Why bigger?

Hello all,

I'm noticing that the larger blades ( 7/8 ) and larger are in much greater demand as indicated by price and bidding activity on e-bay. I'm just starting out in restoration and would like get some input from some experienced straight shavers. Are they superior shavers, cooler lookers, easier to hone, or a combination of some of these reasons? I have only shaved with 4/4-5/8ths so far. I also seem to only to wind up with these same size razors with my po-mans budget bidding on e-bay. Please help me to better understand the attraction and possible profitability ( I hope that's a word ) in shaving and restoring these bigger razors. Thanks in advance. Don.

Same reason we like bigger engines with more power. "Because"

Do they shave better? Not necessarily.
Are they easier to hone? He'll no.
Do they look cooler? He'll yes (subjectively)


"That's not a knife! HERE'S a knife!!!"
-crocodile Dundee

There's alot of guys who prefer smaller blades. Its alot more about what you're using it for. A viking wouldn't wield a rapier. Conversely, a ninja would not wield a claymore.



In all my experience, I've found only one answer.

I want them all.

That's definitely my problem already, and I've only been straight shaving for about 2 1/2 months. I want to try and buy them all. This is soooooo adictive.

I've started same as you about 2 months ago.

I'm already on my 3rd razors and number 4 is on his way. RAD when you got me!

I started with 5/8s ( first 2 razors, a Gold Dollar and Dovo Facharbeit ) and recently purchased a 6/8 Dovo Bismark from SRD.
Honestly I must say I clearly prefer now my 6/8. I personally feel the broader and slightly heavier blade helps me shave; I tend to unecessary put too much weight with a 5/8, and the 6/8 in my opinion has a better balance. I just let the blade do its job naturally without feeling the necessity to push too much.
As DerekC says it's very personal, but you won't know until you've tried! hehe
It's true 6/8s receive in general better approval ratings and are also a little more costly.
However I'm sure if you keep looking and wait patiently you could find a very decent 6/8 razor shave ready for less than usd 50.00 in the classifieds section.

FWIW --

I've done some antique-shop razor hunting. Most old razors are 5/8" or 6/8". Larger razors are less common -- so they'll fetch higher prices, whether or not they shave better.

I think the large number of 5/8" - 6/8" razors suggests that most people found that they worked well.

Charles

Yes, I agree. I just shaved with a very light U.S. made Yankee razor I'm practicing honing on and it took me a lot more effort to push the little thing through my beard. I have a friend offering me a 7/8ths Tally Ho which looks like a 1/4 gring or near wedge. It needs moderate reconditioning, but I think this would be an perfect one to try out. when I finish it I'll post some pic's.