Upgrade Advice 6/8 - 8/8

Hello, I'm new to the forum, and straight razor shaving. I'm currently using a 5/8 Vintage Solingen - Frieder, Baurmann & Sohnl, Stamped 40V Comfort. Does this mean it is 1040 steel? Kind of how I feel about it. I guess it is a full hollow, it rings and dings, etc. But got some advice from Doorsh to go to 8/8. The 5/8 40V can handle a one month grow out on beard and head, and that is it, that will dull the edge for me. Seems like other people are getting better edge retention maybe, perhaps heads dull the razor more.

So now I have some money and practice on this cheaper one, I'm looking at:
1. 8/8 Wicawa Forge
2. Vintage Sheffield 8/8, looks like a wedge..
3. Filarmonica 8/8
4. Portland Razor Company 7/8

Kind of leaning towards the Filarmonica from what I've read.. these are all in the $300-$400 range. I guess I could spend a bit more if there are recommendations. I have some near accidents with my current razor due to the pointy tip, so thinking of going round tip as well.

Thanks for any help!

If a razor is proper sharp it doesn't matter the size or the grind or the steel. You will get an equally great shave.

All the different variations in razors suit those with preferences which you develop as you gain more experience. The fillies are not far from custom razor territory and in my opinion not worth the cash.

If you have edge issues the razor is either not proper sharp or your technique need honing.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If a razor is proper sharp it doesn't matter the size or the grind or the steel. You will get an equally great shave.

All the different variations in razors suit those with preferences which you develop as you gain more experience. The fillies are not far from custom razor territory and in my opinion not worth the cash.

If you have edge issues the razor is either not proper sharp or your technique need honing.

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I agree and would add the technique with the angle to the face might be a little off. The heavier blades are more forgiving than the thinner blades. just my opinion.

I doubt ANSI standards were a thing in the last century, so no... it won't be a 1040 steel, but rather the model 1040 if it is a Vintage Solingen and I am not familiar with that particular maker... but that is not unusual for me.

Edge retention is all about shave/strop/initial hone technique.... Everyone will have a different result. In the past, I was quite good at stretching out my honing sessions with good stropping and good shave technique. Today.... well, my razors are much sharper, but now I need to touch them up every 2 or 3 shaves as I'm just not willing to settle for anything less that hyper sharp. Do not base your results on someone else's "claim". You can only base your current results on your previous results.

Unless we get quite serious about steels, most razors will have a similar durability, with stropping and honing being far more important that brand of razor.

As for size, grind of blade... it will make zero difference in the edge retention, but a heavier grind WILL plow through heavier beards seemingly easier (just because it's heavier and stiffer) and the edge will not flex as much.

I do not have a heavy beard, but my whiskers are like wire and they require a wicked sharp edge to shave easy, particularly when going ATG due to the angle of the whiskers.

So it all comes down to personal preference. A heavy wedge type blade can be had from 5/8" and up. The wider the blade, the more you might struggle in tight spots... it depends on you and your face. The 8/8" blades and up really go back to the days when a barber would shave the customer in his own home. No barbers chair or sink like he would have in his shop, so the wider the blade, the fewer times you had to wipe the lather off it. And shaving someone else makes it easier to wield the wide blades.

I have no knowledge of the Wicawa Forge, in fact until today, I'd never heard of that brand.

Vintage sheffield razors are fine beasts, but the typical heavy wedges go back to the 1800s or so and the steel, while excellent(for the times), may not be as durable as todays steels.

Filamonica, a brand name that is quite liked from what I hear, however it's all about the vintage ones... new ones leave much to be desired from what I hear.

Portland razors are well spoken of here, again, I have never owned one, so I cannot comment further.

If you would like to try a 1/4 hollow type in the 8/8 size, I think there is a Esbjerg-Koorat for sale in our classifieds.... That should be an excellent razor. In fact, I'm fighting the urge myself, to order one in 6/8" 1/2 hollow, as I like stiff blades but not the weight of 1/4 hollow and I find 6/8" about the widest I like to shave with...

