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Hi everyone,
I'm sure this is a common newbie question, but I'm still getting familiar with the site to navigate it efficiently for answers. I've come to understand what various widths of razors refers to, but I'd like to know what impact it has on one's shave?
Best,
Randy
It's easiest for you to start HERE in the beginner's section of the Wiki if you haven't found it.
Width impact is almost entirely a matter of personal preference. Wider blades are easier for a beginner to strop as they are are easier to keep flat on the leather. Wider blades hold more lather between wiping it off. Narrower blades can be easier to maneuver. The most common size is the 5/8 and that's a good starting point.
I think I had most of my start up problems stropping a 5/8 blade. i think I spoiled the edge on several newly honed razors. I think it is easier to keep a wider blade flat on the strop. Everything came together when I bought a 13/16 blade and the paddle strop. Just my opinion.
In the Wiki yer going to find a recommendation for a first razor:
Size 6/8 = Because it is dead center in the size range, you can then decide which direction to go on your second razor, it is a bit easier to strop for a beginner because of the width of the blade and the size of the tang...
1/2 Hollow Grind - Because it is dead center in the grinds, because it is just a touch more forgiving than a full hollow for a beginner...
Round point = Because it gives the illusion of being a bit safer than the other points :)
SHAVE READY from a VERY Reputable Honemeister = Because if you question the sharpness before you even start you are going to be off to a rough road...
These are just recommendations and these types of razors are readily available NEW and USED....
To answer your direct question what impact it has to the shave???? Very little :D
The impact is in how you handle the razor
Another aspect of width relative to beginners is that it is easier to determine the shaving angle with a wider blade.
I agree with you 100% especially about the impact being how the razor is connected to the ground.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
If anybody has a "Starter" 6/8, 1/2 Hollow, Round Point, Shave ready Razor for sale PM me. I've never seen one.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
They seem to all be dirty 5/8, full hollow, square points. Or expensive custom jobs. For me the Wiki's Beginner razor is tough to find... especially for a beginner. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places.
--Shoki
^Well I can find a 5/8 half-hollow round pount. It's not 6/8, but it's close enough!
Yayy i found one :p
at vintage blades if your wondering
At the other end of the spectrum you'll find the 4/8s, 3/8, and 2/8s.
The 4/8s can still be used for general shaving and many like a small blade like that but once you get to the smaller sizes they are mostly use for trimming and the 2/8s especially can be hard to use because it is so small it can be hard to keep a grip on.
If I had a friend who was curious about str8s, I would have them come over, bring their canned shave snot, show them what stropping is - what's important, what's not. Show how to lather - let them see it done, feel what it's supposed to feel like (if I can ever figure it out), let him feel the difference in the quality of the lather. Then I'd hand them a 1/4 hollow - because of it being much more user friendly. Instruction would be simply to hold at approx 30deg angle, and slowly go from sideburn to jaw muscle with no pressure beyond the weight of the blade. The point being for them to feel for themself that the deadly cutthroat can be a useful, precise tool that gives exquisite result for someone willing to learn. 'Doesn't mean he wouldn't need to fully learn the same technique that a sloppy flexible ultra hollow shaver uses - just that he can get a sense of the enjoyment and quality of shave without as many skills being demanded up front. I think all of the same questions would follow at some point, but they would at least have the sensory experience of it not being some gory, death-defying feat - and that the shave lasted way longer than whatever they've been used to. That experience would be sufficient incentive to withstand all the inevitable tantrums that follow while they learn technique.
Someday I hope to learn technique :)
Does the Dovo Best come in 2 grinds? SRD lists it as full hollow where many other sites list it as half. So I tend to avoid that particular item. I wish Dovo's website was easier to navigate.Quote:
Originally Posted by janivar123
Thank you,
--Shoki
Call or E-mail Don or Lynn at SRD they know their product line...
if they don't have it I bet they can get it.. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Good idea! Dovo's catalog is crazy :) it does seem that they have Full and Half Hollow's in 4/8, 5/8, and 6/8s.
I'll keep my eye out.
Thank you,
--Shoki
It seems like the overwhelming majority of Dovo razors are round point. Is there a reason for that? I really need a square, spike, or at least a barber's notch to get to some tight spots. Furthermore, the round point just doesn't look good to me.