Thread: First Straight

I will also be getting my first straight soon. I am confused to get a 5/8 or 6/8. I see everyone is split. What is best for a newbie?

Originally Posted by iz858

I will also be getting my first straight soon. I am confused to get a 5/8 or 6/8. I see everyone is split. What is best for a newbie?

The best size for a newbie is 337/672 but it is very hard to find, so most settle for one of the second bests.

5/8 and 6/8 are both great sizes to learn with. There is no starter razor. Just the first one you buy. 6/8 have a nice medium heft to them. 5/8 are easy to maneuver

I would go with a 6/8 - much easier to learn how to strop effectively without ruining your edge. The importance of stropping correctly cannot be stressed enough. I consider stropping the last stage of honing and often spend a good 30mins stropping a newly honed razor.

The whole maneuverability thing is silly - the only place it really comes into play is just under the tip of your nose and you quickly learn how to press the razor against your nose to push if out of the way. Honestly there is no difference in difficulty shaving with wider razors - don't be intimidated by them.

Also, no one has mentioned Theirs Issard - they currently produce some of the finest razors IMO - very high quality, hard, corrosion-resistent steel too. Don't forget Hart Steel - made in the USA by hand and very well too - better than any mass-produced razor.

-john