Thread: What to start with?

When starting out with straight razor shaving, I've read a bunch here about the 5/8 being an ideal starter size. Can somebody summarize for me the differences in maneuverability between 5/8 and 6/8? Also, what role does blade weight play?
Is it similar to a martial blade point of reference, where the type of technique dictates size/weight?

I would not worry so much about blade widths as I would buying a good quality razor that has bee pro honed. The classifieds on this site are a good place to start. 5/8 tends to be the most common size for affordable razors. A lot were made probably because it was a good size for most. personally I have razors that run the gamut of widths and I like the way all of them perform. Your technique from stropping, beard prep, face stretching, and just plain old repetition, will make more difference than the width of the razor. Again, start with a known brand that has been pro honed and save a huge learning curve and use the wiki library here it is invaluable.Good luck it is a little daunting to start with but as it gets easier you wouldn't shave any other way.

The difference is trivial. Eventually people tend toward favorites after experimentation, but either will work fine for a beginner.

Another thing I always advise beginners, no full/extra hollow or spike point blades. Both tend to be aggressive and harder to control for someone starting out.

Regardless of blade width, look for a 1/4-1/2 hollow round point.

If all this is still going to be confusing because of the volume of answers you get PM any mentor.

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)

either 5/8 or 6/8 is fine, but I would just make sure it's a full hollow grind. Typically better for a beginner

I believe my straight razor is 6/8. I also have an interchangeable blade straight razor. My personal preference at this point is that the straight razor is better for hair removal and the interchangeable blade straight razor is better for whiskers and working around facial hair (beards, goatees, mustaches, sideburns). The main difference I believe is the spine is a little smaller and the blade is a little smaller and it may be a little sharper too. So it is hard to say which is the reason for my preference. Your mileage may vary.

If you look today in the classifieds here (http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=3) there are a fair number (6-8 or so) for sale that would be fine first razors. You can see pictures, look up the maker, PM the seller, or just decide and buy on. All are from members, so you can be assured they're straight shooters that would like you to enjoy SR shaving. Give it a look...your choice 5/8 or 6/8, it really doesn't matter, because you don't have habits or preferences yet, which is a good thing.

Forgot to mention that I have a mustache that has only been shaved twice in the 25 years + of married life, due to the odd looks and comments from the wife & kids! So that's one less navigation area in starting out.