Thread: A question on size

Greetings Gentlemen,

Well, the stage is set and the actor is ready, now it's just come down to props. With a good brush and slick soaps abounding, I've got a hankering to try out the straight shave. My question for the more informed is whether or not beard toughness should be factored into what to look for in a new blade. I'm basically cursed with thick, coarse stubble (not Sasquatchesque, but persistant) on near translucent skin. Should I be looking for something in the 6/8 area and up? This will be my first shot with a straight and it may well influence my decision to continue or abandon, so I'd like to make sure I'm actually getting the best audition out of the blade as possible.

On another subject, I've seen only one ebay seller (altima55) mentioned as both reputable and prone to shipping the razors out with a true, shave-ready edge on them. Are there others? The one I had my eye on just cleared what I'd consider acceptable to spend on what might be a one-time use, so I could also use some info on anyone else auction honed blades (I know some are listed here sometimes, but don't see any now.)

Finally, and I'll apologise for going on so long, I was given a thin Puma (believe it was stamped 44 on the shank) that seems much smaller than any of the blades I've seen elsewhere. the blade measure's about 3/8ths of an inch. Should I assume this is a shaper rather than a shaver?

Thank you all in advance...

That puma should shave just fine.

I'd go with either a bigger razor or a thicker grind (either one works). John Crowley has some 6/8 quarter ground razors that would be just the ticket, or a Wade & Butcher barber razor. Or one of Crowley's friodurs or framebacks.

If you want the full sweeney todd effect, go with a big Wade & Butcher, Wostenholm, or Rodgers 8/8 frameback.

The 3/8s, to me, are shapers, for cleaning up moustaches and sideburns. I'm sure a few people use them for the full shave. If you've got a really tough beard, I'd say 6/8 or up, although the grind has more to do with it (IMO) than the size. A wedge is generally a quieter shave, with less flex on the tough hair. My beard's pretty tough, too, and I get by just fine with a full hollow. 6/8s my favorite size, although I like the larger ones, too.

http://shop.writerferret.com might have something that interests you.

8/8 or 8/8+ or bust lol

Originally Posted by JLStorm

8/8 or 8/8+ or bust lol

I know a guy with a 12/8 Wade & Butcher (MINT/Unused) Aintcha jealous? Me, too.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

I know a guy with a 12/8 Wade & Butcher (MINT/Unused) Aintcha jealous? Me, too.

no way...who is he and what is he willing to sell it for lol

You have to remember there is this here contingent of guys here who have this thing about BIG razors.

Remember that a 5/8s razor was considered the standard for probably at least 100 years and its what barbers used to shave everybody. My own experience has shown me that you can get as good a shave from a 4/8s as an 8/8s. The experience is different.

My suggestion is to start with either 5/8s or 6/8s and see how you like it and then go up or down for your next until you decide if you want to join the BIG razor club.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You have to remember there is this here contingent of guys here who have this thing about BIG razors.

Remember that a 5/8s razor was considered the standard for probably at least 100 years and its what barbers used to shave everybody. My own experience has shown me that you can get as good a shave from a 4/8s as an 8/8s. The experience is different.

My suggestion is to start with either 5/8s or 6/8s and see how you like it and then go up or down for your next until you decide if you want to join the BIG razor club.

That's good advice. Personally, I prefer the 6/8, but I've gotten great shaves with everything from a 4/8 up to a 17/16. The honing's the thing. (Well, and the grind, too)

OTOH, the bigger razors seem to be easier to hone, which is no small thing for a newbie...

Fair enough answers and also probably the best explanation as to why there seem to be a predominance of 5/8 razors on the market. So now that I've narrowed down a few forerunners, here's another question; Anyone ever hear of a "silver steel" blade? I seem to have fallen in love with one online. It's more than I had planned to spend, but oh, is she ever purty...