Thread: Straight edge razor

I seen regular straight edge razor (I got mine while I was in Mexico for $5) in which now I see a variety of them. I recently visit The Art of Shaving website and saw that they have somewhat a variety of selection. What are the difference from a regular razor, 5/8" blade, and a 6/8" blade? Can someone tell me which one will give me a closer shave or at least a smooth finish?

Both a 5/8 and a 6/8 will shave equally as well as each other. It is the quality of the honing and how well the razor is maintained that determines the quality and smoothness of the shave.

The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

And your skill level in using the razor. It has a learning curve. It actually takes some thinking to use one unlike a cartridge razor.

A new shaver with a perfectly honed razor won't be able to shave as closely or quickly as an experienced shaver with a slightly "tired" edge.

There is a lot going on here. It is extremely un-likely that your 5-dolla razor has a shaving edge on it. And you can't use a razor without a strop (more than once).

Read up. enjoy!

Originally Posted by aztec87

Can someone tell me which one will give me a closer shave or at least a smooth finish?

That's easy, unfortunately, the answer is -- the sharp one.

The width is up to the individual, as is point, grind, and pretty much everything else.

When I first started, I found a 6/8 to be difficult to maneuver under the nose, so I got a lot of 5/8s, but now I find the 5/8s, although very maneuverable, a bit too small.

I don't shave under my nose since i keep it "boxed" style