Large razors; Generally 'for' or 'against'?

Hi Guys,

As a bit of market research for a little sideline in the works... I'd like to ask the general forum what the views are on larger razors? Personally I can shave with any size razor equally well but feel if I was going to by a custom razor I'd go for an 8/8 over a 5/8 any day.. (more razor for your money is my view..)

So really I'm asking if when choosing a new razor - and assuming cost was the same for all sizes - would you guys see bigger as better, or would there be a definite need for a 5 or 6/8 option to seriously consider making a purchase? Bearing in mind also that with a larger blade comes a larger and longer set of scales as well as a thicker spine...

Thanks guys for any insights here.

- Mike

I would go for the larger razor without a doubt. I much prefer the 6/8 over the 5/8, and if a 7/8 or 8/8 were generally available, I would opt for them. I find the 5/8 and smaller to be more bothersome.

Like you Mike I can shave with all of them. I love the way a large razor looks. I like the way they shave. OTOH, having an assortment, I find I shave with 5 and 6/8 more often than not. Of course having more of those than their larger cousins may be why they get the majority of the use. Larger blades with cool looking points definitely get my attention though and I'm more likely to open the wallet for one than for a smaller blade with a boring round point.

For a new razor, I don't have a preference. I would mainly look for everything working together in proportion more than size itself

But I find the big, old, sheffield blades appealing!

fantastic, thanks guys for such quick responses.

So then so far; larger isn't really a negative. Nice.

Let's see if more folks have differing views, but so far thanks a bunch to you guys - it's really helpful.

Large isn't really a negative at all, IMO *AROUND HERE*. We are into the esoteric side of everything straight shaving related. The straight shaving public world wide may be a different type of population. For example, many around these parts don't particularly care for 5/8 razors because they are "too small". However, 4/8 razors are pretty popular in other places (and IME fantastic shavers). The point is, you may want to divulge a skosh more information so that we can give you more pertinent feedback. :gl:

My first ever razor was a 7/8 Friodur. I just thought it looked "right".

I haven't changed my mind. I like larger blades, although I do appreciate the differences smaller blades also can bring to the table.

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Originally Posted by Jasper Kade

fantastic, thanks guys for such quick responses.

So then so far; larger isn't really a negative. Nice.

Let's see if more folks have differing views, but so far thanks a bunch to you guys - it's really helpful.

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Mike, IIRC, you are thinking of making razors ? It is worth noting that Mastro Livi, Robert Williams, L.W. Harner and other custom makers seem to me almost always make larger blades. At least more often than not in the 7/8 or occasionally larger size. That I my impression anyway, I may be wrong.... I was wrong once before. :shrug:

Yes Jimmy, you are correct indeed. I'm definitely looking to release my own blades, and I actually have noticed other custom makers offering larger than standard blades - this is why I just wanted to confirm my suspicions that our general membership appreciates the bolder razors over the common sized ones...

I'm basically holding a prototype thats taken quite some planning and revision of design, to appeal to me personally as something of a 'quintessential razor' and well.. it's bigger than the others I own... so I've had to stand back a bit and think - would folks not feel this is too big...

And so here we are...and I guess it's looking like I'm not alone in what appeals to me :)

My personal fav is the 6/8. I can shave with a 5/8 but I'd rather not. Larger blades are nice, but I prefer the 6/8. It's good all around...Not too small, not to big...Perfect IMHO.