Question about blade shape

OK, so there are a thousand different blade shapes, from straight to very curvy, thick and thin, and everything inbetween. What gives? How can I select a blade that is right for me, and what is the pro/con of each design? Or does it really matter in the end?

My JA Henckles is very straight with a slight curve on the end and it gives me a great shave. But suppose I find a cool looking razor at an antique shop, how do I determine if it will perform well enough? Or does the curve of the blade determine technique and not actual performance for a given facial curve?

It's a lot to ask, but inquiring minds want to know.....

It makes less difference to the shave whether the blade is straight or has a smile, or swayback in my opinion. The biggest difference will be ease of honing. Straighter blades are easier. They simply require an X pattern over the hone. Smile's & curved spines bring out the more advanced honing techniques, such as the Rolling X.
Point styles are more likely to affect how you use the razor, as rounds are more forgiving, while spikes & spanish points are there to remind you to respect the blade!

it is all personal preferences. Everything depend on you. what you like or you don't like. Try out couple different style ,hallow blades see what is best for you . hope this helps.
Quality of the blade is totally different issue. if you worry about quality you will not get wrong if you get dorko,puma,ti,double ducks etc a lot out there.

OK thanks! Now can you explain what the numbering system means, such as 7/8 and whatnot? I see that as a means of explaining something about a blade, but just what exactly?

I don't exactly worry about quality, I expect it. I will not entertain the idea of inferior quality touching my face. I'm worth the extra $$ for something nice.

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Originally Posted by Ozzlefinch

How can I select a blade that is right for me, and what is the pro/con of each design? Or does it really matter in the end?

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yes, the only way to know is to try it. it's fun though.


the numbers refer to the width of the blade in inches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ozzlefinch

OK thanks! Now can you explain what the numbering system means, such as 7/8 and whatnot? I see that as a means of explaining something about a blade, but just what exactly?

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the numbering system generally goes from about 4/8 to 8/8 (some are smaller or larger). It corresponds to the blades size from edge to spine in eighths of an inch ie:a 7/8 razor measures 7/8s of an inch.

Check out Lynn Abrams on youtube and one of the episodes talks about the condition of used razors and what to look for. There are a lot of little details discussed.

If I could recommend one idea, get a disposable straight blade razor such as a Dovo Shavette and some blades. Its great for traveling or using as part of a rotation and giving you a great reference on sharping your straight and how much is enough. This helped me take the mystery out of, "is it sharp enough" when stroping my straight blades.

I find 1/2 or 5/8 blades are easier to learn with than 7/8 or 8/8.

Pabster

Ah the little subtleties. This is the best part. You get to try them all to determine which works best for you. Personally, I like a 7/8 quarter hollow smiling spike tip best, but that doesn't stop me from playing the field so to speak. :D

X

Funny about points, I don't care for the look of a round point but some of my best shavers are round points. OTOH, even though I have to be more careful with them I am attracted to those wicked looking Spanish and French points. They don't shave any better than the round points ( no beard or mustache to work around) but they look so cool.