Thread: 5/8 or 6/8 ?

I am a one year newbie now, and I would suggest a carbon. I have both and am still working on getting my TI SS sharp! Its coming around, but my Dovo carbon was my first razor and quite truthfully I am soooo glad it was my first. It is much easier to sharpen and thus your learning curve will be faster I would think. I have both sizes and the 6/8 has a lot more "weight" to it. If you have a particularily heavy beard I would go 6/8. You will love the Dovo! As many have said, once the bug bites it will be the first of many.

Either one will slice nice, but for a first one, the 6/8 gets a very slight edge on two counts, they are a slight bit easier to keep flat on the strop, and it is pretty much the dead center size, so you can easily decide whether you want larger or smaller, and be able to move in either direction.... Welcome aboard the Straight Train....

PS as to carbon or SS I really don't think it matters all that much, they both will rust if not cared for and they both get sharp..

I prefer carbon steel edges because they seem to be the smoothest for my skin.
As for size: I agree with Glen: 6/8 is the center size, and from there you can go larger or smaller. And no matter where your tastes lie, it is very probable that you'll like the 6/8 no matter if you like small or big blades.

i would go with a 6/8 carbon. the carbon is easier to hone and i like the heavy blades a lot better it feels like you are actually holding something. i have a 7/8 6/8 and a 5/8 i bought the 5/8 to learn to hone on and actually shaved with it last week, i did not like it one bit it felt like i was shaving with a popsicle stick

ok Im gonna do this tonight, Im gonna look at straight razor design then I'll post up what Im looking at then I'll make the purchase.

let us know how it goes

Ok it looks like the Dovo 6/8 round tip with tortise shell handle, I also like the Dovo 6/8 Red Bismark.

Im looking at a Shavemac 23mm finest with imitation ivory handle, or the Shavemac Handmade Silver Tip Shaving Brush 26 mm Ivory imitation.


Should I spend the extra money and get the silver tip ? is it necessary ? Also am I in a good size range or is that preference? I see myself being a soap guy instead of shave cream, if that makes a difference.

Anyone advice on the brush ? Is silver tip necessary ?

My first brush was $3 boar's hair.
Compared to Silvertip ... Well there is no comparison but you may find other grades of Badger are ok.
Trying different things is the key to gaining experience & you can always sell what doesn't work for you... or grow another collection

First, welcome to SRP!
For me, a 6/8 or 7/8 is a personal preference but these things are just that personal preferences. As others have said, make sure it is in shave-ready condition and strop before you shave. Shave-ready does not necessarily mean that you do not have to strop. 60 laps on the leather with only the weight of the blade is adequate.

Enjoy the journey!