Thread: imperial vs. metric

Originally Posted by biglou13

why are razors width's measured in fractional imperial sytem vs metric?

found a chart for the math challenged (like me)

Conversion Table: fractional inches, decimal inches, mm

Search sites typically do unit conversions in the address bar of your internet browser, so you do not need an antiquated conversion chart unless your PC is not handy. For example, say I want to convert 13/16" to mm, I would just type the following into the browser's address bar from DuckDuckGo.com:

13/16" to mm (or '13/16 in to mm')

Then press the Enter key or click Go, whichever you prefer to get the following:

Both systems have their utility. As long as I am dealing with basic units: pounds, kilograms, liters, gallons, pints, miles, kilometers, inches, centimeters, I am just fine. But when you start throwing in some of the less common units like stones, furlongs, hands, grains, etc. I have to find a conversion chart.

A pint's a pound the world around and a liter of water weights a kilogram.

One area where the metric system shines is in navigation. The meter (or is it metre) was defined originally as 1 ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the north pole along a meridian. Thus, the circumference of the earth is 40,000 kilometer. Thus, use of meters and kilometers is very handy. It is the basis of the UTM (Universal Trans Mercator) mapping coordinate system as well as the US National Grid system. That is why the military measures distance in kilometers, or "clicks" for short.

Of course, the circumference of the earth can change slightly due to earthquakes, volcanoes and other geological phenomena, so the meter is now defined relative to the speed of light in a vacuum.

In the shaving world, we tend to use both systems for various reasons. For example, a 7/8" wide straight razor blade tends to have a spine that is approximately 7mm thick. Also, those of us who hone our own razors define the abrasives using either a mesh rating (threads per inch), or in microns (1 millionth of a meter). Occasionally, you might even see something measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Since the market for shaving goods is global, it is best to be fluent in both systems. Depending upon the manufacturer, your shaving soap might be sold either be in a 4 ounce tub, or a 150 gram tin. Hone sizes are described in either inches or millimeters. If you do not know both systems, get a conversion chart.

Try working on a old Norton Commando motorcycle.

Some models have American Standard, British Standard and also Whitworth fasteners.

If you want to see how something as simple as conversions from one measuring system to another could have lead to a large tragedy read about the Gimli Glider. Specifically the accident investigation report's section on refueling.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider

Bob

Originally Posted by Speedster

Search sites typically do unit conversions in the address bar of your internet browser, so you do not need an antiquated conversion chart unless your PC is not handy. For example, say I want to convert 13/16" to mm, I would just type the following into the browser's address bar from DuckDuckGo.com:

13/16" to mm (or '13/16 in to mm')

Then press the Enter key or click Go, whichever you prefer to get the following:

Thank You for making it very clear why they stayed with Inches

Now if you think Razors make no sense with Inches and Metrics,, let's talk Cartridges and Shotgun Shells Bahahahaha

Originally Posted by Maryland998

Try working on a old Norton Commando motorcycle.

Some models have American Standard, British Standard and also Whitworth fasteners.

That's why they never made it past 30000 miles without a total rebuild... Or was that kms?..

The mill wrights used to joke that their metric wrench kit was an adjustable wrench.

Bob

Originally Posted by Speedster

Search sites typically do unit conversions in the address bar of your internet browser, so you do not need an antiquated conversion chart unless your PC is not handy. For example, say I want to convert 13/16" to mm, I would just type the following into the browser's address bar from DuckDuckGo.com:

13/16" to mm (or '13/16 in to mm')

Then press the Enter key or click Go, whichever you prefer to get the following:

I mic’d An edge at .67 inches width. Or 17 mm Express that in factional inches....

Now do we Refer to it as 19/37 Boker , or 43/64 Henckel?

If charts aren’t you’re thing link may be more useful... https://www.inchcalculator.com/inch-...on-calculator/

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Now if you think Razors make no sense with Inches and Metrics,, let's talk Cartridges and Shotgun Shells Bahahahaha

What is the difference 5.56 and .223.?