Thread: Blade Width

Originally Posted by Gammaray

I have several 5/8" razors and I would bet that most experienced shavers on this site would prefer 6/8" or wider extra hollow.

OK guys, prove me wrong?

Forty plus years in, like Jimmy, I've used them all. For me, a 5\8 full hollow is for me!!
Very Best, John

Originally Posted by Wastegate

Wow thats a pretty strong statement! What is the basis of your argument?

Beer. The basis of my argument is beer.

Now I've sobered up I'm prepared to concede that people have different tastes, ymmv, and all that.

Seriously, in terms of how a razor shaves, the grind makes much more difference to the feeling than the width.

That seems to start most of my arguments as well! At least with the wife anyways....

Originally Posted by Matt69

Seriously, in terms of how a razor shaves, the grind makes much more difference to the feeling than the width.

While I don’t have large hands I have a couple of fellow straight razor shaving friends who do and they prefer the larger razors not only for the size and heft, but typically the shank is larger and gives a better grip/feel for them.

One of them loves Swedish steel but as he put’s it; the shanks are typically toothpicks!

With all of this said, personally I prefer the taller blades and having them be round points! I have a 4/8 square point that was given to me and it’s a great shaver; it’s just not my preferred blade give me my 13/16 Friodur or 7/8 Gong (both round points)or 6/8 Hair op (square point) any day!

To each his own!

Why does everyone call them "6/8" instead of "3/4" ?

Because people never paid attention in math class. Lowest common denominator, people!!! It's not hard!

You should be able to shave with any razor really, regardless of grind or size. Sure preference comes into it, but I take the view: why limit yourself? What I have found is that I no longer have a size or grind preference, it's just about how well they shave.

James.

What would really chap your ass if we all went to the metric system.

6/8" is .750/1.0000

They are identical. So what is the problem.

The top razor manufactureres specify 6/8" ---- not 0.750/1.000


So get over it.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

What would really chap your ass if we all went to the metric system.

6/8" is .750/1.0000

They are identical. So what is the problem.

The top razor manufactureres specify 6/8" ---- not 0.750/1.000


So get over it.

Actually under the metric system it would be 19.1mm

But I wasn't complaining of a problem. I just find it interesting how designations often seem to develop their own rules. I've also seen some razors designated 13/16, etc... So it's equally interesting that 6/8 isn't as 3/4, nor it it expressed as 12/16.

Now, don't get me started about Lumber!

I don't have large hands. I prefer a larger blade. 6/8's seem small to me. 7/8's are my preferred. I do enjoy using a 9/8 a couple of times a week.

That being said, I honed the little razor in this pic for a new forum member. I've shaved with it twice. It shaves great, but for me, it is TOO small.

Wullie, that razor is ridiculously huge! Are you compensating for anything?