Are there different straight razors for the beard and the hair on the scalp?

[corax]

Hi,

I recently paid a visit to an old shop in Madrid who sold a filarmonica straight razor for 50€. Don't know if it is identical with the one on the link but it looked similar.

Anyway, the staff said that this razor was not suitable for the face, but only for the hair on the scalp. He claimed that the razor was not heavy enough to be used for the face. However, the guy was not a barber so he might have missed something, or are there specific straight razors for the hair on the scalp contra the beard?

[Laurens]

Any properly hardened and sharpened item will cut a beard. Unless this razor is not hardened to the same degree as their bigger razors, I don't see why it cannot be used for beard shaving.

The weight of a razor is mainly personal preference. The balance is of greater importance, a razor with heavy (metal) scales can be very tough to move around your face. I think the razor you saw can definitely be used for regular shaving, just ask if you can feel the weight (and balance) in your hand first.

[corax]

Even though I never shaved with a knife my gut feeling was in line with your knowledge, thank you for the clarification.

[Laurens]

There the same thing applies: proper hardening and sharpening. In general, only high-quality knives will keep a shaving edge and it's a lot tougher to hone when freehanding, IMO.

[Kees]

Fillies are excellent razors. Larger blades are preferred by many for shaving a beard. But it will give you a good facial shave as well. I have once seen footage of a guy shaving his scalp with a straight so it can be done. Worst case scenario: self decapitation.

[Laurens]

... Worst case scenario: self decapitization.

In which case I'll be happy to start bidding on the Filly.

[corax]

Fillies are excellent razors. Larger blades are preferred by many for shaving a beard. But it will give you a good facial shave as well. I have once seen footage of a guy shaving his scalp with a straight so it can be done. Worst case scenario: self decapitation.

Thank you for the info, but why are larger blades preferred by many for shaving the beard?

[Laurens]

In my case, because it feels comfortable to have a slightly heavier blade. Narrow, light blades can feel flimsy. I guess the answer, as you will hear it many times, is personal preference.

[Kees]

Thank you for the info, but why are larger blades preferred by many for shaving the beard?

A lot is personal preference. Somehow it feels like you have to use less pressure with a heavier blade. Problably a matter of kinetic energy of the blade vs. the resistence put up by the whiskers as they are being cut.

[stimpy52]

I've shaved successfully with both 3/8 and 4/8 razors, but I'd consider that to be more of an "advanced" shaving exercise. Sure, it can be done, but you need to be pretty good at your prep, and you need to have a lot of confidence in your edge. If these things aren't accomplished, it's going to be tough to keep that blade flush to your skin, resulting in a nervous, jerky shave -- the blade will want to "jump" and "bounce".

bottom line -- for beginning straight-shavers --- larger blades are a little easier to control.