Thread: silly question perhaps?

Could one of the "old-timers" here explain the difference between 5/8, 7/8 etc. razors in practical terms for me please? Are some easier to hone or do they result in a different/better shave experience. I apologise if this is asked often but I couldn't find an answer anywhere on this site.

Many thanks

snaggle

Originally Posted by snaggletooth

Could one of the "old-timers" here explain the difference between 5/8, 7/8 etc. razors in practical terms for me please? Are some easier to hone or do they result in a different/better shave experience. I apologise if this is asked often but I couldn't find an answer anywhere on this site.

Many thanks

snaggle

Well, I'm not exactly an old timer...in fact this is my first post on this version of SRP (used to be on the Yahoo! one) but typically, the heavier the beard, the heavier the blade. A 5/8" blade is the most common for "average" beards but the larger blades add weight to assist in cutting the thicker hairs of a heavier beard. It helps to achieve the same "feel" and balance as you shave, IMO.

This is my take:

first 5/8, 6/8, etc. refers to the depth of the blade in eights-of-an-inch s0 4/8 = 1/2 inch and 8/8 = 1 inch

More importantly, as was intimated in the previous post - there is an optimal angle for the shaving edge - this angle is established by a right triangle consisting of the depth of the blade and height of the spine (back) as the two sides of the triangle and the line from the the edge of the spine to the cutting edge as the hypoteneuse:

S S = Spine
S
SBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB> B = Blade > = shaving edge
S
S

In order to maintain the proper angle regardless of the length of the blade, the spine is made bigger as the blade is made longer - this naturally results in a razor that is heavier as it gets bigger - which shaves better for heavier beards.

Generally, in my experience, the bigger the blade, the better the shave. Your bigger razors usually have a heavier spine, which makes for great balance, and often, the weight of the blade is enough to carry it through your beard hair, with no help from you. Personally, my favorites are 6/8 and 7/8, but I've gotten great shaves with everything from a 4/8 up. The size thing was already explained. I haven't really noticed any difference in difficulty of honing with different sizes...the difficulty generally comes with the type of grind (wedge, half hollow, full, etc.), rather than the size of the blade. Just my $.02.

Well thats a mighty dangerous question you've asked. Others already explained the technical aspects of size but as far as the real difference everyone will give you a differing opinion as to why one size is better than the other and everyone will be correct. Its a very personal thing. Some will swear by the meatchoppers and some like the small dainty blades. Some don't have any preference at all. You should try them all and discover whats most important to you.

Your question has to do with the width of the blades. 5/8 has become pretty much the standard although over the last few years there is a large amount of people who prefer 6/8 and larger blades. Typically the largest width is 8/8. Some folks say they have trouble shaving under the nose with the bigger blades, some don't. Some folks love the heft of the larger width blades. The smallest blade right now is a 3/8. It really boils down to personal preference. Some of my favorite shavers are 5/8 blades and I, like Joe have had great success with smaller blades including a Puma 3/8. Hope this helps. If not, let us know. Thanks. Lynn

I love them all. I find different razors work at different times. Smaller blade good for everyday shaving. Bigger blades great when you go a few days between shaves.

It really is a personal preference. Good luck.

Thanks for the answers chaps, I am now fully enlightened on that score.

As a beginner to honing I take I should stick to the fully ground razers and give the wedges a wide berth until I am a lot more proficient?

Originally Posted by snaggletooth

Thanks for the answers chaps, I am now fully enlightened on that score.

As a beginner to honing I take I should stick to the fully ground razers and give the wedges a wide berth until I am a lot more proficient?

Yes and no. To me, wedges are a lot more difficult to sharpen, simply because you have to remove so much more metal to get them sharp. Once you get them there, however, they stay that way for a LOOOOONG time. There's lots of metal supporting the edge, so it doesn't degrade as quickly. That being said, get an old beat up wedge and practice on it. You build your honing skill, plus you learn how. You learn by doing (just try not to break the bank doing it.). I feel confident in my ability to sharpen anything other than a wedge....they still give me fits, which is why I pick up every cheap one I can to practice on. I've even been successful once or twice. Get as many different kinds as you can, and learn to hone them. There's a great boost of confidence that comes from knowing you can sharpen anything. (Except a pakistani POS). Plus, you don't miss out on some fine shaves and great bargain razors because you can't hone it.