Thread: ....4/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8.....

I know what these numbers mean but besides personal preference (please tell me what you like and why), is there a reason (price, maneuverability, longevity, etc...) to choose one over the others? If this has been already discussed, please point me to that post.

Al raz.

I don't think there is any reason outside of personal preference unless it's a 3 feet long exhibition razor or something

For the most part, I'm more comfortable with a 6/8 or 7/8. For one thing, I find them a little easier to strop than anything smaller than a 5/8. I also like the heft added by the thicker spine. That's minimal though because it's the shallower grinds which really add weight and give the blade more momentum though the shaving strokes. A full wedge can be a bit much and tough to hone so there can be too much of a good thing. Speaking of too much of a good thing, I've also found 8/8 blades to be a little large and unwieldy in the shave for my taste. Smaller blades can be very manoeuvreable and I keep a 3/8 in my rotation for that purpose. They're also cheaper than the larger blades. You mention longevity and I think we need to get something clear. With proper maintenance, even my 3/8 should survive to be used by my great grandson or better. Under the same conditions a larger blade would likely have the ability to last even longer, but how many lifetimes are you really worried about your straight razor lasting?

In general, I prefer shaving with a half hollow 7/8 blade. ... so far.

X

Nope, just preference.
I prefer 11/16 - 15/16 blades. 5/8 and smaller is just too puny for my taste.
I think that between 6/8 and 7/8 is ideal for a razor.

But other guys love their 4/8 As I said: it's up to you.

i have the 5/8 works fine

There is an argument for a barber to use a wider blade, because the width holds more soap between cleaning wipes.

On an individual basis, it is purely which one suits you best. Once you can sharpen any blade to razor sharpness, you start to become a little fussy about width and weight as you take sharpness for granted.

I don't know if it's an age thing, but as I have got older I prefer the wider blade. 6/8" or 7/8". They have a little more heft or weight to the blade that suits me. I think they give me the best shaves I've ever had and I don't find them to be any less manoeuverable., but they would be a bit daunting for a beginner.

I find that I like bigger blades - 6/8th and up, simply because I like the heft in my hand - it feels more solid...more like a Mack truck and less like a sports car. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but if I'm ploughing through the snow, I'd rather the truck, if you catch where I'm drifting (get it? drifting? snow! ha! [Boy it's too early, I'm punch drunk!]).

Mark

But, you can adjust your technique and get them all to shave you well. I have full hollows, wedges, and widths between 6/8 and 8/8. I have to use different amounts of pressure (none to oh my God it can't be touching my face even) and slightly different angles for each. I think it is part of the fun of the process!


-Rob

Originally Posted by sicboater

But, you can adjust your technique and get them all to shave you well. I have full hollows, wedges, and widths between 6/8 and 8/8. I have to use different amounts of pressure (none to oh my God it can't be touching my face even) and slightly different angles for each. I think it is part of the fun of the process!

Sing it brother!

I have razors of all sizes and enjoy using them all however my preference is with 5/8s and 6/8s. I think the 6/8s is really an ideal size. Nice heft and still good maneuverability without becoming too clumsy and having to change your routine some to allow it to get where it needs to go on your face.