Originally Posted by
JBHoren
How competent/confident are you, shaving with "all the razors" you currently have? Admittedly, I'm a bug about postponing additional acquisitions until someone is wielding what he's got, and doing it well. "Steel-wool beard hairs"? How's your pre-shave beard preparation? and, do you strop the edge of the razor with which you're going to shave? enough? properly? Finally, regarding your friend's suggestion to move up to a 6/8" blade: why not continue with the 5/8" size, but try a stiffer grind -- say, a 1/4-hollow, or a near-wedge? There are lots of near-wedges in a wide range of sizes, made in Sheffield (England), which won't require any immediate restoration (but will require honing). Near-wedges are often the solution for thickly-growing and/or wiry beards. Think about it.
Smooth shaving!