Thread: Practical reason to use a razor wider than 6/8?

Other than "men love big blades" and other testosterone related reasons.

At the moment, I use a Dubl Duck dwarf (that must be 4/8) and a Double Arrow (6/8) and to be honest I prefer to shave with the DA. Even if the Dubl Duck is obviously better in quality and in materials, I more often go for the DA, so it must be the size, only reason I see.

I plan to get a 5/8 soon, but I'm too broke to afford trying a lot and a lot of different razors so I ask you guys: What are the pros and the cons of a wider blade?

Thinner blade offer more control but feel too light to me. So wider blades offer...?

Wider blades allow me to shave more hair before having to wipe the lather off of the blade. My very narrow razors require more rinsing/wiping because the razor is quickly overwhelmed by my thick, moist, luxurious lather

I guess it's barely a practical consideration

Some will say wider blades are heavier, but I haven't noticed any direct correlation in my own shaving between cutting quality and razor weight

Well, they're heavier, which is kind of nice. Other than that, I don't see any advantage to bigger blades. Of course, they're a little more awkward, which is the disadvantage of a bigger blade.

The wider blade offers me a weightier blade without any loss of control. It also holds a bit more soap.

But different strokes for different folks.

Big blades look damn sexy.

They also hold more lather.



Smaller blades can also look sexy!

They hold less lather, but feel like sports car nimbleness as you shave.

In regard to blade size, here is an interesting quote from "The Barber's Manual" published by The Moler Barber School:

"The five-eight size is the most convenient. It is a little larger than most barbers prefer, but the razor always grows smaller instead of larger, and it is best to guard against getting them too small to begin with."

My best shaver is a 4/8 and this suggests that barbers purchased the 5/8 size to have extra metal to hone down over a lifetime of use.

With larger blades I am more aware of changes to my razor angle (spine to skin) while shaving. I shave w/o my glasses so I notice smaller changes to my shave angel better with larger blades.

Another question: Will it make a difference with thicker hair? Will the shave be easier?

The wider blade's weight just seems to push through better. I never go less than 5/8 anymore. 7/8 is my favourite size - yes it is clumsy but it allows more consistency in my strokes as it is much more stable. That said, I would also point out that my reasons for a larger razor are mainly arguments towards wedges rather than just width. I have extra hollow ground large blades and they definately come second to smaller wedges.

it's not better, it's just different.

I have razors from 3/8 to 7/8. they have different things they are good at. my tiny 3/8 spike is good for cleaning up lines around a beard or performing the coup de maitre. my 7/8 monster is suited to clearing lots of stubble off a broad surface like the neck or the cheek without having to stop and rinse part way through.