Thread: Reflections on a meat Chopper

I got, by pure accident, my W&B 13/16 wedge as part of a "lot" that I bought in order to get a different razor.

It shaves my tough beard with less irritation than any other razor I own, and since I was new to str8 shaving when I got it I didn't know it was "big"...just developed a pattern that worked on my face.

It is now the "standard" of a close comfortable shave that all new razors are measured against.

Dave

My choice of favorite big to small varies. Today it is for the bigones. My Dorko 15/16 my most resent fav.

I find that the smaller blades are more twitchy when they hit the really tough parts of my beard. The 7/8 and 8/8's don't even seem to notice.

I've been getting into larger razors and really like their heft. As for a wedge or less ground razor I'd guess the major benefit would be how LONG the razor can go between strops. One thing I've noticed on the few razors I have here are that the more it's ground, the more often it seems to need stropping. I'm sure harder steels would have less of an issue with this but with razors of equal steel quality I'd say that a thicker blade provides less opportunity for the steel to bend or fold when shaving Of course I'm just guessing. Until I get this 13/16 wedge reground so I can sharpen it and use it I'll not be able to test this theory in depth .

What is there to like about those big-arse sheffield meatchoppers? Good question!

NOTHING! They're overpriced junk and I wish everyone would quit bidding on the damned things. I hate it when people start running the price up like that by talking about how wonderful those razors are.

5/8" Baby!!!!! That's the real deal!

I really see no advantage to size but I do experience a better shave with a thicker grind i.e. wedge, 1/4 or 1/2 hollow. The 4/8, 5/8 and 6/8 are also easier to hone.

Just my two cents,

Its not just about the size factor here. I have a few 7/8s and 8/8s razors of German manufacture and the filamonica is 7/8s but they are much thinner and lighter. The W&B is just incredibly heavy and massive in a way the others aren't. I don't think I would sell it but it will remain in that corner of my razor box with my Japanese razor. A curiosity to be dragged out and used a couple times a year.

I think that for me 5/8 and 6/8 is the way to go.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think that for me 5/8 and 6/8 is the way to go.

This is really the deciding factor, or should be, for everyone. It's not about what everyone else likes. It's what you like. This is the reason we don't all drive black cars that are identical. It's called personal preference.

For me, I like the larger, heavier blades. That's my personal preference. I like the heft and stability of the larger blades, and am most fond of shaving with wedges. Call me crazy, but to me, a 5/8 full hollow is too light. A 5/8 wedge is much more useable to me. I don't hink I would be comfortable with a 4/8 at all.

Different strokes!!