I feel that with slightly heavier razors it's easier to not be tempted to use 'pressure' as the weight of the blade works with gravity.

The only 'pressure' that should be needed is just enough to ensure that the blade is making contact with the skin.

This age old art has a huge learning curve but once semi mastered yields very rewarding results.

It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey!

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)