Regards

Christian

The Portland at 7/8 could be a good financial vs. performance compromise and it will offer you a nice shave. I own a Leviathan 6/8 and it is a fantastic razor for the money.

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

If you would like to try a 1/4 hollow type in the 8/8 size, I think there is a Esbjerg-Koorat for sale in our classifieds.... That should be an excellent razor. In fact, I'm fighting the urge myself, to order one in 6/8" 1/2 hollow, as I like stiff blades but not the weight of 1/4 hollow and I find 6/8" about the widest I like to shave with...

Regards

Christian

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Thanks, I picked up that one. Looks interesting, and different than what I'm currently using.

Just got notified somebody bought it minutes before me.. double sold I guess. Back looking then.. perhaps the Portland 7/8"

I am in the camp of a properly honed and maintained edge will work. Now I do find the heavier blades a bit easier in basic shaving and with the added heft a bit easier to deal with. The lighter the razors or sizes I find can bite into you easier if you get a bit over confident or lax.

But of all the sizes a 6/8 is my favorite by far for feel and use. But I own 5/8's and had a 7/8 Jerry Stark. Only problem with the Stark was that it and I never really got to like one another. But I think that was just the razor and not the size.

A good 6/8 razor I would recommend would be a Boker Silver Steel in either scale material. They are a straight forward razor with the heft and a great company. Shave like a dream if you do your part.

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Originally Posted by Michael70

I am in the camp of a properly honed and maintained edge will work. Now I do find the heavier blades a bit easier in basic shaving and with the added heft a bit easier to deal with. The lighter the razors or sizes I find can bite into you easier if you get a bit over confident or lax.

But of all the sizes a 6/8 is my favorite by far for feel and use. But I own 5/8's and had a 7/8 Jerry Stark. Only problem with the Stark was that it and I never really got to like one another. But I think that was just the razor and not the size.

I good 6/8 razor I would recommend would be a Boker Silver Steel in either scale material. They are a straight forward razor with the heft and a great company. Shave like a dream if you do your part.

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I was looking at Boker, and I'm sure they are very good quality. But was looking for something that is a sharp contrast from what I'm currently using, if that makes any sense. That might be the razor I buy after the one I'm about to buy.

Ah darn, you missed that 8/8 in the classifieds.... Well, SRD did have some brand new ones, and you can always order directly from Koorat at:
Customized razors and you can customize your order through the razorconfigurator.

From what I hear, the Portland razors are nice too... I've even looked at Hart, but I really like what I see at Koorat when playing around with the online configurator.

Regards

Christian

You might try shaving with a lower priced (or loaner) 8/8 before you sink big bucks in one. I tried and didn't care for them.

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

Ah darn, you missed that 8/8 in the classifieds.... Well, SRD did have some brand new ones, and you can always order directly from Koorat at:
Customized razors and you can customize your order through the razorconfigurator.

From what I hear, the Portland razors are nice too... I've even looked at Hart, but I really like what I see at Koorat when playing around with the online configurator.

Regards

Christian

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Me love Koorat, lol....These are my custom Koorats. Forgive the oily blades, this was a few weeks ago.

Attachment 244417

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Originally Posted by hrfdez

Me love Koorat, lol....These are my custom Koorats. Forgive the oily blades, this was a few weeks ago.

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That Round point looks nice, still a beginner, but when trying to get into the folds near the jugular got some close calls, and no cuts, but scratched the skin. Just technique I guess, but thinking the round point would help.

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Originally Posted by MAHR

That Round point looks nice, still a beginner, but when trying to get into the folds near the jugular got some close calls, and no cuts, but scratched the skin. Just technique I guess, but thinking the round point would help.

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Thanks! The round point would definitely be more manageable IMO.

