Thread: 5/8, 6/8, or 7/8?

Is the difference just the width of the blade?
I don't see a lot of people talking about 5/8, just the other ones. Is the 5/8 mainly a starter razor? why do people prefer the other ones more?

Yep, only has to do with the width of the blade... I prefer bigger blades because they allow me to make more passes without rinsing the blade and their bigger size/weight seems to help in regard to their control. Also, that's looking at the very long term, but a bigger blade will also theoretically last longer, all variables being equal. But YMMV. Try them all!

IMHO, the reason lots of folks like larger razors (although they won't admit it) is that they have razor envy.

Nah, seriously, larger razors will last you years longer than the shorter one. By the time you've honed a 5/8 to a nub, you'll still have half a razor to pass along to your great great grandkids if you bought an 8/8. Additionally, The larger razors hold more lather than do the skinnier razors...less time wiping and more time on the face! Personally, I like a good 5/8. I learned on one and I'm the fastest with one since I'm more comfortable with one and I can get around corners faster.

And not forgetting the rare vintage 1/8 or 2/8 that your find on ebay from time to time...

Michael.

The reason a 5/8 is a good starter razor is that it allows you to choose whether you want a narrower or wider razor. Its basically mid field, so you can make a better decision about which way to go...!

It just seems to be a taste thing as to why people prefer the wider ones. I have a couple of 5/8's, a 6/8 and a 15/16. I love them all, but I do prefer the 6/8 and 15/16 I would say.

I guess all I can really recommend is to bring on the RAD and go and try a load of different grinds and widths...! Hehe!

Originally Posted by v76

Yep, only has to do with the width of the blade... I prefer bigger blades because they allow me to make more passes without rinsing the blade and their bigger size/weight seems to help in regard to their control. Also, that's looking at the very long term, but a bigger blade will also theoretically last longer, all variables being equal. But YMMV. Try them all!

v76,

Interesting...I would think that the smaller size and less weight of a 5/8" would provide a shaver with more control, not a 6/8" or 7/8". Why and/or how is that?

My reason for asking is that I am considering purchasing a 6/8" str8 razor at some point in the future.

Thanks in advance for your response to my query.

This is purely a personal preference...In my case, I prefer the wider blades, I own only a 5/8 which is as good as my Jungmeister 7/8; but since I have big hands manuverability is improved when I use a wide bladed razor. I also own two 8/8 a Henckels and Dorko 300 and I feel very confortable using them. As to durability, a properly honed razor will last generations no matter how wide the blade. Just my 2 cents. HOG.

Yep, personal preference gets my vote. Best advice for a starter that I've seen (and agreed with, natch) is a 6/8, half hollow. Puts you bang in the middle. This infomation is copyright, Glen… credit where credit's due.

Originally Posted by jhenry

v76,
My reason for asking is that I am considering purchasing a 6/8" str8 razor at some point in the future.

Thanks in advance for your response to my query.

Jhenry:

I think we're in similar spots - for my first razor I got a Dovo Best Quality and I was torn between a 5/8 and 6/8 and chose the larger. I just figured whichever I got first, I'd probably get the other one next. I lucked out on ebay and got a sweet 5/8 Bengall after that, which I sent out to get honed (I think it arrives today!).

I think my RAD is rearing it's head - I just nabbed a 13/16 yesterday trying to see how I like something a little bigger. I'd if you're still learning and want a new razor, maybe get something a little different but still in the middle of the road. Who knows, maybe you'll like the 6/8 better? If you do get a new razor don't forget to show it off!

All of them are great shavers.

The 5/8 is great for hard to reach areas such as under the nose or going around the chin or possibly the chin crease. Personally, the smaller size is nicer for maintaining the correct pitch (angle) in difficult areas versus larger blades but that is not to say it cannot be done with a larger blade, you just have to learn how to stretch the skin differently.

I prefer the 6/8 but I have some excellent 5/8 shavers, too. I feel as if the 6/8 little extra weight seems to allow me to reduce the slight pressure needed. But, that is just me. Also, as mentioned with rinsing, I've noticed I don't need to rinse as often with a larger blade whereas with smaller ones I've seen some stubble slop back on my face.

Alternatively, I believe this is a personal preference more than anything. I've spoken to some gents in SRP chat that dislike the 8/8 while others believe it's "the cats meow". This more or less, IMO, falls under your preference and how you shave. Once you find your niche the blade will fall into its own place and give you the feeling of great ease while shaving. Then, you too, will begin to target a specific size and then there is no turning back... RAD will kick in.

I hope this helps you out...