The Bigger the Better?

With all the fuss lately about bigger (8/8 +) blades such as the W&B FBU, I thought I might share some insight into this little beauty ....

Attachment 142558

Wade & Butcher 5/8 wedge with pre-ban ivory scales. Possibly the closest shave I've had came from this one. Being "merely" 5/8, she is nimble and quick. Oddly enough, not the most comfortable shave (more on this in a honing thread). Honed on a Norton 4/8 and finished on the Nani 12k, she has handled everything from a few hours shadow to four days growth without so much as a whimper.

So the next time you start to think that bigger is better, remember that big things can come in small packages!

Thanks for looking.

For sure bigger is not always better. I would go so far as to say most times not.

Bob

For sure bigger is sometimes difficult to work with

The exaggeration of size, both bigger and smaller than norms, as well as of blade styles or specific features on a straight are appealing to add uniqueness not necessarily functionality. Anyway that is the way I look at it. Just depends what you want from a razor or anything in the way of making a statement.

Bob

You're spot on. I have 8/8+ razors that shave wonderfully. I have 4/8 razors that shave equally as well. Yes, weight and balance and feel all come into play with personal preference, but at the end of the day its all about the edge that the steel takes and holds that gets the job done!

Count me in,my 4/8 Genco fluid steal is my favorite in my 7 day role.

It's not the size of the wave, it is the motion of the ocean...

Agreed - as my preference is developing more and more after a year, I find myself enjoying the 5/8th and 4/8th razors I have more and more...next step is to get used to the DD Satin Wedge...for me, the wedge is a new experience!

The only reason I prefer a wider blade (6/8, 13/16) is because you don't have to rinse as often. They hold more lather so the shave goes alot quicker for me. That being said, sharp is sharp and a great edge can't be beat!

There is a reason big heavy blades almost disappeared once the 5/8s hollow became pretty much standard in the industry.

To me a razor is an instrument and it should become almost an extension of your hand. Big heavy blades or unbalanced ones don't meet that standard for me.

I have 4/8, 5/8, 6/8 and 7/8. I like the 5/8 best followed by the 4/8.