Thread: What is you favorite blade width?

im not seasoned but i can shave just as good with my 4/8 as i can my 17/16 ...in all honestly though when i use my 4/8 after about 1/2" i have to adjust cause im used to using a bigger blade ...that is prob where being new makes a difference for me , but a second later and ive corrected my angle of attack ...i just find a bigger blade more comfortable in my hand

Originally Posted by PierreR

Thank you gentlemen. It seems my own preference is being echoed here. I read a post where someone said, the big heavier blades, were preferred by the uninitiated or less seasoned user, and that a less tall hollow was a sign of skill and experience. Is there any "truth" to such a statement, or is it more of a personal preference thing again? To me with my beard, a 7/8 near wedge slips through my whisker. There is no singing with a heavy blade, but I have found the thinner shorter TI I have skip or slide over the hair.

Now I just had them honed by someone who knows way mor about honing razors, and the same TI cut nicer, but not as comfortable as the near wedge.

The large full hollows shouldn't be skipping or sliding over hair. Sounds like too shallow an angle. A wedge is more forgiving when shaving and may be easier for a person new to the straights. I know it was for me in the beginning. Less nicks.

But I still prefer the full hollows. Like the feedback and nimbleness and finesse.

I have no experience with anything larger than 6/8, I've tried 4/8s and gotten good shaves with them but I am more comfortable between 5/8 and 6/8. I prefer half hollow to full hollow. This is just on my two years shaving with straight razors.

My favorite razor at the moment is a 6/8 half hollow square point Wade Butcher. Of course, that is subject to change at any moment

As long as they can reach my face I'm content!

Originally Posted by PierreR

I read a post where someone said, the big heavier blades, were preferred by the uninitiated or less seasoned user, and that a less tall hollow was a sign of skill and experience. Is there any "truth" to such a statement, or is it more of a personal preference thing again?

I'm not sure there is any solid "truth" to that, but from what I've observed here in nearly 5 years that certainly seems to be the trend. Hollows do need a bit more skill to wield effectively. Something else to consider: most barbers of old preferred 5/8 or 6/8 full hollows.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I'm not sure there is any solid "truth" to that, but from what I've observed here in nearly 5 years that certainly seems to be the trend. Hollows do need a bit more skill to wield effectively. Something else to consider: most barbers of old preferred 5/8 or 6/8 full hollows.

Than how do you explaine the 8/8 XXX FBU s??

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Something else to consider: most barbers of old preferred 5/8 or 6/8 full hollows.

Also, if you take a look at the menu of razors at large vendor sites, Dovo, TI, any of the big and small companies, the 5/8 and 6/8 full hollows dominate the field. More round point than square point and very few of the exotic points that we on SRP love. So I'm guessing they are making what are the most popular sellers.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Than how do you explaine the 8/8 XXX FBU s??

Been explained the large blade was thought to be longer lasting what with the frequent honings that the old guys had to do. They also had itinerant grinder/sharpeners traveling around servicing the blades. That is what thebigspendur told me they did in the 1800s when he lived in Sheffield.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Than how do you explaine the 8/8 XXX FBU s??

Personal preference has always existed, even among barbers. But the late 19th century saw the decline (for whatever reason, which can be debated in another thread) of the large width and heavy grind razors, to the extent that smaller hollow ground blades became the norm, especially for professionals.

I'm just speculating, but by the early 20th century, when the straight razor began to fall to the DE, if there was a huge demand from professional barbers for the old choppers they would have continued their production. Either way they didn't, and they fell out of fashion.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Also, if you take a look at the menu of razors at large vendor sites, Dovo, TI, any of the big and small companies, the 5/8 and 6/8 full hollows dominate the field. More round point than square point and very few of the exotic points that we on SRP love. So I'm guessing they are making what are the most popular sellers.



Been explained the large blade was thought to be longer lasting what with the frequent honings that the old guys had to do. They also had itinerant grinder/sharpeners traveling around servicing the blades. That is what thebigspendur told me they did in the 1800s when he lived in Sheffield.

Is he older than Us??