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.

Quote:

---

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.

---

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.

i realy like the larger blade 7/8 being the smallest i shaved with a 9/8 and fell in love with it.

Definitely 6/8, but it's my personal preference ONLY

I like the look of a bigger blade. Especially when you show someone who hasn't seen a straight before, they look at a 5/8ths and say " I thought it would be bigger ".

The razors I like best right now are between 6 and 7 8ths. But I have a smaller 4/8ths that is next in line on the restoration table. It'll be interesting to shave with something that small.

Are these going to be custom or production razors?

Thanks guys for all your responses.

to richmondesi, my razors will be I guess something of 'production custom' - how's that for marketing..
I'm looking to sell razors that aren't exactly 'one-offs' and completely unique every time... but that are meticulously crafted as if they were the only one. So I suppose 'custom razors' is a better fit, since I certainly won't be 'mass-producing' them. I'll also eventually be looking to get proper permission and then produce 'official' SRP razors as seen in our SRP logo - which I designed.. but that's more down the line..

Well if you are looking at making some...

I love 5/8. I have used 6/8 and they are alright. But anything bigger than that just looks too big to me.

On an unrelated note, I had a thought last night. How do those of you that use larger blades trim under your nose?

Drew

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

Well if you are looking at making some...

I love 5/8. I have used 6/8 and they are alright. But anything bigger than that just looks too big to me.

On an unrelated note, I had a thought last night. How do those of you that use larger blades trim under your nose?

Drew

---

The same way you do.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jasper Kade

Thanks guys for all your responses.

to richmondesi, my razors will be I guess something of 'production custom' - how's that for marketing..
I'm looking to sell razors that aren't exactly 'one-offs' and completely unique every time... but that are meticulously crafted as if they were the only one. So I suppose 'custom razors' is a better fit, since I certainly won't be 'mass-producing' them. I'll also eventually be looking to get proper permission and then produce 'official' SRP razors as seen in our SRP logo - which I designed.. but that's more down the line..

---

Ok, that's great! I'd say that larger razors would fit the bill rather nicely then. :gl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jasper Kade

my razors will be I guess something of 'production custom' - how's that for marketing..
I'm looking to sell razors that aren't exactly 'one-offs' and completely unique every time... but that are meticulously crafted as if they were the only one.

---

As they say in New Jersey, "not for nothing" :) take a quick look at the two threads on Hart razors. In case you haven't seen the threads already there are many pros and cons voiced on the design, workmanship, and price point. Just so you'll have an idea of where the market was on that particular venture at the time. A semi custom/production razor.

While I like and use larger blades, as has been mentioned, most all the custom makers offer 7/8ths and up but nothing smaller (at least in a finished razor, one could be ordered I'm sure).

I would stay with 6/8ths to 13/16ths. Everyone seems to love the #13 Fillys, and the new Hart Steel razor is 6/8ths.

I like big blades.
I am on the look out for a 8/8 and even a 9/8.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

As they say in New Jersey, "not for nothing" :)

---

Hmmm.... not for nothing, but I am from New Jersey and I NEVER say "not for nothing".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Hmmm.... not for nothing, but I am from New Jersey and I NEVER say "not for nothing".

---

LOL .... you just did...";"

Kidding aside, I guess I watched My Cousin Vinnie too many times or any other Joe Pesci movie and not for nothing, I don't live there now but I was born there and lived there for long enough to be able to say I used to be from there. :) Over by 15W.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

As they say in New Jersey, "not for nothing" :) take a quick look at the two threads on Hart razors. In case you haven't seen the threads already there are many pros and cons voiced on the design, workmanship, and price point. Just so you'll have an idea of where the market was on that particular venture at the time. A semi custom/production razor.

---

Thanks Jimmy. I certainly did follow the discussions with regards to Hart Razors.. and it is very insightful to see how it all progresses, from the point of view of wanting to start my own razor brand - albeit on a lot smaller scale than even Hart razors.. I'm aiming at more of a 'Boutique' approach to my venture..so with regards to design, workmanship and price I think what I would offer would be quite a bit different..

After using 6/8 blades, I find that the 5/8s feel a little too light in the hand. I just prefer the heft of the larger blades.

For a custom, I would probably go big. The reason is simply that it seems much easier to get vintage blades in the 5-7/8 range, so chances are I'll come across a bunch of blades I'll love in that size range. Also, I probably wouldn't use my custom on a daily basis, so style and shave quality would come before practicality.

If I had a custom made, it would likely be 9/8 or 10/8 simply because I don't have anything that big and I don't know if I'll ever find anything that big without having it made for me.