Thread: 13/16 vs 7/8

I've been trying razors with different widths, grinds, and point styles to find my preferred style. So far, I've used blades from 4/8" to 13/16" with square, round, french, notch, spanish points and full hollow to near wedge grinds. My 13/16" blade has a spanish point and near wedge grind. I really like it, but feel like if it was a round or notch point it would be a bit more awkward to use. With my current shaving skill, I feel like I don't want to go above 7/8". I've been watching a number of 7/8" and larger blades on e-bay and have noticed the 7/8" width seems to command a premium. So my question: Is there a significant difference between 13/16" and 7/8" that are otherwise equal? Does the extra 1/16" width really change the performance much? I'm just trying to decide if it's worth chasing after a 7/8". Thanks in advance for any input.

Personally I find no difference in a 5/8 or 7/8 blade. So long as they are properly honed they feel the same. I prefer the heavy grinds (near wedge or wedge). I just like what feels good in my hand and shaves well.

Originally Posted by bouschie

Personally I find no difference in a 5/8 or 7/8 blade. So long as they are properly honed they feel the same. I prefer the heavy grinds (near wedge or wedge). I just like what feels good in my hand and shaves well.

This has been my experience also. I feel the overall width does not make a noticeable difference. With that said there are some very thin 3/8 and so on blades that handle very oddly as well as some monster 9/8 plus blades that for me command some respect when approaching. I suggest finding the blade that you have enjoyed and gotten the best shaves with. Then, focus your purchases in the direction of that particular type. For instance, I find 6/8 blades (preferring round it feels classic) to be my preferred size. the vast majority of what I look for is in this range. Performance wise I have never actually found tip design to matter.

On the subject of price jump because of the 1/16th difference. I would humbly suggest that this is not simply based on width. I am guessing many other real and not real factors could be at play. Manufacture, state of the blade, potential rarity, and seller craziness are the first thoughts in my mind. I have 7/8 that cost more than my wife would like to know and I have 7/8 that cost 10 bucks and are probably worthless.

Concerning the size of a blade: imo there's not a difference in the edge / shave itself, however I do find a difference in maneuverability and agility.

I'm probably in the minority but prefer smaller blades to shave with.

Does size matter?


A much bigger difference is the grind of the razor.

Most modern era makers measure from the hone contact of the spine to the edge.
Therefore, a 5/8 began life with an 11/16 total width and a 13/16 total width razor is (usually) a 6/8 razor which is not worn.

Similarly, a 15/16 total width razor in like-new condition is a 7/8 razor.

An 8/8 is 1 1/6 total width, etc.


The idea is out the door on old and worn razors. Even if one is 13/16, it may well have began as an 8/8.


In the not worn category, a 7/8 can be lots larger than a 6/8, esp if the 6/8 is worn

In the price thing, brands and grinds aside, razors which are larger and not worn command higher prices.
All about condition first. Then, it's all about what an individual prefers to use.....

OR pay for!

As far as shaving goes, if the other parameters meetvyou preferences you will not notice the difference in size.
I have several razors of different grinds, and point styles, and widths. The only difference I note going from a 5/8 razor to a 7/8 razor is the 7/8 holds quite a bit more lather, which is a pretty minor difference. When my edge and technique are perfect so is my shave.

Personally, I will happily shave with any razor size from 5/8 to under 8/8 and just about any grind or point style. I have one blade that is 8/8 hollow ground and it feels, to me, like shaving with a spatula. As a result of that and in my view the too large a premium in price of really large razors, I have no interest in them.

The performance of a razor is down to how good the edge is and how good the user is at shaving, size and grind aside. Size and grind are merely personal preferences developed over time with use.

I believe far more 4/8 tp 6/8 size razor were produced than the larger sizes so there is an automatic premium on the bigger sizes in vintage blades. That and the normal premium larger sizes command in increasing steps as the size goes up. That is normal with most manufactured goods.

For me a 1/16" makes no difference in my preferred size range as to performance. If you like or simply want the larger sizes you just have to pay the premium.

Bob

I like shaving, honing and stropping with the "weight of the razor" whenever possible. For me, anything between 6/8" - 7/8" is just fine.

I also like full-hollow, extra hollow, and bellied hollow blades. A 5/8" full hollow is a little to light for my preference whereas I might enjoy a 5/8" near-wedge, if I had one.

I sport a mustache, so I do not have to be concerned with shaving under my nose. A smaller blade makes that task easier as the blade is more nimble.

The moral of the story is to use whichever blade looks good to you and feels good in your hand. If you like the way the blade looks and feels, you will have confidence to use it properly. As long as the blade is well honed and well stropped and used with proper technique and a great lather, it will give you a nice shave, no matter the size or design.

I have a variety of point styles and that does not seem to make a lot of difference to me.

Indeed, I prefer the additional 'heft' of most larger razors most of the time. 13/16 to 15/16 overall width is my sweet spot.
Funny how 1/8 matters to some of us?

Thanks for all the opinions, it's quite helpful.

I've got a few 5/8" full hollows that I really like, some of my wider full hollows I'm not as fond of. May just not have gotten the edge right or...all the other variables. I've been having really good luck with the slightly larger 1/2 hollow to near wedge and was curious about the 7/8" size. I was kinda thinking the extra 1/16" wouldn't be a game changer, but having never used one I was hoping for some experienced opinions...SRP comes through again!. Thanks again.