6/8 is slightly heavier than 5/8, but I'll very strongly recommend that razor over almost any other 5/8 that I've seen recently. We generally recommend starting with a razor between 5/8 and 6/8, and I believe the Wapienica's are even heavier than this one, and many people have learned with them. One thing I'm sure of - if you take that razor, you won't be disappointed.