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Hi everyone
I had a question about blade width.
I have been looking at different razors, and the same manufacturer will have many different blade widths. I purchased the Sight unseen deal from Whipped Dog, so I dont need another razor yet. However I can see how this can get out of hand real quick! :dropjaw:
1. Why would you choose one width over the other?
2. What should a Noob look for, wide or narrow? (Guess the first question could answer the second)
Thanks
Preston
Well, somewhere in one of the threads here on SRP, someone wisely advised, "Find the razor that fits your face" (it wasn't me, and I can't remember who wrote that. But it's good advice). Seems like the consensus is, when just starting out, a 6/8 half- to full hollow is a good way to go. 6/8 is right in the middle, width-wise, and is easier to learn how to strop with than a 5/8 or a 4/8. Then you can decide whether you want to go narrower or wider. 6/8 of an inch doesn't seem like much until you hold the blade up to your face--and then it look like a meat cleaver! Aesthetics enters into it, too, though. I like the way 6/8s and 5/8s look, and 7/8s and 8/8s. I don't care for the look of the 4/8s. But that's just me. And as far as what I shave with, I use 5/8s and 6/8s. The 5/8s probably fit my face a bit better than the 6/8s, but I get great shaves out of both widths. It really just boils down to personal preference and what feels comfortable to you. Have fun!
It all comes down to personal preference I think. Some like large while some like smaller. I find that smaller seem to handle easier for me under my nose, but a larger blade works just as well. Other than larger ones might hold more lather on them while shaving before having to be rinsed or wiped off they all shave the same. Grinds on the other hand that is another matter, but still comes down to what you like. That is where it starts to get out of hand, having to try them all. :D
Welcome to SRP!
Choice of width is basically a matter of personal preference, and is something you just have to figure out.
I prefer blades that are 6/8 or larger, generally because I feel I have better control over larger and heavier razors both when shaving, stropping and honing.
A 5/8 or 6/8 are the sizes that are generally recommended when starting out, these are middle sized and easy to use. Both smaller and bigger blades requires some sort of adjustment in use, with the the smaller ones it can be a bit more difficult to control the angle while the bigger ones makes that part a bit easier, but they are often heavier and less maneuverable.
I can enjoy the heft of a larger razor, and 6/8ths seems large to me. But I really enjoy 5/8ths and under and now my preference is turning to 9/16ths and 4/8ths. I really like how easy it is to take care of stubble under the corners of my jaw, 6/8ths are doable but they're just less enjoyable. I really like how the slimmer blades can cut closer to the stretched skin, especially on places that are difficult to stretch (especially the chin). Do not underestimate the power of a slim blade.
Wide for ease of stropping and eventually honing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wastegate
When you say grind, are you refering to the edge or the hollow?Quote:
Originally Posted by JSmith1983
I searched for blade widths for almost an hour. This place is so big it takes forever to try to find anything... Not that thats a bad thing, just that its BIG and there seems to be a great deal of experience being shared!
Which is why I finally asked the question..
Thanks, and Cheers!
Preston
Can't say more than agree with the previous posters. I started out with two 4/8 razors and don't think that is a good idea for a newbie to do from that experience. I have found that I now prefer 6/8 for the previously mentioned reasons. I am also tending to favour heavier blades and like a slightly heavier grind but full hollows work just as well.
Two other consideration are blade tip design and type of shoulder. I prefer round over spike as it can be easier to cut yourself with the tip of a spike point and less so with a round. I wear a mustache and find I prefer shoulderless blades as I can get closer to the stache with the heel than with a stabilized shoulder design. I prefer the esthetics of the shoulderless to boot.
No doubt you will eventually try out most if not all the different combinations of widths, grinds and shapes. I think I would take a middle of the road conservative approach and after getting good at shaving ask yourself what would you like different than what you have got.
Bob
Just saw your latest post. You might find some answers here The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki if you have not already seen it.
Grind is the degree of hollowness. Ie... Extra hollow, full, half, quarter, etc.
