Thread: 5/8 vs 6/8 razors

Originally Posted by ccase39

I have gotten the norton stone you mentioned but it never even occurred to me to make my own scales!!!!!! This is going to be fun as I love to fiddle with things. I have a ton of bamboo around, do they make good scales?

Two points: First like razor blades that do not come shave ready, hones do not come "hone" ready. When you get your Norton stone, run your fingers across it. It will feel like sandpaper. That is NOT good though intuitively you might think it is. You need to "lap" you hone before using it so the surface feels like glass. Yes, yet again another expense for a lapping stone or diamond lapping plate. Glen, "gissixguns" has an excellent video on this site regarding the proper preparation of a hone. I don't have the link right off hand but hopefully some other member will step in and supply it.

Second...I love your spirit. If you look at my moniker, you'll see I am a Senior Master Tinker. I love trying all things new and inventive. I have never heard of or seen "real" bamboo scales. All of them I have seen are celluloid impressions of bamboo. But hey, give it a try and report your results.

Keep that enthusiasm but back it up with education.

Randy

Originally Posted by WhiteLion

Glen, "gissixguns" has an excellent video on this site regarding the proper preparation of a hone. I don't have the link right off hand but hopefully some other member will step in and supply it.

Here is the Video.

Originally Posted by mhenson

Here is the Video.

Thank you for helping.

Randy

Originally Posted by WhiteLion

Thank you for helping.

Randy

Not a problem, I still have the video in my Favorites list.

Originally Posted by ccase39

Is it a decent razor for a beginner?

Yes. The 6/8 is a tad bit heavier and more powerful. The 5/8 is a tad bit lighter and more agile. The differences are subtle, and I think either one is suitable for learning.

I like the fact that your razor has a round point, because even now with 2 1/2 years experience I still cut myself sometimes with a square point. I still prefer the round point.

If you struggle with it (like I most certainly did) it won't be because you bought the wrong razor. Stick around, share your experiences, ask questions, and we'll do our best to help you along.

I live in Slidell, do you know of any other places besides Aiden's in NOLA that has razors? Who Dat!

No, I have to order everything. I've seen some straight razors in antique stores around Lafayette, but most of them are worn out. I got most of my razors from the Classified section here, and a few from online vendors as well as all other supplies. You might get the VDH soap, brush, and bowl at Wal-Mart or CVS but that's about it.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

The only functional advantage to using larger blades is their ability to scoop more lather. That's pretty much it.

I never thought of it in those terms...

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

I never thought of it in those terms...

I don't get it lol

I think they're joking about the rather insignificant benefit of holding a ton of lather on the blade as you shave because it's bigger. Some people rinse with each swipe of the blade and some like to build a freaking mountain on their blade before rinsing it off. It's kind of fun to try the mountain when you make a super lather.

I'm jealous! I wish I had a buch of bamboo around... I really want to make a handle out of it for a badger brush, and to try some scales like on the Dovo natural. I understand it's not the best wood choice for being around water, but I'm sure it can be cool with sealants. More fun for you!

PS - I have no idea what to do with pastes on strops or honing. Hopefully soon I can start playing with that.