Thread: Best Str8 Blade Size For Newbie

yeah those %'s are pretty screwed... lol all im looking at is numbers... i think im going to go for either a 6/8 or a 7/8... wade&butcher if i can get one, i know you said i should go round point, but in all honesty i want to start with what im going to want later on... might take some trial and error, but im a careful guy, and shouldnt have to worry about that point.... plus, the whole reason i want a str8 is for precision around my goatee a box tip is likely to be able to shave a single hair if necessary...

plus, wanna talk about dangerous? swiping a 4 inch long piece of steel, sharp enough to split a hair if dropped on it, up your neck where your largest most vulnerable artery is.... id say thats plenty more dangerous than the nick i might recieve from not watching where the tip is but hey... that is what makes us men!!

I voted on 5/8 for one reason: selection. You will find more razors available at better prices in this size than in any other.

More often than not my smoothest shaves come easiest with my 6/8 oblique point smiling blade.

My fastest shaves are with my 4/8 spike, I can really zip it around.

My favorite razor is a 5/8, it looks the coolest and does a great job.

My first razor was a 5/8 spike that will still be giving great shaves well into the next generation.



My advice would be to get ANY razor you can from one of the great guys here on this forum. You will know it is in good shape to shave with, competitively priced and sharp. Then whatever size it is learn to use it well, master it figure out its nuances then go shopping to find one that is even better. Then welcome your razor acquisition disorder with open arms.

I didn't mention my 7/8 because, or my other 6 5/8's because they are still witing for a rainy day for me to work on.

i dont think i will have RAD... i had it for a moment, then i got my 38C.... since then, ive hung up the hat on my Futur, and so far have been very satisfied with my 38c thats the thing with me... if i cant find what i need, i will obsessively seek out that which works... once i get to something i like, or at least, can live with? im usually pretty good

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Either 5/8 or 6/8. 5/8 is a good size for any kinda stubble and 6/8 will give you a taste of the larger blades without going overboard with size/price.

What he said.
Personally I am more attracted to 6/8 razors because I like feel of the blade when it touches my face, and it can hold more lather when shaving.
I don't like 4/8. I think they are too flimsy, but that is just my personal taste. There is nothing inherently bad about them. I also think 4/8 are much more difficult to hone than 5/8 or 6/8 razors. But again, that is just me.

As you get some experience and you think straight razors are for you, buy blades of different grinds and sizes. You can do this here on the BST subforum, on ebay or on flea markets. Then sell those you don't really like and it will not cost you so much money.

that way you will discover your personal preferences. And if you really want to buy a high end straight like a Mastro Livi or a Robert Williams, you know exactly what you want and you will have something that you will enjoy for a long, long time.

My suggestion to you is to watch the b/s/t forum here and grab a shave ready razor or two, even if it is a 5/8. I started with a 5/8 from these boards, and have really big hands (for reference, I'm 6'7" & 265 lbs w/ hands to match). I plan on grabbing a much larger blade, but I doubt the trusty 5/8 (bought from jonE) will ever leave the rotation. They shave very well and handle easily.

The nice thing about buying off these boards is that most razors come shave ready, which means you won't need to get a Norton just yet. Heck, a pasted paddle or barber hone would hold you good for quite a while. Also, if you find the blade just isn't for you, put it back on the boards and you will recoup most of what you spent (just make sure to take really good care of it).

Besides, how will you know if you would rather have a 6/8 or 7/8 etc if you never experience a 5/8 and have something to compare it to?
Around $40 for a shave ready 5/8 is a great investment for you to learn on. Just some thoughts to someone who recently started this journey themselves...
Good luck.

6'6" 370

could definitely lose a few lbs, but it sounds like im REALLY overweight... got a lot of muscle... just an overall big dude lol

but yeah, if you can... check out this wade & butcher i was looking at on ebay... pretty snazzy

looks like the blade could use a little lovin'.
I have a few razors from Ebay, (including a beautiful 5/8 Boker) but all are waiting for my Nortons to arrive before they see any use. Well, alright, Lynn might get to see my Boker, but the others wait. What I mean is few razors will come shave ready from Ebay. I would highly suggest you make sure your first straight is well honed so when you do dive in you have an idea of what a really shave ready straight is like. That way you know what to go for when honing yourself.

However, there are good deals to be found there. I grabbed that Boker for $13 to my door (horrible pictures, it was a gamble).

It seems we are about the same size. I wouldn't worry about a 5/8 being too small for your hands.

what boker? oh sorry by the way, i didnt include the link to the razor

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-VANITY-T...QQcmdZViewItem

Aye, I saw the link in your other thread. as I say, I think the blade might need a little attention to fix the edge (although I am new at this myself.... I'm just sayin).

I don't have any pics of my Boker, it's just one I got off Ebay a while back when I was trying out a sniping program. I went for ultra cheap and actually ended up with a very pretty razor. It was a bit dirty, but all that cleared up with MAAs polish and some lovin care.

Most of us are on the same wave length. If you're a bigger guy a 6/8 might be a little more comfortable to learn with, but a 5/8 would by no means be bad. There's always room for another blade in your future.

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