Thread: Differences in razors?

I have two razors. One was a gift and one cost $41. I wasn't going to invest in a more expensive razor until I knew I was going to stick with this way of shaving. Looks like I'm going to. I can understand liking or disliking handles for any reason. But what is the difference in blades? A biggie will be the steel it is made of I think. Or is there much difference? Also the size. I have 5/8" razors now with a hollow grind. I can't see any reason to get anything other than that size or shape. Right now I don't want to buy razors to see if I like them. No 6/8" razors just to try one. Or is there something better (or worse) about the size difference. One difference I recently found was a site that categorized razors as beginners or advanced. Advanced razors have pointier ends (heel and toe) for getting into tight places. Beginners may find it easier to cut themselves with them so they have razors with rounded ends for the beginners. This makes sense to me. But the size doesn't. What are some basic (or detailed) differences in razors? Little help??? Thanks. I'm sure this is a well covered subject. Sorry for repetition.

Here is a thread on razor size to start you off on that subject http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ze-factor.html . Do a general search under "does size make a difference" and there are more related threads. Yes the reason round points are recommended for beginners is, as you have guessed, spike points have a tendency to bite you if you are not careful.

Bob

The short answer is there are a lot of personal preferences. My personal preferences are 1/2 to 1/4 hollow, square not spike point, 3/4 to 7/8 in width, shoulder less. Brands are kind of all over the place, although my favorite is Henckels, and oddly enough Fredrick Reynolds, third on my list would be a toss up between SRD and Torrey. I do have many brands, many sizes and many countries of origin that I have had the pleasure of shaving with. I have two razors one from Germany and one from Sheffield that are no names that are very nice shaving razors. If you look at the full spectrum there are so many combinations of grind, tip shape, heel shape, blade width and country of origin. It is enough to make your head spin. There is quite a bit in the library referencing the different aspect of blade shape. Essentially I think you should try anything you can get your hands on. Trading with others can be a more affordable way to check out many razors.

We recommend you go middle of the road when you start. That is really the best way. You will never dislike what you get. if you go with an extreme like a meat chopper or 3/8s razor you may find you really dislike it.

A hollow ground round nosed 5/8s or 6/8s is the way to go for your first.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

We recommend you go middle of the road when you start. That is really the best way. You will never dislike what you get. if you go with an extreme like a meat chopper or 3/8s razor you may find you really dislike it.

A hollow ground round nosed 5/8s or 6/8s is the way to go for your first.

That's what I have now so I'm good I think. For now anyway. The worst nick I've given myself was by getting the toe of the razor too close to my ear. This was with a rounded tip. Had to tie a tourniquet around my neck to stop the bleeding. I think I'll stay away from the pointy toe razors for now.

What is the difference in carbon vs stainless steel blades?

Corrosion comparison?

Ease of sharpening?

Edge retention?

Anything else?

Originally Posted by Jack0458

What is the difference in carbon vs stainless steel blades?

Corrosion comparison?

Ease of sharpening?

Edge retention?

Anything else?

Lots of info here http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-material.html .

Personally, I find stainless is more corrosion resistant than carbon. I do not find a huge difference in ease of sharpening between the two. Stainless may have a slight advantage in edge retention. Not much else to say from my POV.

Bob

Originally Posted by Jack0458

What is the difference in carbon vs stainless steel blades?

Corrosion comparison? Of course, SS is less prone to rust.

Ease of sharpening? Depends. Carbon can be quicker/easier to hone. SS is natuarally more abrasion resistant due to the Cr.

Edge retention? Meh. Not much in it.

Anything else?

.............

This is a thing you will have to find out for yourself!

This is all about what do you as a person feel more comfortable with, wether its the hardness of the materila, the finishing on the blade, the grip, the size and etc.

Id recommend you find some1 in your area who has some razors and ask him to borrow them to you!