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I know that it is the size in eighths of an inch. I have that much.
I was wondering what the handling differences are. My first str8 shave was with a 6/8 that I had purchased and now I have some 4/8 and 5/8 that I am working on. I was wondering if there is a lot of differences in how that different widths handle and what they are for.
Hazen
The different size blades were produced by the manufacturers simply to cater to the whims of various customers. My favorite blade right now is a Frederick Reynolds 7/8 hollow point but I have a 4/8 Rex round point that takes a fine edge and gives an awesome shave. I think I like the bigger blade just because it's bigger. Both razors give me an excellent shave.
Namaste,
Morty -_-
Its really personal preference TBH. People may prefer the manouverability of a smaller razor, or they may like using a huge axe like blade.
Smaller blades will probably be lighter and easier to catch those awkward hairs with, like the ones right under the nose. You'll have to rinse the lather off more often though, as they load up faster than larger blades.
Bigger blades are obviously heavier, and may suit those with larger hands more than the smaller blades. You dont need to rinse them as often as there is more space on the blade for the lather.
I have razors from 4/8 up to 15/16, and I find myself using the bigger blades more often as I just prefer them. I have quite big hands and I find the little 4/8's are a bit too small and light for my taste.
All of them shave my just as well as each other though, and the 4/8's shave just as well as the 15/16. Its really just down to what you prefer to use.
The two biggest differences will be weight and handling. Generally, the bigger the blade the heavier the weight (more steel). Handling will be different as well. The smaller the blade, the tighter the turn radius. This means that it will be more manueverable and can get into tight places easier. I love my 6/8 razors and wouldn't trade them for the world. I have had a 4/8 but didn't like the feel of it in my hand. :beer1:
I have razors from 4/8 to 7/8 and the bigger blade is my favourite, i find it easier to use than a smaller blade, and that includes head shaving too, i have no idea why that is it just feels more comfortable to use :)
ian
Best thing about a 4/8 is it's maneuverability, it's like a sportscar & can get to places the larger blades simply can't like the upper lip/nose area. You also get a lot of feedback from them. For me anyway, the larger the blade, the less the feedback and maneuverable. I guess it's simply the weight as mentioned above. My preferences are 6/8 & 7/8...my 8/8 shaves wonderfully, but I have to take more time getting those tough spots like under the nose and around the adams apple. Instead of a 8-10 min shave, takes me arround 15 min with the 8/8. I keep a Boker "wedge" and MAB 4/8 in my rotation simply to "drive" a sportscar once and a while.
I have just bought a 4/8 razor, and although I understand the widths and so far have only shaved with 5/8 the 4/8 looks really small in comparison.
I am wondering if the lighter more manoeurable blade is likely to make me complacent :confused: :) and do the blades look comparatively larger than the 5/8 when going 6/8 and upwards ?
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublewood
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.
IMHO you have to start somewhere, and a 6/8 is a good starting point. Once you get a little experience you may decide you want a bigger, heavier blade, or you may decide you want something lighter and smaller. Most of us have more than one razor, but if you are on a tight budget you can always sell the razor as used if you decide to change.
Take a look at the razors at SRD. You will see the same sizes for sale on most razors, which should tell you these are the most popular. I find my 6/8 Dovo pretty much does it all.
IMHO the 6/8 razor is pretty much the ideal size for general shaving except for doing the upper , and lower lip area . I find it cuts through 3 or more days of stubble better than a 5/8 or 4/8 . I think of the 5/8 as a compromise razor . It's big enough to do the heavy cutting , and small enough to get in the tight spots . I think the 5/8 is the best razor for the person who only wants to have one razor , and I think they are great for people who like a smaller razor . The 4/8 is great for the upper , and lower lip area , and for general touch up at the end of the shave . When I shave , I use all 3 sizes . I do my first pass with a 6/8 , the second pass with a 5/8 , and use 4/8 for the reasons I already mentioned . I really don't need to use the 5/8 for the second pass , but I need to use my 5/8 razors for something . I suppose it's all part of being a "straight razor nut".
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".
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fbones24
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
Smart...once you get it down, it won't matter what size of razor you use.Quote:
Originally Posted by pcdad
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!:beer2:
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 :)
Persnally I think it depends how big yer hands are..I like 7/8 and larger by the way I can hold the blade comfortably..but that's my opinion and yes there are drawbacks to every blade type and quality
5/8, 6/8 (of an inch) is an approximation of the width of a blade, from the spine to the edge.Quote:
Originally Posted by Feebo
A "full hollow grind" razor has the most flexible edge. A "wedge"razor has the least amount of flexibility of the edge. You'll have to decide for yourself which grind is right for your face/beard.
For now, Feebo, the most important qualification for you to focus on is a "shave ready" razor. My favorite razor in my rotation is a 7/8" Frederick Reynolds. It gives me a superior shave but I get an equally superior shave from a 4/8" NOS (New Old Stock) Rex Razor (made in Eskilstuna, Sweden).
With time and the acquisition of a few different kinds of razors, you can make the decision for yourself whether you prefer a particular grind/width razor.
Namaste,
Morty -_-
classifieds r yer best bet for a good buy
pcdad
Yeah I started looking and then just thought hmm..... I could do with someone to talk to here really! Which I`ve now got :) What a lovely forum :)
The classifieds are a good place to start, I would recommend staying away from ebay unless you know the seller.
Athough there are several threads talking about size, I decided to post on here as I have already posted in this thread.
I have a 6/8 razor which I find very heavy but is ok when I have a lot of beard growth, my question is would I see much difference in a 11/16 and would it be worth trying?
My favourite width is 5/8 finding the 4/8 a little too small, my beard tends to be quite stiff and the 4/8 isn't quite enough