Thread: Cross Section Drawings of Straight Razors

Help a newbie out!

I am still not sure what 5/8 means or any of those size terms.

Somewhere on the web, I saw drawings of cross sections of 5/8, 6/8, ect ect, all the sizes. At the time, I was overwhelmed with information and figured I would study that later. But now I can't find that link! Does anyone know where to look, I searched in here, as well as google.

5/8, 6/8, etc... refers to the width of the blade. How big the blade is from the spine to the edge.

In referring to 'cross-section' I think you mean the 'Henckels Scale' which shows the section or 'end -on' view of the blade.
This is often described by terms such as: Wedge, half-hollow ground, hollow ground and so on. It's all in the Wiki section, which you can access with one of the soft keys on the top of the page. The size designation: 5/8, 6/8 and so on, refers to the depth of the blade from the spine (blunt edge) to cutting-edge.

Originally Posted by welshwizard

In referring to 'cross-section' I think you mean the 'Henckels Scale' which shows the section or 'end -on' view of the blade.
This is often described by terms such as: Wedge, half-hollow ground, hollow ground and so on. It's all in the Wiki section, which you can access with one of the soft keys on the top of the page. The size designation: 5/8, 6/8 and so on, refers to the depth of the blade from the spine (blunt edge) to cutting-edge.

Yes, that is just what I meant. I did a google search of Henckels Scale and found just the page I was looking for. Thanks a bunch!

I know that in no time, I will be up on most of the terms. I have been spending most of my time trolling antique shops in my town for razors. I have yet to shave with one yet.

BTW, Here is the page I was looking for:

Jargon Buster

You might want to spend some time with our FAQ, and this article: The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Regards,
Robin

Originally Posted by lemke

I have been spending most of my time trolling antique shops in my town for razors.

I hear that. Seems like everywhere I go, someone else has come in and cleaned them out entirely, if not leaving the occasional cracked blade and rotten scales. Troll On!

You may have seen that description w/ diagrams at Arthur Boon's Razor Central.

Follow this link:

http://www.en.nassrasur.com/razorcentral/identify.html

The asian gentleman, Mr Sum Gai is the infamous person to wade through all the antique markets and flea markets and buy every razor in the store.

Though antique stores are much much better than ebay, they're still a bit risk for a newbies in terms of price and the condition of the razors, especially when one doesn't know what to look for in a razor. Though I must admit, some people have made it out like bandits. Shave-ready razor off classifieds and reputable businesses eliminate the need for sending it out for a hone.

Here's and idea/anectode: I went to a very (very) old barbershop the other day and during my haircut I started talking str8 with the fine gentleman while doing his job. After this he showed me his old, unused and unpractical (for him) blades as he actually uses disposable blades now. I asked him if he would sell them to me and he agreed to sell me two of them (a Filarmonica and a Hoffritz) for about 15 dollars. I of course tripled the offer (never stopped being decent) and began the restoration in order. Now I have two magnificent blades for 45 dollars and some restoration work.

Note: the fine gent looked at me as if I was crazy or something, but I don't care, I don't like to take advantage of anybody, specially the elders.

Greetings!!!!