Thread: 4/8 vs 5/8 or 7/8 razor ?

Hi everyone ! This my first post. I've been shaving with Open Comb DOVO DE razor for 7 years. Recently I purchased a DOVO straight razor 5/8 half hollow, survaived my first shaving with a few nicks The difficult part was the mustache area.

I'm just wondering what are the pros and cons of 4/8 razor vs 7/8 or Half Hollow vs Extra Hollow ?

Well the size for one. Beyond that you'll probably get different answers from different people.

Welcome
Personal preferences.
Some people loves 8/8 some 5/8 most used.
I remember i had old blade was huge one i was barely keeping on my hands very heavy blade. Someone bought it and i got email from him .he said he loves? hmmmmmmmm seems like axes darn. But he loved. this is just example

It seems that some people favor smaller blades for detail work, but like the others have said it's mostly personal preference.

I have used 4/8, 5/8, and 6/8 and everything from full hollow to quarter hollow.

One thing I will say is that I prefer my quarter hollow for its ability to plow through my coarse beard. General consensus seems to be that the stiffer grinds don't flex as much and are better for a coarse beard. With proper technique though, I'm sure you can shave with anything.

Keep in mind that I'm a n00b too, I just managed to snatch several very different razors from an antique store to go with my new Dovos.

I like my full hollows ok, but I like my quarter hollow better.

I haven't used any of the big 7/8 or 8/8 razors, but have heard that some of them can be heavy enough that just the weight of the blade causes too much pressure. Doesn't stop me from wanting to get a meat chopper.

Welcome to SRP.

Blade size is mostly personal preference. A large blade can hold more lather so needs to be cleaned off less often. But it can also block your view sometimes. Neither is a big deal.

Full hollows sound great, you can hear every hair being chopped. But they also need a bit more skill to get the best out of them.

Everyone seems to be giving good info so all i'l do is say WELCOME

Welcome to SRP. Check out the SRP Wiki here for tutorials on shaving, stropping and honing. Also a killer razor data base with great photos. IMO a 5/8 is a nice size particularly for starting out. If your working around a beard a 4/8 is handy but a 5 would be preffered if your shaving your whole face.

I like everything from 5/8 to 8/8. The larger blades are like driving a truck and the smaller ones like a sports car. Once you become proficient in straight razor shaving you can try different sizes and grinds and decide what you like. Other than that it is strictly each individuals personal preference.

Most of my razors are 5/8, but I have one 4/8 and one 7/8. All are hollow ground. Personally, I don't find much difference between the different sizes, but maybe others will. The 4/8 is probably a little easier to handle so it would possibly be a better beginners blade.

I don't see much value in a strop costing more than $50, the less expensive ones work just as well. Of course if you want to spend more and can afford it, no reason you should not.

I disagree with Glen on the honing issue. I have always honed my own razors, all of which were bought off of ebay and were decidedly not shave ready. I have never understood the level of angst that many show with regard to honing, it is really not that difficult to learn. As far as hones go, your best bet is a Norton 4/8K waterstone, relatively inexpensive and sufficient for all but the dullest razors. As with strops, there are more expensive stones out there, but I just don't see the value. Also as with strops, if spending more makes you feel better, and you can afford it, why not.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

I disagree with Glen on the honing issue. I have always honed my own razors, all of which were bought off of ebay and were decidedly not shave ready. I have never understood the level of angst that many show with regard to honing, it is really not that difficult to learn. As far as hones go, your best bet is a Norton 4/8K waterstone, relatively inexpensive and sufficient for all but the dullest razors. As with strops, there are more expensive stones out there, but I just don't see the value. Also as with strops, if spending more makes you feel better, and you can afford it, why not.

Because we are talking about a beginner with 1 (one) razor. Chances are he'll mess up the blade trying to hone it, and he should not need a hone for the first few weeks, anyhow. So, yes, I fully agree with Glen.