The less hollow the blade is the less it can flex and offers less feedback. I've read a lot of people say wedgier (thicker) blades cut more easily through a thick, tough beard, but all mine so far are full hollows so I can't say from personal experience.
Edit: Typo
If I must choose one razor it would be a 6/8" or wider extra hollow.
All these people saying "You'll have to experiment and find out what size suits you" are wrong.
The right size for a razor is 5/8". If you are a freak of some sort, you might settle on an 11/16". I don't know why they make any other sizes. :)
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?
I prefer the 6/8. The extra width allows for better control on the strop and on the face. I also like the heft of the bigger blades.
I've shaved with 10/8 , 4/8 and everything in between. A 6/8 or a 5/8 being my preferred size. I like the way the larger blades look, and even like shaving with them once in awhile, but the 5 and 6/8 are what I usually reach for. I also prefer 1/4 hollow or heavier to full hollow. Different strokes for different folks. :)
I'm the same 4/8 to 8/8. I finally settled on 6/8's and a heavier grind. My go to razor is a Wacker Keilschliff round point wedge. It's a wedge in rigidness and weight, but he did hollow them a little for ease of honing. I also use a Wacker 1/4 hollow and like it as well. The hollower grinds, singing razors just don't work as well on my beard and I've used a bunch of them.
Regards,
Howard
Ok. I have some interesting preferences when it comes to razor. Here they are
5/8+ Wedge or Extra hollow
5/8- Wedge
It really depends on the grind for me, as I like most sizes. My go to razor is my 7/8 Friodur Extra Full hollow. It is a very smooth shaver. Although, my W&B does give a fine shave, it is not my best. But my go to style of blade has to be the wedge, I have 2 and they are fantastic! They just don't white have the edge as my Friodur.. But, that can be fixed!
Does that make sense?
To summarize my best shaver is the Friodur, but I like the wedge style better..
Wow thats a pretty strong statement! What is the basis of your argument?Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt69
I think he was overstating his point to be humorous. 5/8 and 6/8 are nice middle-of-the-road sizes; They're still easy to strop but not so big as to be a challenge in learning to shave.
They make different sizes for the same reason that some people like coke or pepsi. There is no "right size for a razor" like you said, but there is a right size for every individual.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt69
...YMMV...Quote:
Originally Posted by Gammaray
I prefer 6/8 and have been "straight" since 2005 ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gammaray
I started with a 5/8 though so I can see where most people are coming from on this. I would recommend a 5/8 for a beginner and then move on to a 6/8 when you're more comfortable.
I've even used a wedge (7/8 width) which quite clearly was too big and unnecessary.
Forty plus years in, like Jimmy, I've used them all. For me, a 5\8 full hollow is for me!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gammaray
Very Best, John
Beer. The basis of my argument is beer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wastegate
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....
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt69
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!:beer1::w
Why does everyone call them "6/8" instead of "3/4" ? :thinking: :p
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. :)
Actually under the metric system it would be 19.1mm :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gammaray
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! :soapbox: :rofl2:
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.:shrug:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/95969024/BI...D%20LITTLE.jpg
Wullie, that razor is ridiculously huge! Are you compensating for anything? ;) :rofl2:
Dang Wullie! What blade is that?
IF I was compensating, I'd be riding a NEW Hardley Ableson, or driving a 'vette or a Porche. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by sharptonn
I have a saying......."compensating on a budget" :p
Seriously, I lean toward larger blades myself, but for a beginner, I think a 5/8 to 6/8 is best and probably a round point in a stiffer grind.
4/8 razors shave (and cut) just as well as 8/8 and can be just as tricky to use IMHO.
I agree on the wee tiny ones shaving just as good and being a bit harder to use.Quote:
Originally Posted by sharptonn
The GREAVES or the wee BOKER? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by parkerskouson
Never mind the Boker - the poor little 13/16 Greaves I'm working on now is going to feel wee by comparison to that beast! I had better not let her see that pic...Quote:
Originally Posted by Wullie
:)
AWW, show it to her every day. Give her something to aspire to! :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Cangooner
Just as a side note, I read somewhere else on SRP that historically the most frequently produced razor width was 5/8, followed by 6/8.