Thread: Best Str8 Blade Size For Newbie

What would you guys consider the best size to start out with, thats going to be a useful tool in the future... ive heard bigger is better, especially for a guy with big hands like me... but give me your input. Thanks guys


edited to add: Im going to vote for what i THINK would be the best sizes.. just so i can view the results without clicking for them...

Warlock,

From the conversation on the Badger and Blade forum, I thought that you had concluded the 4/8 was your preferred size.

Bruce

always looking for more input... seems like the guys there are more geared toward DEs... my biggest concern, is the guy that told me honing might be an issue... having exceptionally large hands, and attempting to grip the blade while honing... and after seeing that video, im beginning to worry after looking at the other sizes available, and seeing that some people feel its easier to wield a blade thats more than 5/8... i just figured id get a few alternate opinions from some of the folk on this side...

something wrong?

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.

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.

Agreed, but I actually think the 6/8 is the easier blade of the two to handle!

Easier? really? hmm... i would have thought smaller ones would be easier to handle... but harder to hone and grip.. interesting

I woted 5/8 or 6/8

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.

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.

Totally agree here.

Lynn