Thread: question before I even buy one..

I have been using my set up I bought from The Art Of Shaving and want to step it up to a straight. I learned to shave on one when I was about 15 so its been about 10 years. I was looking online for a used one and want to restore it, throw on some homemade scales, and go from there.

My question is what are the different sizes and what do they do differently than the others?

Other than that I have been looking around on here and have found most of my answers already.

Thanks,
Mike

Some would say that smaller razors are easier to maneuver while the larger razors give more heft for mowing down heavy beards. I think it’s more about what feels better in your hand and on your face. A sharp 4/8 will shave as well as a big meat chopper. That being said, I usually use my bigger razors when I have a couple days growth going.

5/8 and to a lesser extent 6/8 are the "standard" razor size and more common than larger or smaller razors. They are as good a place to start as any. You'll want to try a few different sizes and see what you like. If you're like me, you'll like them all!

Jordan

Hello and welcome to the SRP!

Historically, the most popular size was the 5/8. Currently, it seems that the most popular is the 6/8 based upon comments from the guys here at SRP.

As you may already know razors are denominated in 1/8" increments and refer to the width of the blade. It seems that the wider the blade, given the same grind, the stiffer the blade. This generally applies to full hollow, bi-concave grinds. The classic German, very thin, grind.

The major difference in razors is the grind. There is the classic English, "wedge", a single concave grind that is usually found on Wade & Butchers. The single concave grind is also found on some of the American made razors in the 4/8 size. I have also seen it on 2 Dorko's that I have. This grind is very stiff. It has no "flex" when it encounters a whisker. It simply mows them down. This grind is also referred to as a 1/4 hollow grind by some.

The German grinds vary widely but are usually bi-concave grinds. The difference is where the "belly" or "ridge" is located. That location influences the the "flex"/"stiffness" of the razor. The thickness of the blade also is a major contributor.

Which should you purhase? Only you can decide that but I would recommend a vintage 5/8 or 6/6 German full hollow to start with.

Hope this helps,