Thread: Future Proofing.

Hello,

It was my understanding that for a beginner a 5/8 half hollow would be easier to learn than a 5/8 full hollow and both these 5/8’s are easier to learn than a 6/8?

I jumped the gun a bit and for my first razor and purchased a 5/8 full hollow rather than a half hollow however as this is my first razor of course I can’t compare the 2 so the full hollow is fine by me.

I am now thinking of purchasing a back up or 2nd razor and I would also like to future proof myself for the day when I become proficient at straight razor shaving (probably months down the road) so was wondering if I should be looking at 6/8’s as it seems to be the average size for an experienced user?

As my full hollow 5/8 is my first and only razor I have nothing to compare and not sure if a bigger razor is the way to go for future proofing, so as for my second razor should I buy a 6/8 or another 5/8 and a 6/8 in a year or however long it takes to become experienced?

Thanks.

I'd say not to worry.
I started out with a 5/8 full hollow myself, and that turned out great.
The reason a 5/8 half hollow is recommended for beginners is simply that it is a middle of the road option before one knows personal preference.

Getting a second razor is a sound idea, that way you'll be shaving even if you ruin one, or will have to send it out to get honed.
For that second razor I would maybe try a half hollow 6/8.
No real reason for it, other than just to get to try out another grind and size combo.

But again, do not worry about that first razor of yours. I'm sure you'll do fine with it!

Originally Posted by Birnando

I'd say not to worry.
I started out with a 5/8 full hollow myself, and that turned out great.
The reason a 5/8 half hollow is recommended for beginners is simply that it is a middle of the road option before one knows personal preference.

Getting a second razor is a sound idea, that way you'll be shaving even if you ruin one, or will have to send it out to get honed.
For that second razor I would maybe try a half hollow 6/8.
No real reason for it, other than just to get to try out another grind and size combo.

But again, do not worry about that first razor of yours. I'm sure you'll do fine with it!

Thanks for your reply and it does lead me to my 2nd question, why do the more experienced users prefer a bigger razor such as a 6/8, what is the advantage of a bigger blade?

Well, you are right, quite a few prefer the somewhat bigger blades. Not all, by any means.

It's all preference really, does not have anything at all to do with the shave-ability of the razor.
Me, I use big razors, but I am a fairly tall fella and have pretty big hands.
I find that I have better control of them when honing and stropping, they look good(!) and the added weight is in my book a plus. Others might disagree

Eventually you will find what suits you best.
In the meantime, enjoy that 5/8. It will serve you beautifully

With razors there is no such thing as a starter razor. The only difference between a 4/8s and 8/8s is the larger one is more clumsy and you have to maneuver it differently while a 5/8s can be moved around much more easily. Think an 18 wheeler vs a sports car. Your face only sees the edge of the razor the rest is how you wield it. Old time barbers preferred 5/8s and 6/8s razors to shave customers. I don't know what it is with the big razors these days. Probably no different than large brushes and large scuttles. yes, I have some larger razors but to tell you the truth I prefer the 5/8s and 6/8s.

FWIW I prefer 4/8 full hollows. I have a couple of 5/8 in my rotation and one 6/8. I don't like the feel of bigger blades or wedges.

You'll have to experiment to find out what you like.

I like how the bigger blades look and like to shave with them. They can be a little harder to maneuver on your face but not so much that it
bothers me. You'll have no trouble adjusting to a 6/8 or 7/8. Size matters but not very much.

Thanks,

“they look good(!)” “I like how the bigger blades look” “I don't know what it is with the big razors these days. Probably no different than large brushes and large scuttles.”

It seems from what I have read so far that aesthetics plays a substantial roll on choosing the bigger blade such as the 6/8’s as the user prefers the more imposing look and perhaps more of a statement?

And thus, the rationalization for RAD begins...

I have 4/8s, 5/8s, and 6/8s. They all provide excellent shaves. I happen to enjoy using a variety of different styles. While my favorite razor is a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot, I also love shaving with a 4/8 Filarmonica Inox. In the beginning, I do think a 5/8 size is easier to master than a 6/8.

Choose a razor that attracts you. As you gain more experience, the choice of a razor becomes less and less important. With good technique, you can get a good shave with almost any style razor as long as it is sharp.

Happy Shaving!