Thread: Confirm/refute my assessment and please give suggestion

In reading through posts, threads, and tutorials, I think I have gleaned two suggestions for a first razor:

-A 6/8 is better than a 5/8 because it is easier to establish and keep a flatter angle along the face
-A 1/2 hollow grind is easier to maintain than a full hollow grind for a beginner

First, please correct any misunderstandings or add your 2 cents to my two above statements.
And second, which is more important? here's why --

I want to purchase my first straight from SRD because of information gathered here. I like the Dovo best quality, but SRD only carries the 6/8 in full hollow, and their 1/2 hollow is only availible in 5/8.

Any reccommendations, suggestions, or further discussion on the matter are very welcomed.

thanks a lot, Gags

I don't think it will make much difference either way. Eventually, you'll probably have 50 razors, like some of us, so it's just a matter of personal preference. It may be too early for you at this point to even have a preference, and that is what makes starting out so much fun. If you like to hear a razor "sing", or think you would like to, get the full hollow. You'll be happy with either one. If not, please send it to me. Good luck!

Your two claims have some merit I guess.

The recommendation for both half hollow and 6/8 are mainly based on the fact that they are middle of the road products.

This means that you can go either way after trying it out.
It could prove to be to big for you, then you can go down a size. Or up if it's to big.
And the grind gives you two ways to go after that first 1/2 hollow.
Towords full hollow or towards the more wedge like side of the spectrum.

I would not worry to much about it to be honest.
The 6/8 full hollow and the 5/8 half hollow is both fine starter razors in my opinion.
Get the one you like the most.

For the record, I started with a singing 5/8 and loved it from the get go

I speak from reading and not from experience...

My understanding is that one should start with
- a shave-ready razor ! (most important)
- a round point ("safer") (second most important)
- a 6/8, 7/8, or 8/8 ("larger")
- 1/2, 1/4, or less hollow ("heavier, stiffer")
- (really optional) a stainless blade (less rust, edge last longer)

You can easily find that from $30 to $70 USD on SRP's classifieds (as long as it is "shave ready" from a trusted seller).

cheers
christophe

Thanks for the suggestion Patrick-
I am leaning toward that razor with a 3" "natural" strop combo - I emailed the guys at SRD and they said the natural can be substituted for the latigo. This seems like a nice middle of the road model. As for the other stuff, I have been using soap since way back in my disposable bic shaver days, so I am good (so far, but more will come!) with a few soaps, creams, brushes, and the like. I started shaving with a Shavette about two months ago so I have been building my routine and preferences, so now it's the next step I have to take.

Originally Posted by Joegags

Thanks for the suggestion Patrick-
I am leaning toward that razor with a 3" "natural" strop combo - I emailed the guys at SRD and they said the natural can be substituted for the latigo. This seems like a nice middle of the road model. As for the other stuff, I have been using soap since way back in my disposable bic shaver days, so I am good (so far, but more will come!) with a few soaps, creams, brushes, and the like. I started shaving with a Shavette about two months ago so I have been building my routine and preferences, so now it's the next step I have to take.

My pleasure Sir!
Trying to shave with that shavette almost made me want to give up trying to straight razor shave until I got my 6/8 BQ starter kit. I still make some fundamental mistakes when I straight razor shave, but the craft is still an ongoing learning process.
My wife likes being the only wife in her group of friends whose husband shaves with a straight razor. She thinks it's really awesome.
I always have posted in this forum: "We are taking a mundane daily chore and turning it into a pleasureable ritual."
Wishing you much success and many great shaves! Can't wait to read your post on your first shave with the BQ 6/8!
Patrick

I don't think the 6/8 razor is the average entry razor. Rather, I believe it to be 5/8. In fact, buying a 6/8 to begin with might cost you more money. And, needlessly.

I believe you will do well with any razor from 4/8 thru 6/8, from half hollow to full hollow, and with any type point as long as you have the honer dull the tip of square tipped razors.

Just try something! You can't know what baseball bat you will prefer until you try a few. The same with straights.

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

I don't think the 6/8 razor is the average entry razor. Rather, I believe it to be 5/8. In fact, buying a 6/8 to begin with might cost you more money. And, needlessly.

I started with a 5/8, but subsequently found I prefer wider blades, I find them easier to shave with and strop. Starting over again I'd purchase a wider blade.
In terms of 'entry level' kit for any enterprise, purchasing something that is 'entry level' usually means that you have to 'upgrade'. Best to start with something 'better' initially.
Unless you bang it against a tap (faucet) you will likely do more damage to your face than the blade during the learning process.

The facination with huge blades perplexes me,suppose it is what one can adapt to.
I started with a 4/8 only because it was given to me,was easy to use having a stash and gotee at the time,is still in my rotation when I want a quick shave.
I do have some 15/16 blades but having a wrist full of pins and fused bone I cannot swing the biggins anymore,5/8-6/8 max for me.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

The facination with huge blades perplexes me...

Some time back, I read an old barbers manual that suggested 4/8 for first time straight razor shavers. At the least, smaller width blades should be tried at some point.