Thread: Giant Razors?

I searched the wiki and only manage to find 2 razors that are larger than 8/8 (2 9/8). So I am wondering, Just how rare are extra large razors? And are there any of sizes larger than 9/8, or other sizes such as 17/16?
Also, just how akward are these to shave with? Does anyone here actually use such a large blade on their face in the morning? Or perhaps on their legs for that matter, as I could see it maybe being great for that. I must admit there is something thrilling about the idea of deftly wielding that much steel next to ones own throat.

I love my 8/8s and yes it is big and takes a little time to get used to. But now I whip it around my face just like all my smaller blades. I do not have any thing bigger (yet). Every once in a while you will see an old Wade & Butcher chopper that's over an inch wide.

9/8 are rare for sure.
I saw a W&B on ebay go for like 250 and it was not restored or anything.
I have not seen other brands with such size. But I am positive that all the old shffield brands have had an 8/8 or bigger in their line.
I have seen 8/8 Henckels , 8/8 DD, and I believe there is a thread somewhere on the forum that was made for 8/8+ blades.

Well here is a one of a kind custom from our own Boballman, 11/8's I do believe....Straight Razor Place Forums - boballman's Album: OCD RAZORS - Picture.As far as old blades,it seems like most of the 8/8's plus blades that turn up are old Sheffields, W&B's, Joseph Elliots, etc.. I know some of our members have some monster blades, come on guys, share share share! I have a 7/8's and 8/8's blade and yeah, they can be kind of tricky at first but they really are not that bad to get used to.

That 11/8 razor is amazing, great scales and a wicked looking blade. I just wish there was something else in the photo for scale (another razor, a hand?) to get a real grasp of how big that beast is. It certainly makes its own scales look puny. lol.
Also, looking at the names on the wiki 'for barbers only' etc. for these large blades. I am assuming the main reason behind their size was so they would last through more honings than other blades, and hence do more shaves (hundreds?). So does this mean there were no large blades made for normal consumers? And is this why they are rare?

I don't really know why large, vintage razors are rare, but I could hazard a guess. They're not as convenient to shave with, there is more steel required for the blade, more steel to work on, and more steel to go wrong. Then, of all that were made, we only see those that survive and that are out in the open.

I couldn't guess why such large razors were made, but I've heard some guesses. Lasting through lots of honing is possible. Some say it's so the blade can hold more lather, which means barber's wouldn't have to wipe them off as much. Either possibility seems reasonable, since barbers would probably use (and therefore hone) their blades the most, and barbers would probably be the most concerned with shaving efficiency (especially popular/busy barbers) and many larger blades say they are "for barber's use."

Of course, all this is simply speculation on my part. I don't so much care why they were made as that they were made - I have a soft spot for big blades.

I''ve often wondered if the barbers of the 1850s preferred those 8/8 blades or whether the companies assumed that they would for the reasons Holli4 mentioned ? Certainly seems to me that the barbers of the twentieth century preferred a 5/8 or a 6/8 blade. For actually shaving on a regular basis so do I.

I have some 8/8 and 9/8 blades and I shave with them when I'm in the mood but I doubt if I would ever shave with that large a blade on a regular basis. Matter of fact I was shaving tonight with a 5/8 and thinking of how much I like that size. Maybe best of all to actually shave with. The larger blades look so cool though.

IIRC SRD had a Mastro Livi with an ATS-34 blade that was 13/16. I would have loved to have had that one.

I love using my W&B 9/8 and find it just as easy to use as my smaller razors.

i don't like large razors so the only time i bothered to get one over 1" was when i wanted it for somebody else.
they're sought after and not too easy to find and will likely cost you quite a bit. it's certainly a different experience.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

IIRC SRD had a Mastro Livi with an ATS-34 blade that was 13/16. I would have loved to have had that one.

Do you mean the 13/8 one?