Thread: Whats the Differance

Is there a site that might have different pictures showing the difference in size of a 5/8 6/8 7/8 and so on. Im also wondering where you can see the different types of tips. Between a French/round ETC. Im looking to get a custom blade, and i have an idea what i want.....but just dont know the proper terminology.

The "/8's" designation refers to 8'ths of an inch. So a 5/8's blade is 5/8's of an inch wide. A 6/8's is 6/8" wide and so on.

It's a preference thing mostly. I have both 5/8's (probably the most commonly found size) and 6/8's razors (also readily available) and just prefer the heft and extra width of a 6/8's even though they both shave equally well. Some like even larger blades.

You probably won't be able to see a difference in a photo on the web unless comparing something like a 4/8's to a 6/8's or larger.

As far as point shapes - try this link:

http://www.en.nassrasur.com/razorcentral/point.html

The "oblique" is sometimes called a "French" point and the "spike" is sometimes called a square point although a square may be more rounded (like the "half round") than a true spike. The round point is probably best all around and safer for beginners.


Scott

I was thinking of going maybe 7/8 or 8/8. Are they really to big to use or could they be a good daily shaver

Originally Posted by IsaacRN

I was thinking of going maybe 7/8 or 8/8. Are they really to big to use or could they be a good daily shaver

Once again, it's such a personal choice that it's hard to say. Considering that a 7/8's is only slightly larger than the 6/8's I use daily, I'd probably be ok with the larger blade, even the 8/8's. Another consideration is the grind. A 7/8's or 8/8's wedge would be heavier than a same size full hollow.

Considering that the most common (at least as far as I can tell) straight razors offered on the web are 5/8's and 6/8's hollow grounds, I'd guess that those are the most often sold. But I don't know if that really helps you.

Scott

The other consideration is that as the blade becomes wider the thickness and mass of the blade increases rapidly. To me as you go from a 4/8s to a 5/8s there isn't much difference. As you go to a 6/8s there is a fair difference but when you jump to a 7/8s there is a big difference and an 8/8s is really huge.

Its true its a matter of preference but consider a small razor is like driving a sports car and a massive one is like driving an 18 wheeler and to me thats what its like on your face. Also if you go custom watch the balance of the razor. Make sure the scales are not heavier that the blade. Of course if you are one of those big blade guys that's what you'll gravitiate to.

This is more of a question than a comment but I would guess some smaller areas (under the nose?) are more difficult as you go to larger blades.....

Just seems right but I'm WAY too new to know if this is really right.

Ken

I would think that as long as its not a round point that shouldnt be a problem.