Thread: Poll : What size razor do you prefer ? Why ?

I have been having a bit of a debate with a couple of custom razor makers. It seems two thirds of their orders are for 7/8 or larger blades. OTOH, when you look at the commercial manufacturers the majority of their offerings seem to be 5/8 and 6/8. A few 7/8 and once in a blue moon an 8/8.

This would indicate to me that the larger majority of folks shopping for straight razors prefer the 5/8 and 6/8. If not why would the mfgs make that their main production ? It seems the difference in price between those two sizes is negligable. I'm thinking the average person, who is not a razor collector/shaver, may be starting out, would be reluctant to go for the 7/8 and up.

Perhaps the reason the custom guys get so many orders for the larger blades is because they are dealing with the straight razor cognoscenti ?

I voted for 6/8, because I've been using 6/8 razor for a long time, but I like 5/8 too.

I prefer a 6/8 blade, although most of my razors are 5/8. I like the fact that they hold more lather before I have to clean the blade. However, I find that any larger than 6/8 is awkward to shave with. I think the reason the custom guys like these big blades is pure aesthetic.

5/8, because that's all I have

Voted 8/8 only because thats what most of my blades are.I have nothing under 7/8 and only one that is.
I have three 10/8s that are a joy to shave with but at that size become a PITA to strop.

I use, and like, anything from a 5/8 to a 10/8.
My vote was 7/8 though, as that is a middle ground of sorts

As I am 6'5" I reckon a 7/8 to me is like a 5/8 to all those guys situated a bit closer to mother earth

Jimmy

I think you are right in your OP. My fav is a 6/8 but 5/8 will do nicely too. Custom razors seem to be all about exaggeration these days and size is but one aspect. I think that is to make them stand visually apart from productions razors the huge majority of which are under 7/8 in size.

Bob

5/8 seems to be my preference at the moment. I've wondered if the custom guys get orders for the bigger blades in part because of the fact that the other producers don't offer the large blades too much.

My thoery is that the prouction 5/8 or 6/8 razors are to a certain extent, made to a price point, and are simply commercial goods. Whereas customs are one offs, meant to be heirlooms passed down through generations, and having that extra metal will let them survive a while longer, sort of like the ole Barber's use razors.

Personally, I like anywhere from5/8 to 7/8, but voted 7/8.

I would have said 6/8 before but after using my Charles Jaschke 8/8 full hollow with such a wide spine and great weight I cant say that anymore, my 8/8 W&B FBU is also a great shave for me. I really like a heavier weight razor but it seems my paws really like some distance/clearance for neck and jaw line passes.
just my 2 cents FWIW
Mike