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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. :gl:
Everyone seems to be giving good info so all i'l do is say WELCOME :gl:
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.
Well said. I'm just gonna throw out there that my first blade was a 4/8's and you can definitely still shave with it. However, I'm moving on, but I'll still keep it as a trimmer.Definitely easier to do details stuff with a smaller blade.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
My recommendation for a first blade is always the exact same and I have reasons...
Size 6/8 = Easier to keep flat on the strop for a newb (very, very important), dead center on the size chart so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor.. has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and still easy to handle....
Grind Half hollow = Again dead center on the chart so you can decide which direction to go after your first razor... Heft for newb shaving yet has some flex for comfort....
Round point = Hey it is a little safer anyway not a lot but every little bit helps at first...
+1 on this one.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Regarding the grind, when I started I was a little worried about this, as I thought I'd want "one" razor. My first razor was full hollow, my second was 1/4 hollow, and my latest is 1/2 hollow-- turns out I like them all, they all feel different when I shave with them and the contrast is nice.
So I'd say start with a full hollow (seems to be the most common), and plan on a "contrasting" razor for #2.
-Chief
..... I was thinking for this 4/8 blade,
Straight Razor From Thiers-Issard France "Le Petite Francaise" 4/8" - Knifecenter.com
Will it be easier to shave around the mouth ? Or should I get the
Thiers-Issard Straight Razor"Special Coiffeur" 6/8" 1/2 Hollowed Bld - Knifecenter.com
Listen to gssixgun, go for the second option.:tu
Added to the FAQ.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Yep, for a first razor a 6/8s hollow is the best of all worlds with a 5/8s a close runnerup.
Once you get some experience its all personal preference.
Thank you guys for your posts. I will buy the 6/8 blade.
What hones and strops do you recommend for best performance?
Like 4k, 8k and 12k stone - what brand? Strop paste?
Like shaving, honing has a lot do with personal preference: "Some people get different results with the same hone. Likewise a Norton 4k/8k vs. a DMT D8EE will get you to the same relative place; but most folks will have a distinct preference using one or the other. The point to be kept in mind is that one of those hones will likely fit a person's individual honing style in a way that simply gives them better results." You might find What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki useful (this article is in need of maintenance, by the way, so if any of the experienced honers would like to add to it, please do).Quote:
Originally Posted by verdel
Welcome , I too am a newbie so I'm unsure what my preference is yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by verdel
Strop wise pick your budget... Under or over $50
DO NOT buy a strop off e-bay PLEASE most are crap....
Under $50 get the Illinois #827 (there are others out their too, I just haven't personally used them and many don't have linen) For over $50 look at the SRD Premiums and the Heirloom strops....
Hone-wise I would not touch one for at least 3 months, get an idea of what straight shaving is all about, at the 3 month period you are going to need a touch up, buy your second razor shave ready again... Now you have a new bench mark, and it is time for you to touch up your first razor this should be rather easy since it has a bevel in place and you just need to re-touch the edge.... That is when you should be asking about hones, and you might already have started shopping more razors which would tell you what hone setup you are going to need...
All of Glen's advice is great. Heed it well.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by fccexpert