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

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.

Originally Posted by ZFrankie

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

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.

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".