How Important is Size?

The FAQ recommends getting a 6/8 for a first SR. I've been browsing the Classifieds, as well as a few other sites, looking at what is available, and am seeing a lot of 5/8.

How important is size, when picking a starter razor?

5/8 is fine, too.

A larger blade tends to make it easier to control and keep an eye on your shaving angle. A larger blade is also easier to keep flat on hones and strops. And a larger blade has more weight, which means more momentum, which can mean less "jumpiness" on your face.

But 5/8 - 6/8 is a fine range. I wouldn't recommend a 4/8 to a new guy, and even I don't like stropping, honing, or shaving with a 3/8. It requires my FULL attention.

It all comes down to personal preference. People say 5/8" are a good starter size. But I was more comfortable with 6/8" or larger. The larger the blade the more lather it will hold as well.
Here's a thought get one of each. Now that sounds like a plan.
Enjoy

Wellcome to SRP,start with a 5/8,you will learn down the road what size you reqiure

I would have to agree that a 5/8 or 6/8 are better to begin with for all the reasons holli4pirating stated. But note to that if you love yourself a larger blade or in my case a smaller blade - that goes a long way to ensuring you stick-to-it.

I personally started with a 4/8 and if you google it - you'll note at one time starting with a 4/8 was in fashion - though no longer. I tried others, but found my first love (4/8) to be the one for me when all was said and done. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck!!

Sorry, based on the title, I thought this thread was about something totally different

I say start with a 5/8ths or 6/8ths just because of availability and cost... Dovo's and Theirs Issards for new razors and the readily available vintage blades from eBay, most of the inexpensive examples being of the 5/8's or so sizes. The bigger 7/8ths and 8/8ths tend to be expensive vintage Sheffield blades or even more expensive custom razors. My opinion...

Yes, 6/8 is a good size. I personally don't like anything smaller than a 5/8 myself.

I was given a 3/8 as a gift. Nice vintage razor, but trying to get a decent edge on it and keep it there is pretty hard. The couple of times I tried using it were pretty horrible. Maybe in time it will come to me, but for now the 5/8 is perfect for my abilities.

To reiterate what most everyone said ........ 5 or 6/8 is cool. I have a couple of 4/8 that I keep, and even shave with once in awhile because they are collectible vintage razors that I like for their ambiance. I don't like shaving with anything smaller than a 5/8. Now earcutter likes 4/8. As you progress in straight razor shaving you'll figure out what works best for you in razors, brushes, soaps/creams ....... it is all a matter of trying different things and that is part of the pleasure of it ...... as long as the money hold out..... :p

I wish I could say start with a 5/8 or even maybe a 6/8 but I started out with a 9/8 so I can't preference a 5/8.. What I can say is starting out big or small it doesn't matter as long as you start, this is a awesome art that you will be teaching yourself with plenty of help from all the fine folks right here on SRP so wether you start with a 5/8 or 10/8 enjoy the shave and the journey

I am still a newb but will offer that my razors range from 5/8 to 13/16 and all are easy enough to manage.

Truth told, I find the grind to be more of a factor than the size of the blade. I have two full hollow, three half hollow, a faux frame back and two full wedges.. The full and half hollows provide the most feedback but are also the hardest for me to manage. The heavier grinds excel for many of the reasons noted above as advantages of the larger blades. Primarily due to their ability to maintain momentum.