Thread: Bigger is not always better...!

There's so much focus on whether it's a 7/8 or 5/8 or whatever....What I've determined is the length is more important than the width of the blade. I get the best shaves now with my little 5/8 Flaschner 3" razor! Sure, it's not as impressive looking at the big 8/8 Wade and Butcher 3.5" monster blade, but when it comes to utility, it will shave circles around that big blade. I liken the difference to be like driving a Ferrari versus a Mercedes S500. The Flaschner is my Ferrari. I can get all the nooks and crannies of my face with that smaller 3" length and a more consistent BBS all over. And this after only 2 days of shaving with it, imagine how good it will be once I get used to it.

I'm happy to see you have found what works for you
Smaller and shorter blades are absolutely not lesser blades than their bigger brethren.

With good technique I'd say most any size will do, but naturally we all have our preferences

I have 4/8s, 9/16s, 5/8s, 11/16s, 6/8s, and one 13/16s. They all shave equally well. I am always amazed that the 4/8s can provide a full, close shave over my whole face including the dreaded chin and upper lip.

While my current favorite razors are a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot and a 13/16 J. A. Henckels 72 1/2, I would be loath to give up any of my smaller razors. They also provide excellent shaves, albeit, with a slightly different feel. I enjoy having different brands, sizes, and grinds in the collection. The variety adds a little spice to my daily shaves.

Originally Posted by DLB

I have 4/8s, 9/16s, 5/8s, 11/16s, 6/8s, and one 13/16s. They all shave equally well. I am always amazed that the 4/8s can provide a full, close shave over my whole face including the dreaded chin and upper lip.

While my current favorite razors are a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot and a 13/16 J. A. Henckels 72 1/2, I would be loath to give up any of my smaller razors. They also provide excellent shaves, albeit, with a slightly different feel. I enjoy having different brands, sizes, and grinds in the collection. The variety adds a little spice to my daily shaves.

Well, I do enjoy driving a Ferrari sometimes and a Mercedes sometimes, etc....! Same with me I like the variety of different razors...

I have a 4/8 – love the thing but can’t stop wondering if the weight of a 7/8 wouldn’t be helpful. Can’t wait to find out : ).

I recently commissioned a longer razor because that has been my preference lately, but I have found myself shaving the last few times with my wife's short 4/8 from the same maker. It just depends on my daily mood.

Heck have you ever held a kamisori?

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I recently commissioned a longer razor because that has been my preference lately, but I have found myself shaving the last few times with my wife's short 4/8 from the same maker. It just depends on my daily mood.

Heck have you ever held a kamisori?

That's a good question, I plan to start with a kamisori soon. I'm talking blade length, not razor length. Kamisoris are really short on the blade, I think?

Originally Posted by carazor

That's a good question, I plan to start with a kamisori soon. I'm talking blade length, not razor length. Kamisoris are really short on the blade, I think?

Kamisoris are just small in general, but I can't think of a better tool to get those hard to get areas.

You are completely correct the other day I shaved with a 5/8 American made wedge and a 7/8 american made hart steel 1/4 ground that cost me almost 15 times as much as that little guy. Seriously almost $300 and $21 and I have to say I was upset when that little 5/8 shaved better then that big ol' hart. For now I'm saying I just need more practice with the hart but that little guy was a hell of a shaver!

Originally Posted by carazor

That's a good question, I plan to start with a kamisori soon. I'm talking blade length, not razor length. Kamisoris are really short on the blade, I think?

Kamisori are 40-60 mm on the shaving edge usually.
I have tried many Japanese straights with shorter blades and find them very nice to shave with.