Thread: Best Str8 Blade Size For Newbie

Just remembering back and I seem to remember a 6/8 being the favorite of mine while on the learning curve. I still use that size as well as 5/8,7/8 and 8/8. I have a 3/8 which is incredible on the upper lip, but that's the only place I use it. My recommendation is a 6/8 round point. I know a lot of guys will crucify me, but while concentrating on learning to shave, you won't have to be as worried about where that point is on a square point!
Good Luck,
Fred

PS-Is it just me or do the voting percentages not add up to 100% ???

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!!

Originally Posted by Warlockdlx69

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!!

That's one of the "zen" features of SR shaving - after starting your day with a lethal weapon at your throat...the rest of the day is in perspective. I am still a newb, but have round and spikes (no French points yet) and, if you are cautious and attentive, the spike can serve you well. It is esp. nice going across the upper lip to get those #%&*@! little whiskers right at the nostril . May sure you have a good brush/soap/strop. I have not had any more "nickage" with a spike, than with a round point (although you do have to be more attentive around the ears, nose, etc.)

To quote Curley: Pawdon me sir...were you wearing a pink bow tie when you came in?...No?...Well, here's your lip!

Greg

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

try getting your hand on a TI Sheffield in 6/8 half hollow grind. I remember thinking that was a nice and easy razor to operate. I liked it better than by 5/8 dovo by far.

My first and still best razor was a 6/8 Taylor's Eye Witness round point, stiff full hollow. Most of my other top performers are 4/8-9/16, but I do have a couple of good 5/8-6/8 that are right up there.. They come from England, Germany, USA, Spain, Sweden and Spain. The discovery's most of the fun. So get a whole bunch of razors, clean'em up, hone'em and enjoy

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

My first and still best razor was a 6/8 Taylor's Eye Witness round point, stiff full hollow. Most of my other top performers are 4/8-9/16, but I do have a couple of good 5/8-6/8 that are right up there.. They come from England, Germany, USA, Spain, Sweden and Spain. The discovery's most of the fun. So get a whole bunch of razors, clean'em up, hone'em and enjoy

I'd like to think you have at least one 9/8 in that bunch.

Joe, I think Lynn revived an old thread. I would also hope Ilija will amend his old statement in light of his recent acquisitions...

I like the sounds of a 6/8 or 7/8 and love the look of the square tip. But I do have a nagging question going through my head. When describing 5/8, 6/8 etc etc is that the length or width of the blade?
I take it those are measures of an inch, can someone do the math for me and convert those measurements into CM's for me