Thread: Large vs. Small Razor for a beginner...

im much more handy with a large razor, the litt;e ones i cant sense as well i guess.

I started on a 4/8s spike and it was actually pretty easy to maneuver. I have since aquired a few 5/8s and 6/8s blades, which are not yet shave ready but I'm an idiot and have used them all anyway. The 6/8s and larger blades are definitely harder to shave your whole face with. (read: chin and mustache) However, they're really good on your cheeks. A spike point won't "dig into" you. It might nick you now and then which just leaves painful red dots. The spike lets you trim very well and you always know exactly where it is. HOWEVER. Parts of my neck are really hard to shave with a spike, and the round maneuvers more easily. SO. When a few of my blades are sharp I'm going to use a larger blade with a round/french/spanish/not spike point to just rip through my beard, then trim with my narrow spike.

I say get a variety of diffierent blades. When your mood changes you can change what style of blade you want. Think of it as a harem of razors.

Start out with a 5/8 or 6/8 and work out what you are comfortable with from there. What Glen says about the smaller blades being difficult to strop is (IME) a fact. Have fun and welcome.

Originally Posted by CraigJ

I say get a variety of diffierent blades. When your mood changes you can change what style of blade you want. Think of it as a harem of razors.

+1

Ten bucks says you'll do this anyway. If you can afford it, grab a variety of shave ready blades on the classifieds. So long as you don't mess them up, you can shave with each of them a couple times, then resell the ones you don't like for the same price or very near what you bought them for, even if you sell all of them again but one. That way you know what you want. If money is an issue though, start out in the middle, like gs six gun says, 6/8, half hollow, round point. that way you're dead in the middle and can get ideas like, hmm, I need a wider blade. Next razor is wider. Or I need more hollow, next is a hollow. etc. OR. You'll get hooked. My first blade was out of Solingen. I have since bought 4 singing solingens. I actually forced myself to buy a frenchie and a sheffield so I can see what they feel like before I write them off. Its all about experimenting and finding what you like.

Originally Posted by ZFrankie

How would a 4/8 blade handle in comparison to the 5/8 for a first shave experience?

A 4/8 and 5/8 actually handle in a very similar manner. You may find the 4/8 even a little easier if you are shaving under the nose. I still have several 4/8 razors in my personal rotation because they are simply awesome shavers.

One thing to keep in mind here is that no matter what any of use tell you, your personal preference as it develops will find what will work the best for you.

Have fun,

Lynn