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I am shaving with a shavette now and want to get my first straight. I know a lot of people say it's personal preference, but I want to know what I'm in store for with either a 5/8 or 6/8. Is there something definitive that will point me one way or the other? Thanks for any help
JT
5/8 or 6/8 is a typical starter size. YMMV
Yup and those are the sizes I still like.Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy77
Bob
Yup, the middle sizes are the place to start. If you can find a half hollow or full hollow they are a little more forgiving than a extra or singing hollow.
beartobruin,
If you are new to stropping, the 6/8 will sit slightly easier on the strop, but there is very little in it - I use both 5/8 & 6/8 razors for most of my shaves, and they are a perfect size.
Have fun :)
Best regards
Russ
I like my 6/8 and 7/8 the best but for a beginner a 5/8 or 6/8 would be a good choice. bj
Agree. 5/8 good starting place. If you enjoy the shave try bigger sizes but a 5:8 will treat you right.
I like the 6/8. Not much bigger than the 5/8s but just bigger enough. However a nice 5/8s is pretty darn good too.
+1 on the half hollow. It made all the difference for me in the beginning.
I found a 6/8 to be easier than a ⅝, and a ⅞ easier than a 6/8, so you may end up prefering another size, but the mid size are the place to start.
I started out with half hollow ground 5/8" round point Dovo it worked great for me to learn with and still using it now.
I'm not familiar with the shavette but if you are happy with the width of that, why not go for something similar? Or adjust up/down from that size based on what you think you'd prefer?
I started w/ a 5/8 round point. Yesterday first shave w/ a 6/8. No real issue. Gold Dollar 6/8 is a popular started straight.
I would start with a 6/8. Slightly better resale value if it doesn't work out, also if you chip the edge which is more likely for a beginner then you have that bit extra steel.
5/8 worked for me. Cheaper too, in case you quit :shrug:
I'd suggest 6/8 with half hollow grind. A little bit easier to learn on with less flex to the blade. This also will be slightly easier to learn how to strop. 5/8 is nearly as good as well, but I rolled the edge on my first razor a bit when learning to strop. It was Boker 5/8 full hollow and the edge is more delicate than 6/8 half hollow which was my second razor. I did much better with 6/8 half hollow which was a Dovo. Most people, myself included at first, use too much force/pressure while learning to strop. I would also recommend a round nosed razor to start as one less thing to worry about while learning. I've been at it now for almost 6 years. Best of luck to you. Enjoy the shave.
Lou
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.