Thread: Razor size

I can nick myself with any point; round, spike or French. Not to mention any size. However I have come to prefer my 6/8's the best

Originally Posted by RichZ

I can nick myself with any point; round, spike or French. Not to mention any size. However I have come to prefer my 6/8's the best

What is it about a cut from a 6/8 that you like so much?

X

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

Each of my razors has its own character, its own feel to how it shaves that is slightly different than the others. It's what works bes to for you.

Is there a tendancy for 6/8, 7/8, and so on to have a larger tang and scales?

I've got a moderately thick beard, and acres of face, but its my meathooks that I'd really like to accomodate.

Originally Posted by TMike

Is there a tendancy for 6/8, 7/8, and so on to have a larger tang and scales?

Yes, they are progressively larger.

The razor I used last night was a 4/8. That's almost too small for my liking. I would never go smaller than that. The 11/16 I use is much more suited to my hands and beard. I find that the meatchoppers are easier for me to use and navigate.

Personally I am finding that I like the larger razors with the rounded tips but only if they have the weight to go with it.

For shaving someone else though I like a 5/8 with a spike or squared tip. I can manage around cracks and crevises on the face much better with a slightly smaller razor and the spike helps me in the corners of a well creased fold of somone elses skin. I still like a weighty razor even if it is smaller.

Originally Posted by phopwood

Fred,

I have been shaving with a straight for about 4 years and I prefer my 6/8 blade, but I was just wandering why there are so many different blade size's.

Peter

Then it just comes down to what feels right in your hand and against your face. The only limits that I can think of are too big and you can't go around corners such as around and under the chin. Too small and it would become difficult to maintain a 30 degree blade angle without it becoming 90 degrees (ouch).
If I could only have 1 razor to last my life, it would be a 7/8 so after much honing, it would slowly become a 6/8, 5/8, etc
-Fred

I like the way a nice smiling blade allows me access to many areas that even a dead flat 4/8 would have trouble reaching.

X

Originally Posted by FUD

For shaving someone else though I like a 5/8 with a spike or squared tip.

Glen, how do you end up shaving someone else? Are you a barber? Do you have an abundance of brave and hearty friends?

I'm curious after reading an old barber's manual. Seems like an art form to me.

Mike

Originally Posted by TMike

Glen, how do you end up shaving someone else? Are you a barber? Do you have an abundance of brave and hearty friends?

I'm curious after reading an old barber's manual. Seems like an art form to me.

Mike

Mike, It started out with my Father in Law. He's in his mid 80's and "never had the courage" to shave with a straight but he'd had a few as a young man in wwII. When he found out about my infatuation with straight razors he asked if I'd give him one. From there it bloomed by word of mouth. It's mostly all old timers that hate the disposable blades they use in the barber shop. I don't charge as it's illegal to perform any barbor services for pay in Ohio with out the proper licensing.

Then of course there's my wife who enjoys having her legs and arm pits shaved but won't do it herself but that's another story all together

I use an old recliner and do plenty of hot wet towels on lathered faces. I have a small stool that I sit on and I'm able to do almost the entire shave from behind the recliner though I do switch to either side on the first pass to get the side burns right. I use the cattaraugus I got from Lynn as it's the best razor I have currently that gives me the flexibility I need for shaving someone else.

I'd be interested in that barber's manual. If you can send me the info where I can get one I'd be much abliged.

Glen F