Thread: Which size straight?

I don't think my answer will rock the boat here...
I liked starting with a 5/8 (I first began with a shavette as well). Round or square point is fine...just ask the shop you are purchasing from to mute the point a bit if you decide on a square. I fully subscribe to the 1/2 hollow crowd here. My half hollow 5/8 are still my workhorse razors and they are a bit more forgiving. I also found that being new to stropping that the heftier edge put up with my poor technique better than a full hollow I purchased when I was getting going.

Way back when I started with Straights (February, 2015), the good folks here recommended a 5/8 Round Point as the way to go. In all the intervening shaves (all 7 of them), I have seen nothing that would change that assessment.

I do, however, have a 6/8 Spanish Point Hydra in the system with Portland Razor Company, that should arrive in April some time. I may change my thinking at that time.

There has been many good reply's. 5/8 or 6/8 either will work just fine. as far as the point for a beginner I would suggest the round point. I really believe you will end up with less blood with the round because of the learning curve of not digging in with the point. As far as the grind I would go with the 1/2 or 1/4 hollow if you can find one. the reason is again the learning curve. getting the angle right. these razors are more forgiving than the full hollow or extra hollow. to many try to start out with the blade at not enough angle or not laying close enough to the face depends on how you look at it. the thinner the blade the more feed back and the more tug on your face if the angle Is not right. last I would watch the videos on shaving from the old timers on utube. they show how on many straight razor subjects from shaving to maintaining the razor. very good info there and here at the place. a lot of knowledgeable folks here. I have from the extra hollow to the full wedge and if used properly they all give good comfortable shave. once you get into the straight razor niche you will find your favorite or in my case favorites. enjoy.

My first razor was a 5/8 and worked fine. Second razor was 6/8 and I liked it quite a bit more than the smaller blade. Now, all my razors are either 6/8 or 7/8 and I never use the 5/8. There is nothing wrong with a 5/8 but I like the heft of the larger blades.

My first was 5/8 round point. When I made the transition from shavette to S/R. IMO the round point is more forgiving when you first start out until you learn to wield the blade. I don't know if wield is the right word. But good luck in your journey i think you will like the S/R better than the shavette.