Thread: Difference between 5/8 and 6/8

Looking to buy my first one and still have not figured out the difference. Narrower=flexible? It probably does not matter just thought I would ask.

The difference between 5/8 and 6/8 is 1/8.











Sorry, I just had to. Ya kinda left yourself open I actually have nothing constructive to say.

actually it's 2/16ths get it right....

Besides the obvious

The tangs on the 6/8 tend to be larger and a bit more substantial which also increases the weight of the razor in the hand and during the shave at a higher percentage than just the 1/8 in difference would seem...
This usually makes shaving a bit easier for a less experienced hand, that extra 1/8 in also makes a bit more difference then you think when Stropping and Honing to a less experienced hand
The 6/8 is also the middle ground when you are comparing razor sizes...
These are just some of the reasons I always recommend a 6/8 1/2 hollow round nose razor as a first razor as there is a bit more difference then just 1/8 or 2/16's of an inch

sometimes there is no difference, depending on who is selling it

Narrower razors do better in creases and crannies, like under the chin. If you have a skinny face with some sharp contours, the smaller razors starting at 4/8 might be considered. That being said, most end up preferring larger blades. But, at some point, I think everyone should try narrower blades.

I have a 4/8 and a 7/8 I pretty much alternate between the two given the mood I am in that day. They both shave well but each is it's own creation. I think at some point in your shaving if you stick with it you should think about a razor of a different size than the one you initially buy.

The razors I have vary pretty widely in size. The first two I had (and learned on) were a very light, hollow ground 4/8ths and a very heavy, wedge ground 6/8". While now I appreciate both equally, at the time I could only shave with the heavier wedge; the 4/8ths would cut me to shreds. Knowing what I do now, I believe the 4/8ths was too light and that made it harder for me to use.

I find that the lighter the blade, the less pressure you need to use (duh) because your hand is trying to move less weight. That being said, when your technique isn't the best while you're learning, it's hard to use light pressure because that doesn't always yield the best results. So, to start, I think a heavier razor is the way to go.