Thread: Blade Width

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!

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Wastegate

2. What should a Noob look for, wide or narrow? (Guess the first question could answer the second)

Wide for ease of stropping and eventually honing.

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

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.

When you say grind, are you refering to the edge or the hollow?

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.