Thread: Beginner trying to decide what to buy...

hello! i am about to buy my first straight razor. most of what i have read has told me that newbies should go with a 5/8 width. however, some of the razors i am contemplating buying are 6/8. does it matter? should i go with the 5/8 or will i be ok with the 6/8? help!!!

you will probably be ok with either one
i still prefer the 5/8 but thats just my preference

Welcome to SRP. Either width is fine. The important thing is that it comes from a reputable vendor and that it is shave ready. IOW honed by a pro. Straight Razor Designs, Vintage Blades and Classic Shaving all sell such razors. I believe SRD offers a second honing free when the time comes. Check out the SRP Wiki here for the beginner's guide and especially the razors to avoid.

Either one should work, and I'd guess your next razor is in the size you didn't get the first time. It comes down to personal preference in the end. Having both in my rotation I prefer the 6/8 - the slight weight difference lets the bigger blade to more work, I just focus on making the tough light.

Ditto on the previous posts...My first str8 razor was a 5/8" Dovo. I purchased it last month and I'm already contemplating getting a 6/8" str8 razor.

It all boils down to personal preference. Lots of str8 razor shavers have both widths in their arsenal of str8 razors.

Hi,
I have both 5/8 and 6/8 razors-- actually kinda hard to tell the difference on the shave. I prefer slightly larger, as they hold more shaving cream before you need to rinse/wipe them off. I think the 6/8 size just looks better. 7/8 look too big and 4/8 look too small...

Bottom line, if you find a good razor you like, both of these sizes will give you a similar experience.

-Chief

You are good either way. Later on you might have a preference but not until you develop the skills and 1/8 isnt that much difference.

1. I doesn't matter for now.
2. Most of it is personal preference anyway.
3. You'll end up with both sizes eventually
IF...
4. You make sure that the the thing is truly "shave ready".
5. Re-read JimmyHAD's post and visit those websites!!!

as everyone has pointed out there is little difference in a 5 or 6 8th razor.i have razors rangeing from 3 to 9 8ths and all give a good shave . i would advise you to look at this 11/16 Swedish Eskilstuna Rex SHAVE READY from NOS i got one a few weeks ago and it is a surperb shaver very shave ready and you wont beat the price.

I agree that either size would be fine. You can look in the classifieds for a razor, and other equipment. You will find great razors at attractive prices. Our members have reputations to protect so you don't have to worry about quality...