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

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.

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 and do the blades look comparatively larger than the 5/8 when going 6/8 and upwards ?

Originally Posted by Doublewood

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 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.

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".