Thread: what is the differnce in razor sizes 4/8 to 6/8

My first and favorite razor is a 6/8 Salem Markos and Brothers that I purchased used. I have also added a 4/8 and a 5/8 to the stable, but I am a big guy that the 6/8 seems to fit my hand great. Also I wear a Goatee and a mustache so I get a break from the trouble areas.

I find it interesting that I have cut myself much worse with a disposable razor than I have with a str8. I also have gotten more cuts with the smaller razor.

My first razor was a Dovo 4/8 Best Quality. I bought it before I found this sight and I had no idea what 4/8 even meant. I now have 5/8 and 6/8 razors as well. I really liked learning with the smaller razor because I think it is easier to handle while learning. Now that I've become more proficient, my favorite is a 6/8 square point.

I would suggest trying several different sizes until you find what works best for you. I still have that first Dovo 4/8 in my rotation and it still shaves like a dream.

As I mentioned in my first post (#2), my favorite razor is a Frederick Reynolds 7/8 hollow point. Using that one razor for my shave I do three passes on my upper lip: WTG (Coupe de Maitre), XTG and ATG (sometimes jokingly referred to as the "Fool's Pass").

I do the same three passes on my upper lip with my 4/8 Rex round point and to tell the truth, I do not notice any difference between the two. One is not easier than the other in "tight" spaces. Both give me an equally close, comfortable shave (DFS -- I've not yet attained a BBS).

It seems to me that the reason why I like the 7/8 better than the 4/8 is likely the same reason why I like Claude Monet better than Pablo Picasso -- I just do. There is no rational explanation.

We all have our own likes and dislikes. That's the miracle of individuality that we are. There is no expected difference in handling from one size razor to another. It's all subjective. It's what we each perceive ourselves when we shave our own face.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

The first straight razor I bought was a cheap 4/8 ( it was advertised as a 5/8 oddly ) I also own a Dovo 6/8, and a Boker 5/8.
For some reason the 6/8 is easier to strop for me, it could be from the added weight of the heavier blade, who knows.
It would be a tough call which I like more between the Dovo, and the Boker. It would be like choosing between a Benz, and a BMW. " well one handles nice, but man that benz is smooth".

Originally Posted by Fbones24

My opinion only, but based on sight alone, the 5/8 looks to be closer in size to the 4/8 than it does to the 6/8. That is just my personal opinion. Obviously it is in the middle, but when I look at these placed together, the 5/8 just seems "small" in comparison to the 6/8.

With that said, I have only been SR shaving for a little over a month but in my short time, the 5/8 has become my favorite.

I have just acquired my second bengall razor, a 6/8 and it looks huge and is very heavy compared to the 5/8, but feels well balanced, I won it on ebay so needs cleaning and honing before use.
I love my bengall 5/8

In my opinion..I have 3 totally different blades...

1. my Original 7/8 medium size Sheffield, England made razor
2. My Grandfather in law's razor no longer used by him 5/8
(tad under, made in Solingen Germany)
3. Duble Duck 6/8 (made in Germany)

They are all shave ready n very smooth...regardless..I take it slow with em til my hands "get trained" in ally my face angles


pcdad

Originally Posted by pcdad

I take it slow with em til my hands "get trained" in all my face angles


pcdad

Smart...once you get it down, it won't matter what size of razor you use.

Well that's how I trained myself to shave with de/se handles n blades for 2yrs..then felt my face complaining of the sane routine and no thinking involved as well.."til u got my straight razors"..thinking all the way!

Pcdad

Now don't kid yourself, if you catch yourself starting to get complacient your straight razor will remind you to focus. I "almost" got myself a couple days ago. Still left a little "straight" line of pink irritation on the neck.

I`m having trouble finding the info I need so I thought I`d ask in this thread, hope that`s ok. With the measurements 5/8 6/8 etc, is that the width of the blade? I`m looking to buy a decent razor on a budget. I actually have three but i`ve been advised that they aren`t trusted brands and therefore might not even be capable of holding a true cutting edge. I`d like to get one that IS a trusted brand so I know I`m definatly starting my straight shaving career with the right tools. I think 6/8 is a good starting point isn`t it? As for looks, I like a rounded point and a nice curved tang. I find a bold, almost square shoulder easier to handle on the strop but that`s not essential, I`ll get used to whatever I get. I`ve had a look at a few on the classified section but then realised I don`t have a full understanding of what grind is best for me and what size blade too. What difference does full as opposed to half hollow make for example? Thanks for your help