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Plain and simple, what would you experienced shavers recommend a newbie to start out with, a larger blade or a smaller one? This question obviously also considers weight, overall length, blade style, etc., so feel free to respond to whichever part of the razor you would like in regards to its use for a noob...
I am also a newb. I have two razors, one considerably wider (blade to spine) than the other.
I found the wider one to be more cumbersome to get the hang of... and will probably become much more useful once I have my strokes/technique down pat.
(it also blocks more of my view when I'm trying to see what I'm doing)
I'd be interested to hear if this jives with anyone else's experience.
I am starting out too as well, I have a 5/8 round point Genco and a 6/8 square point.
I am going to start with shaving with my 5/8 Genco round point once I get it back from the mail. This way I will have less of a chance of digging the point of a blade into my face. To me the 5/8 round point hollow ground would be good to start with. As far as the brand goes, I would go vintage first. Look for Genco, or any of the other good vintage brands. Check out the SRP classifieds you might be able to get a good starter that is shave ready.
Interesting, I hadn't thought of the razor actually blocking your view. That would bring a plus to smaller blades. What I'm wondering about now is all that I've heard about smaller blades nicking you up much easier than their larger counterparts...
I believe a 5/8 blade with round point is recommended most often for beginners.Nice and light and maneuverable and not as apt to sever an earlobe as a real spike point.
I typically recommend a 5/8 blade to get started. It is easier to maneuver and easier to maintain the 30 degree or less angle to get you started and shaving comfortably. It should also handle any beard type without problem. Once you get comfortable with this razor, you can always go larger if you think you want to give that a try.
Have fun and welcome,
Lynn
How would a 4/8 blade handle in comparison to the 5/8 for a first shave experience?
Don't forget the strop !!!!!
How it shaves is only one part of the equation...
Those smaller then 5/8 blades are harder to strop for somebody new...
5/8 to 6/8 half hollow round-point, basically dead center of the shaving world....
From the Wiki
What makes a good starter razor?
Size = 6/8
A wider blade is easier to keep flat on the strop, which is very important for a beginer. 6/8 is also dead center on the size chart, so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor. Finally, it has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and is 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. A half hollow grind offers enough heft for beginner shaving, yet also has some flexibility for comfort.
Round point
A round point is a little safer, anyway, not a lot but every little bit helps at first.
First time round? I bet there would be very little in it, just because it's never going to be perfect and you will probably be concentrating pretty hard anyway. You won't appreciate the differences between the sizes because you have not used them.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZFrankie
Will it be as easy to learn on a small blade? Who knows.
Personally I like the small blades, but I am in the minority. I suggest you pick a razor that you like and go for it, odds on it will be bigger than 4/8.
I absolutely have to agree about using a 5/8 razor width initially. I started with a 5/8th round point. It was a good choice. If you use any straight razor that has a spike or other pointed tip you'll just give yourself one more thing to try to remain aware of while shaving (and a few nicks). As you get more comfortable, and depending upon your comfort with various widths and beard thickness, move to a 6/8 or wider later. I wouldn't recommend trying a spike or other sharp tipped blade until you've gotten very comfortable straight razor shaving (and read some more here ad in the Wiki about using something other than a rounded point first).
In any event welcome! You'll find these threads and the Wiki worth their weight in gold as well as helping you get to a close comfortable shave a whole lot faster than "going it alone".
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.
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigJ
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZFrankie
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