Thread: Size of razor

The best width is any width having a shave ready edge. If the edge is not shave ready, nothing else matters in comparison.

I use widths from 4/8 to 7/8, they all work ok if shave ready and fail if not. Any 5/8 or 6/8 without a sharp corner at the heel or point is good for beginners. if of good steel and geometry.

Narrow 4/8 are nimble but take more care stropping and honing. There is not much steel for correcting damage. Wide 7/8 are easy to control stropping and honing but are less nimble. It is easier to judge and hold an angle on your face using wider blades. The 5/8 width out numbers all others.

i suggest lesser brand names from Soligen, Sheffield, France, Sweden, or the US in as good a condition as possible where cost is an issue. I would avoid blades in need of restoration as the cost of restoration added to purchase price often exceeds the cost of a blade in better condition. I like the classified sites where moderate cost blades can be found often in shave ready condition.

To echo the sound advice already given, the 5/8 round point is an excellent starter.

Yeah, 5/8 or 6/8, the choice of tip would depend on your dexterity, so hard to say. I like pointy tips better because it's more clear where the edge ends, but if you are prone to misjudge the position of the razor the round point gives you about 0.25" cushion.
Really sharp points are challenging because on any concave surface they need extreme care or will at least scratch you, however these are extremely hard to find as well - pretty much anything you can find is slightly rounded, and even super sharp point is roundable in about 10 seconds.

I'd go so far as to advise for 13/16 included, round point (5/8 and 6/8 are ok choices)

IMHO it's the intermediate size between "large" and "small" blades. Though intimidating at first, the 13/16 blades make a good compromise.
Too big -> You need a smaller razor
Too small -> You need a bigger razor

As said above, round point is the best way to start. As precise as any other point, the risks are lesser

I started with 5/8 or 6/8 and i felt are good sizes to start and to use for life (most of my razors are 5/8 and 6/8). The 4/8 i feel very difficult to strop.

i prefer round points, but its whatever you are comfortable. just remember always be aware of were your blade/tip is our it will remind you. good luck and welcome.

Since we're all casting votes so to speak. My vote would be for 6/8 and the point of you're choice. I have never used a round point, so my preference is a french or square point. The 6/8 may cost a bit more, but i find that they are a much easier resale if you find that straights aren't your cup of tea. Finally. Make sure that it comes from a reputable vendor or member as shave ready. Oh and while you're at it, get a 5/8 so that you have a backup iwhen you need to send the 6/8 out for refreshing.

I've used this photo before to demonstrate that it's not just blade width that alters when you move up a size. This is the same blade in both 5/8 and 6/8".

And indeed, a Puma would be an excellent first razor That's what I give to close friends who are starting with wet shaving. But I digress