Newbie Question: Razor Advice for the Vertically Challenged?

Hi, I'm a complete Newbie and have what is, in all likelihood, a very silly question.

I'm only 5'6" and about 130 lbs with a more slender face. Would it be more advisable for me to stick to a 5/8 razor as the relative thinness of the razor would make it more maneuverable around the nose, mouth and ears? Would you say going up into a 6/8 or even a 7/8 razor would make it much more difficult for someone who is smaller and thus has tighter spaces to work around?

I ask because on one hand it seems like maybe a 5/8 razor might be better for me, but on the other hand I find the 6/8 and 7/8 razors a lot more asethetically pleasing and just plain "cooler."

Thanks for any advice/thoughts you can offer as well as your patience with a noob like myself.

I just can't help you for sure, but I don"t see any challenge for you to shave with a straight razor, unless something with the biodynamics of your arms or neck really make difficult for you to reach some places. If you can, with the tip of your fingers, touch anywhere in your face, it will not be a problem.
Width of the blade is not a concern at all, any well honed blade will perform ok. It's just personal taste. I do not like 7/8 blades, just because they cover too much of my face while shaving, and I like to watch closely what I'm doing.
Enjoy the experience! Take your time and read a lot this forum.

I am not a big guy but prefer big razors.

I know a big guy in Kansas City who prefers 4/8 and 5/8 razors.

You will have to try different sizes to find your sweet spot.

I am 5' 5". Straight razor shaving for 2 years and have a collection of over 60 razors of all sizes. This is a hobby where your height is not an issue. Took a while to be accustomed to an 8/8 Koraat but in the end hand size did not matter.

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Originally Posted by Sacsrk

I am 5' 5". Straight razor shaving for 2 years and have a collection of over 60 razors of all sizes. This is a hobby where your height is not an issue. Took a while to be accustomed to an 8/8 Koraat but in the end hand size did not matter.

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Thanks, I appreciate you sharing your experience. I think I just wasn't sure if the wider blades would be more difficult to manouver around the face if one's face is smaller. Unfortunately, I don't think I titled the thread precisely enough.

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Originally Posted by rolodave

I am not a big guy but prefer big razors.

I know a big guy in Kansas City who prefers 4/8 and 5/8 razors.

You will have to try different sizes to find your sweet spot.

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Thanks, that seems quite reasonable.

At 5' 10" and 173lbs, I prefer my 8/8's over my others . Yes, a 4/8 or 5/8 is easier to slip under the nose....but that's only an inch worth of face, compared to the rest.

A smiling blade makes it easier, for me at least, to get into the 'hollows' of my slender neck. Plus, not having to rinse the blade for an entire cheek, makes it kinda nice.

I'm 5'5" ,, but I have Big hands & Big feet. ;)

It doesn't matter the size of your razor.

You better get a couple of each size just to be safe....;)

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Originally Posted by Chugach68

You better get a couple of each size just to be safe....;)

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Yes, that seems like very sage advice. :tu

Only thing that makes a big impact, and ain't all that big is the razor's edge, and they're not that much different if it's on a 9/8 or a 4/8, so other than getting used to the different "heft" in the hand, both will shave you closely or cut you the same.

I'm 6'4" 230lbs, love the big razors just as much as the small French framebacks...and been bitten by both.

If you're just starting off, 5/8 or 6/8 is a great place to start, once you get used to your first razor, going up or down the ladder won't be anything other than different and fun....