Thread: Vintage blades vs. New blades

Hi again, fellas.

Thanks for all the advice! After reading through the posts, and weighing my options, I think that going with a new blade from Straight Razor Designs is probably the best idea. I've whittled my decision down to two, but I need one more piece of advice: do I go with a 5/8, or a 6/8? Is there much difference between the two? Is one better than the other?

Cheers,
Cutty.

Cutty:

You've done some smart thinking. I think that's a better way to start your straight razor shaving adventure.

For me, the 6/8" blade is the perfect size. Many other gentlemen feel the same. Since this will be your first razor, however, I suggest going with a 5/8" round point.

The 5/8" round point is a good training razor, I think, and easier to handle for one just starting out. After you hone your skill you can move up to the 6/8" and blades bigger.

There's no rush. Take your time learning, and make it easier for yourself in the beginning, because there is much to learn. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie

Great choice!! I own a Dovo "Best Quality" 5/8th's from SRD, and it shaves great for me and hones up very predictably, keeps that edge through lots of shaves too!!

Fantastic advice, boys! Thanks a bunch, I can't believe how much there is to learn about shaving - talk about taking things for granted all these years. I'll making my purchase in the next cople weeks, so I'll be sure to keep you all up to date on my battle wounds.

Any strop advice? I've read articles suggesting to go cheap, due to the inevitable destruction at it will suffer until I know what I'm doing. Also, am I going to have to join a handyman forum somewhere to learn how to anchor that strip of horse to my bathroom wall? Don't those things come with suction cups or velcro?

Cheers,
Cutty.

I very much disagree with the logic of a 'cheap strop'. What you want is quality strop, the same way you want quality blade. At the end of the day I think most people looking into this type of shaving value their face more than the ten-tweny dollar difference, otherwise they could just continue shaving with inferior razors.

The strop is the thing that prepares your edge before every single shave. Nicking it is just the cost of learning and in 90% of the cases doesn't render the strop useless.

Do yourself a favor and don't go for the cheap junk, it is more expensive in the long run, as well as value-wise.

I'm with gugi. I went with a cheap strop for my first strop and while it was acceptable, it got damaged quickly and once I get some spare time will be turned in to a small paddle strop for traveling. The first strop was a budget strop due to finances at the time. However, a month or so ago I picked up a Premium II strop from SRD and absolutely enjoy it. I had to do some begging and pleading with SWMBO to get that instead of the latigo but it was on sale and she said I was a good boy that month... anyhoo, you can purchase replacement leathers for the SRD strops for about the same as or less than the cheapo strops. Buy a nice strop, enjoy it, and be scared to hurt it and it will last you. besides, most small nicks can be sanded out.

First off, welcome to the ranks! Also I live just outside London myself so doubly welcome. Good choice on the new razor, $150 is very expensive for 2 vintage blades, especially compared to the average prices for
Lots on eBay. I would suggest the 5/8. It's the more common size and a smaller blade would probably be easier to learn how to use, especially under the nose and the neck. Good luck!