Thread: First Post: Thoughts on Learning with a 7/8"

Hey Everyone,

After years of scouring the internet for all things wet shaving and using my grandfather's Gillette Fat Tech to get used to DE shaving and all of the tools of the trade I finally made my way here. A couple of years ago after beginning to learn about straight razor shaving I picked up a pre-1890 Frederick Reynolds straight razor with horn scales that had no rust, a decent edge and a ton of patina. I shipped it off to Razor Emporium for the rehab work and got it back in great shape and shave ready. I rewatched a bunch of the videos I had watched before and gave it my best shot.

As I'm sure is true for many people here the first shot wasn't great. Had the angle all wrong mostly and just not very smooth with a lot of irritation. Then I found my way here and found Lynn's Beginner's posts and some of his YouTube videos and felt a lot better about my less than successful first shave; at least my jaw-line came out okay. One of the things that one of Lynn's video's seemed to suggest is that the angel is harder to perfect the wider the blade is. This was in no way a part of my knowledge base when I first bought my razor and the only razor I (currently) have is my 7/8" Sheffield. Anyone any input on whether it makes sense to try and learn the ropes of this art form on a slimmer razor or how best to get comfortable with a 7/8" is greatly appreciated.

And because I think it's beautiful, here's the razor:



~Dan

I think no matter what size, the only thing that will help is practice and then more practice. I am sure everyone had some issues starting. I started with a smaller razor. 5/8. The more you shave, the better you will get. One thing that I had problems with is pressure. Too much. That and proper skin stretching. Keep at it with your razor. If you decide to get a smaller razor to try and see if that help, then it is a good excuse to expand your collection

For the "average" neophyte, a 5/8 or 6/8 will inspire more confidence ,thus shorten the learning curve. That is a sweet Frederick Reynolds "Rattler"btw.

I think you will be fine. The curve is different for everyone but everyone winds up with a learning curve. A couple of things that I always need to keep in mind are no pressure is needed, the angle needs to stay low, skin stretching makes for a closer more comftable shave and dry lather makes my face too sticky for an effective shave. It does take a while to hit good shave consistently but it comes as you practice. A few aha moments.

I really like your razor too, but it wouldn't be my first choice for someone starting out. I'm not saying you can't learn with it but it's just going to be a little more difficult. I have a couple of large razors and they shave great but for me, they are harder to control. Good luck and happy shaving.

I've been shaving with a straight for around 18 months or so and those shaves have been with either a 5/8 or 6/8. I recently acquired a 7/8 Dorko and didn't have any issues adjusting to the increased size.

I find it easier to see what I'm doing with a big razor.

Welcome to the forum, and that is a great looking razor.

I would only echo what has been said before, no pressure, tight skin and slick lather are the key. My first shaves were comfortable enough but just not close. That only came when I reduced the pressure.

As for the size of the razor, you are learning a new skill so you don't really have the comparison of anything else. So go for it, take your time, don't get discouraged by the first few shaves and enjoy yourself.

As long as you keep your angle low and pressure light you should learn and adjust just as quickly using any razor. Just keep practicing and remember you don't have to do everything just do the cheeks and finish with the de till you are comfortable. Rushing won't help you learn quicker.

You are lucky to start off with such an amazing razor. I wish I started with Sheffield steel.
I preferred 7/8ths when I started out. Now down the line, it seems like I'm preferring the smaller ones..
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