Thread: What size and point should I buy for my second straight razor?

Having 2 razors while learning to shave with a straight razor is a good idea. The most economical way to get a second razor is to buy a vintage straight razor that is in good condition and shave ready. It is generally considered that you need to get 100 shaves or 3 months of every day shave to become decent with a straight razor. Being new to the sport you will dull your razor faster than older hands so a second razor will serve you well while you send out the other to be honed.

It is generally not recommended to learn to hone a straight razor while you are learning to shave with one. Both come with long steep learning curves and to tackle both at once can be a bit much. It can be done but you will be learning to shave with edges that are sub par while you learn to hone at the same time.

Blade size, style of point and grind are all personal choices/preferences. I don't recall seeing barbers use anything bigger than a 5/8 full hollow blade. Barbers being business people that was all that was needed to get the job for the least amount of money spent. Personally I would not go any smaller than a 5/8 blade and prefer a 6/8 to 7/8 blade.

All grinds will shave equally well if they have equally good edges. The feel of the shave will be different though. You'd have to try different grinds and sizes to see which are to your personal liking. For point styles the round point is the safest for beginners with the spike point offering more of an opportunity to cut yourself with the spike tip. The other styles are in between those two.

You might want to try a vintage shave ready 6/8 in a heavier grind as your next razor purchase. The point style is up to you just remember the spike point can be a little unforgiving to the beginner.

Bob