Thread: The greatest misperception...

Just my opinion...

The greatest misperception about straight razors, and the reason that razor prices are so ridiculously skewed, is that bigger straight razors are better. By far, the most common size among straight razors made in the past 100 years is the 5/8. There is a simple reason for that. They worked!

Now all of the razor makers are pressured to make bigger razors, because the smaller ones just don't sell, or command a significantly lower price. The required amount of effort for making the smaller blades is virtually the same, but the prices they command just cannot justify the bother of trying to make them.

The same problem exists for vintage blades. It's hard to sell a 5/8 blade, but the larger ones get snapped up.

Here is the reality. 5/8 blades work just great! Bigger is not always better.

Well said and I agree with you totally. I always try to find a 5/8 vintage razor because they always work for me. Great Post!

I agree. I'm relatively new, but I know I won't buy anything bigger than a 6/8 with 5/8 making the majority of my stable.

Shaving back in the day was a chore, we do it here for fun and as a "hobby", so playing around with different brands, different style and sizes is all part of the game I figure.

I love the big razors, the heft in the hand, as well as the 5/8 and smaller frame backed razors, the way the framebacks are made for some reason fascinates me, and they are like Ninja's in the hand, so fast and so precise.

If I was just interested in the shaving for function aspect, I would probably just use a Merkur DE and be done with it, and if it was just a straight to do the job, I'd probably just use whatever I found in a local antique shop or one I'd ordered from a vendor and again be done with it...but that's the great thing about this hobby, there's lots to try and plenty of room to have fun doing it...I mean, we collect different soaps, brushes, strops, stones, we belong to an internet forum about shaving...hahaha...so we're already way down the wormhole of "utilitarian" use of tools....

A good 5/8 is hard to beat. I even like the 4/8 variety, nice and nibble. The largest I like is a 6/8, anything bigger is a tad clumsy in my hands.

I've used 5/8, 6/8 & 7/8 razors and I prefer a 6/8. What's more important is the feel on my face and the balance in my hand. Just the width of the blade doesn't make the razor better or worse. I still like my Feather DX shavette and that is narrow but feels good in my hand.

I would not go so far as a 'misperception', personally.

It would seem a 5/8 width razor is indeed 'standard' and they work just as well in cutting hairs.

However, I have a personal affinity in using 6/8 to 7/8 blades as, for me, they are easier to hone, strop, and to shave with.
More comfortable and solid with a bit more mass. Just a fraction of an inch, I know, but JMO.

Quite the reason such a variety of grinds, widths, lengths, and styles are and have always been available.

I have 9/8 razors and 4/8 razors as well, but they are more in the 'novelty' arena for me. Quite enjoyable to use on occasion.

To each his own, regardless of cost I think.

13/16 is my personal sweet-spot for most hollow-grinds after many years of trying everything.

Something for everyone, I believe.
JMHO

I guess I just don't waste my money anymore. I learned that lesson with DE shaving. I love looking at the big razors and the work and craftsmanship, but I know I don't need them.

I don't buy for the sake of buying or to impress anybody. It may sound harsh, but this is my reality.

Looking at old catalogs, or even current web pages it is obvious that the 5/8 is the dominant size. Cost may have something to do with it. Even though it probably doesn't cost the manufacturer much more to produce a 6/8, they are maybe $20.00 more IIRC. Personally I like a 5/8 and up. Sweet spot is 6 or 7/8.

My thick fingers and ham hands can't control a 4/8, with that skinny tang, as well as a 5/8.

One of my favorite razors in my humble bunch is my DD Dwarf. Is so easy to maneuver around the face, is a joy to use.