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I would like to start shaving with a straight. Are there any discussions/threads you could recommend discussing the pros and cons of the different widths? I have come across mentions of stability vs maneuverability but couldn't find a a solid discussion of the topic. Thanks.
Dave
There are tons of these in this forum (Newbies)
Really either size would be fine...
I always recommend the same starting razor:
Carbon Steel, 6/8 round point 1/2 hollow grind...
This is a dead center razor size wise and grind wise so you can decide which direction you would want to go after you gain some experience...
Also the 6/8 size is slightly easier to strop when you are first starting...
So would you recommend this razor Vintage*Blades*LLC*::*Dovo... ? For a beginner...because I was either going to get the 6/8 or the 5/8. But I wasn't sure of the big difference.
Yes great starting razor there, it is a full hollow grind, there is another 6/8 Dovo that is just a hollow grind too, for about the same price.. I am sorry I don't have the link....
But yes that is a perfect first razor either way you go, Please Please make sure you either buy with the honing service, or send it to any of us here that do honing so you get it shave ready....
PS: Now I do have the link TY Raidel
http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xc...cat=132&page=1
That is a good one. I am with Glen on the 6/8. I like the slightly larger blade. Whichever you get make sure to go for the honing option.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raidel
Glen makes a solid recommendation. This one is extremely funny indeed... ;-) I am not going to say who recommended this razor originally ;-). Yes, there are many threads discussing the widths. Here is one: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...6-8-7-8-a.html
Al raz.
Most guys are comfortable starting with a 5/8 or a 6/8. Get a notch, Spanish or French point if you can. Stay clear of the round points. A spike is much better to learn on. Just like driving a stick shift, once you learn, you'll wonder why others bother with round points.
X
PS I also prefer half hollows like Glen.
I highly recommend a 5/8 or 6/8 to start and use a round point. WHen I was fist leaning, I constantly cut myself at the ears using a spike or square point. I think when learning try to eliminate as many potential hazards as possible, and a round point reduces the potential for gouges and cuts. It is one less thing to worry about and focus on.
Even now when I use a pike point I still occasionally cut myself at the ear (I wear glasses when shaving so my peripheral vision gets somewhat disrupted) and I have to be VERY careful with a spike or square point.
Just my personal opinion.
I have found the opposite. With the round point, I can't tell where the edge finishes and I tend to get a nick from it especially as I try to shave around my nose. To each his own I guess.Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett
X
I started with a round, the transition to spike did get a few nicks. I'd say get a spike with a gently rounded tip, or gently round it yourself. the round does have the problem of it doesn't end quite right. I have a couple in the shaving rotation, but with they had a different point style.
Red
Thanks for all the reponses. The trend sems to be toward a 6/8 which is counter to what I remember. Even Chris Moss called the 5/8 full hollow the "vanilla ice cream" (I am paraphrasing) of razors. It's also what the vendors" websiites recommend as the beginner razor. There are also more of them. So what have you experienced gents learned over the years that makes the 6/8 1/2 hollow better to start with?
As Glen pointed out, the 6/8, being slightly wider, is just a little easier to strop. The greater the distance between the edge and the spine, the easier it is to keep the blade flat during stropping. There is little difference between it and the 5/8 but you would really notice with a 3/8.
If you were to do a census count of every straight razor ever made, then you would likely discover the basis for the vanilla reference. It was by far the most common size.
a 6/8 is just a good size that is easy to hold and comfortable in the hand and easy to maneuverable on the entire face and you can easily see what you are doing (where blade hits skin). Small blades and large ones take a lot more practice to maneuver due to their odd sizing so it adds a layer of complication that you don't need when learning. Large blades are tough especially around the nose.
Is 4/8 to small to start with??
I too am very new to straights. I have bought 7 different razors off EBay trying to get the perfect old razor. They range form 4/8's to 6/8's in size and some are round and others are square. Both stainless and carbon steel. I have shaved with all of them now. What I have learned is that the razor needs to be knowingly sharp first for a new straight razor person. From there what I have learned is I like the square point best. The reason is you can see the end of the razor and know where to expect the razor to shave. As far as size I don't really see a big difference. I trim the top side of my mustache so a smaller blade is at an advantage there but have learned to push my nose as needed, I even use it for leverage for shaving.
Hope this helps some.
I wouldn't consider it too small, it really depends on the person. I think lighter razors are more helpful in developing good technique too.Quote:
Originally Posted by newstraight
Dave
Im pretty new at this myself and only have a few shaves under my belt (no pun intended) Anyway I went with a 6/8 carbon blade and I really like it. After using it I dont think I will ever use a 5/8 as a matter of fact I see my next razor being bigger like a 7/8.
For shaving under the belt a 4/8 would probably, and I emphasize probably, be fine. :p
I like the 6/8 for daily face shaving too.
That cracked me up :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by AFDavis11
I started with two NOS Wacker 4/8ths. They are now in good hands. I really wish I had started with a 1/2 hollow 6/8ths. I find the smaller blades too manoeuverable for a beginner. Personal preference, though, and your mileage may vary.Quote:
Originally Posted by newstraight
Thinking of buying a straight off Home - are they any gd. Has anyone brought a razor off them. Was also wandering if anyone had are their razors really shave ready as they say they are??
Thanks
i responded to your post in the other thread, but you probably want to start your own threads when you have questions. you'll get more response that way. there's a button at the top of this section that does this.Quote:
Originally Posted by newstraight