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 honestly think it makes no difference. I started with a 5/8 full hollow which shaved great and not long after got myself a 7/8 wedge which I also love.

As long as you get a good make of blade that will take and hold a shaving edge I think you'll be fine.

As B says, those recommendations are mainly because they are middle of the road in terms of size and grind allowing you to go either way after that. If you're anything like me you'll end up getting a load of different sizes to try out anyways!

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

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

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.

I have 5/8ths, 6/8ths and 4/8ths razors. I like the 6/8ths & 4/8ths best.
The 4/8ths is amazing for tight detail. It's a half hollow which is nice.
I enjoy the sounds of the full hollow but I also like the silent ninja aspect of my wedge.
Quite honestly I think the smaller blades are easier to learn with. Hollowness is preference. Wedges have more weight to more easily slice through hairs but with hollower grinds you get audible feedback.

I actually have a 7 day set of 4/8s,my son refers to them as dads girlie razors

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I actually have a 7 day set of 4/8s,my son refers to them as dads girlie razors

Girlie razors my eye! That's an awesome set! What does your son want you to use, a machete?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I actually have a 7 day set of 4/8s,my son refers to them as dads girlie razors

If they're too girlie for ya you can send them my way .

Pixelfixed:

Beautiful razors! Beautiful case.

I always enjoy seeing this set!!!