Thread: which one would you choose and why?

hello everyone,

i am looking to get a second razor and have come across the following two razors:

dovo 4/8 stainless steel wedge grind
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/337195.htm

or

dovo 5/8 silver steel hollow grind
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190299.htm

your opinions would be greatly appreciated. please keep in mind that i have a very tough beard. also, i would be sending the razor to lynn for honing.

thanks,
mike

If you want it to mow down tough stubble, get yourself a larger wedge, like a 7/8. Rip off Josh's collection I don't think the small wedge will be much more effective than the 5/8 singer.

I'm no expert, but I find that my larger razors work better for me. The smaller razors seem "flimsy" in comparison.

RT

I get great results even with 5/8 going on 4/8 razors and my beard is by no means fine. Probably about average. Worked with some larger blades and heavier grinds but my 2 best shavers are both full hollows..
1) Taylor's Eye Witness 6/8 (Sheffield)
2) Dovo Bismarck 5/8 (Solingen)
My rotation also includes a 6/8 inox HEAVY full hollow ground piece and a 6/8 wedge (both sheffield pieces), but they don't shave as cleanly as the Taylor/DOVO. However I just finished polishing a 7/8 going on 6/8 W&B wedge to a satin finish, so all it needs is a set of scales. I have 2 spare sets of plexi scales and 3 blades that need'em. The W&B might just get one of those to satisfy my curiosity.

Randy, the reason you find smaller blades flimsy is most likely because of the grind. Most of the smaller blades, especially 5/8s are singers and generally fairly delicate, so they give lots of feedback when cutting hair instead of the smooth feeling of working with a wedge. However, IME they performed better than the heavier grinds and larger blades.

Edit: Additional observation:
Mikey: Wedges are generally more difficult to hone than hollow grinds and in addition to that INOX steel is also tougher to hone. Yes it will recieve its first hone from Lynn, but eventually, you'll have to learn to maintain the blade yourself. In that case you may just want to get the singer until you have more honing experience.

The main reason I find smaller blades "flimsy" is the weight and size. I'm a big guy, and putting that "little" blade to my face just doesn't feel right. But, as with all aspects of shaving, this is a personal thing. Just like the brush, the soap or cream, etc...

RT

You're absolutely correct Randy.. There is a Serbian saying, that translated into English means "100 people 100 natures." My preference for 5/8s lies in the fact that they're large enough to cut medium-density hair but small enough to maneuver in tight quarters.

I think I have passed trough the whole spectar for my favorite razor. First, I got the 5/8 full hollow, and I liked it, since it was my only one, duh. Then I got 6/8 half hollow, and I loved it! It was my to go razor. Then, I got huge Friodur at 7/8. Ofcourse, 7/8 was better than the 6/8 by whole 1/8 !@# Now, the smootest edge was on my Henkells. Then, I managed to put a descent edge on my stainless 5/8, and was swearing by it. Go figure. Yesterday, I got a new razor, 6/8 full hollow. Sharpened it, shaved with it, got the best shave ever. Light sabre edge. Now, I have heared a saying here, I thing John Crowley said it, it goes "The best razor is the sharpest one." It just might be true. But, I can say that with my whole experience with different sizes, I find the 5/8 full hollow best suits my needs...

Nenad

100 ljudi, 100 ccudi

I'd say for a first razor I'd go for a 5/8 But it all really depends on whether it's a sharp first one and whether you can KEEP it sharp.

I think both are fine. It might be easier to keep the 5/8 sharp though. I have razors from 3/8 through 15/16. They are all great at different times.

Just to echo the consensus, I love em all...so long as they're sharp.

Ed