Thread: Does Size Matter??

Hi All- Relatively new here. I'm gettting ready to pull the trigger on ordering a Ralf Aust and having some trouble deciding on the width. I haven't found much to weigh the pros/cons to a wider razor. Currently I'm shaving with a 5/8, square tip. I'm thinking about a 6/8, but is it worth it to go up to 7/8. There's a big price difference. Should I expect a better shaver with wider width? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, -Troy

I think blade width is a personal preference thing. You may like using a wider width blade more than a narrow one but the end shave result might just be the same. Really, the only way to find out is to try one. In the end no matter the size it is the edge that does the shaving. A good edge gets you a good shave and a sub par edge gets you a sub par shave regardless of blade width.

Bob

I prefer 5 and 6/8s. More than that and they became awkward, harder to maneuver and too big in front of my face at the mirror. Just my opinion.

Yes, there is a reason that you see more vintage razors out there in 5/8 & 6/8 sizes than other sizes. They seem to be a good all around size for most people and are not that costly relative to larger sizes. I am pretty much in the same boat preferring 5/8 to 7/8 sizes so the happy medium for me is 6/8.

Bob

I started with a 5/8 Boker and still use it. When I was going to buy my second razor, I contemplated the same thing you are. I ended up buying a 6/8 RA and would recommend the same thing to you. I don't know you, but am sure that you won't be disappointed in a 6/8. If you go up from there, I bet you'd still end up liking the 6/8 and use it a lot in the future, as long as you like the razor itself. I have several RA but keep coming back to the simple 6/8 round point and 6/8 square point with jimping on the top and bottom.

I shave with a variety of sizes but I think you will appreciate the 6/8 and up lather scoops. With my 7/8, I can shave half of my face without rinsing.

I've shaved with blades from 2/8 to 8/8.

As BobH says, it is all in the edge.

It comes down to personal preference, it's the edge that does the cutting after all, but personally, I prefer the weight of a larger razor, good heft in the hand, so 6/8 is pretty much as small as I will go, with 8/8 being my norm with 9/8 being the largest I own.

Other styles of razors for me I prefer in the smaller style, frame back razors, especially the French for me I prefer around 5/8, 6/8.

I have large hands and a 5/8 razor is difficult for me to hold, and much prefer 6/8 or 7/8. An 8/8 is actually a better fit for my hands, but is a little more cumbersome to maneuver. I would stick with 6/8 for your next razor, since there is a big price difference. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

I have made a lot of razors, and testshave a lot of them.
I tend to gravitate to 7/8 as the ideal shaving size, +- 1/16