Brian Brown Razors also makes a nice looking 7/8 and 6/8 razors that have a great reputation and do not break the bank. So you may also want to look at his work too.

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Originally Posted by kelbro

You might try shaving with a lower priced (or loaner) 8/8 before you sink big bucks in one. I tried and didn't care for them.

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kelbro is right! These soon become like hatchets and the sizes unmanageable and you then have sunk some moolah into something you will more than likely have to sell at a sacrifice.

I don't care for the post 8/8 razors and while they are neat to look at, not most peoples idea of a functioning everyday razor. I think some to be more a novelty even though they can shave. I am mainly a utilitarian shaver to a degree. I want something that works and does not only look cool. If it is ugly but shaves great............that's the razor for me.

Have to agree with the previous posters about trying an 8/8 or larger blade first before buying, if possible. I have one that is right around 8/8 which shaves well but feels like using a spatula to me. It is all about what works for you but when you have to throw that kind of money at it you might want to play it safe and try one first.

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

Have to agree with the previous posters about trying an 8/8 or larger blade first before buying, if possible. I have one that is right around 8/8 which shaves well but feels like using a spatula to me. It is all about what works for you but when you have to throw that kind of money at it you might want to play it safe and try one first.

Bob

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I have a couple of 7/8, but they are not my preferred "go to" razors. I use them, but I found out, by trial and error, that 5/8 and 6/8 are my money sizes.

Follow the well given advice and try a loner 8/8/ first, they are huge.

MAHR,

Since you're new to straight razor shaving, I suggest moving up to a 6/8 instead of jumping from a 5/8 to an 8/8. The 8/8 is a big blade, and there is no hurry to reach that level at this time. Nice and easy does it. For now, concentrate on honing your skill as a straight razor shaver, and stay with the lower priced blades rather than drop a whopping price on a big and fancy razor.

I'd suggest a 6/8 round point for now. An 8/8 is fine, but a bit unwieldy compared to the 5/8 you're used to. Sort of like driving a semi trailer when you're used to a sports car. I have razors in 8/8, 9/8, and even 10/8. They are like the beach, I rarely go there, but it is nice that it is there if I ever want to. Of course preferences are completely individual in this sport, and you might love the 8/8. I think it is no accident that in razor catalogs from the past century until now the dominant size was 5/8, followed by 6/8. On average more guys prefer them. IMHO.

Yes, a 6/8 round nose may seem a bit pedestrian but they are a fine work horse of a razor, they simple work well for most people and are not terribly pricey. A round nose is a much safer tip for a beginner to use but not as sexy as a spike point which can leave you with dueling scars with a bit of inattention.

Bob

This is my current one, took a while to get it shave ready, cost me about $35 on Ebay. I think yes my sharpening technique could get better, I don't really understand how sharpening technique will give better edge retention, but I do get that my technique can effect edge retention. The real duller on the blade is my head. I can make it through my face, above ear, and then once towards the back of my head I get some pull. Attachment 244444Attachment 244445

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Originally Posted by MAHR

This is my current one, took a while to get it shave ready, cost me about $35 on Ebay. I think yes my sharpening technique could get better, I don't really understand how sharpening technique will give better edge retention, but I do get that my technique can effect edge retention. The real duller on the blade is my head. I can make it through my face, above ear, and then once towards the back of my head I get some pull. Attachment 244444Attachment 244445

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It is how you go through the progression to get to the final shave edge. If you do it hurriedly you will get a rough and not as refined edge if you look at it under a scope. But if you use a progression with stroke count that is a universal and widely used to get that edge you will yield a uniform edge that will last as long as you are not cutting paper or whittling with it < just a saying there. Also, if you do not strop properly it will kill a edge first time and usually in the form of rolling the edge.

So go slow, read and watch tutorials here from Lynn and Glenn and most importantly if you are new to honing and touching up razors please seek someone to show you a few sessions to get the idea. I went about two months watching and learning before I ever put a edge to a stone.

Good luck.