Thread: Blade Width: 5/8 vs 6/8 +

Tried to search the threads for an answer before posting what is probably a redundant question that the old-timers here have answered before, but, w/o success, so, apologies is this is an old topic.

understanding much has to do with personal preference, in general terms, what are the real/or/claimed what are the actual/claimed shaving qualities of the more common widths, (5/8 v. 6/8 and wider)?

Perhaps I should mention...absent mustach/sideburns/Go-Tee, if those are factors...

Thanks in advance for any replies.

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Scott

Scott,

As you noted from what others have said, it's a matter of personal preference. This other agreeing with whomever those others were who said that, thinks that a fair number of straight users graduate to larger blades as their experience grows, I know I have. My original blade was/is (I'll always keep it, it' the first one, you know ) 5/8; I now use 6/8 and 7/8. When the rotation runs 7/8 for a while, going back to even a 6/8 makes that size seem kinda small.

A while ago I ordered a 6/8 which came a 7/8 - OMG thought I. Rather than send it back, cuz it had gorgeous scales - which were exactly what I had ordered - I decided to keep the razor thinking that maybe some day I'd try the monster. I use the monster regularly now and like it a lot.

So counsel from one shaver here: if you decide to go 6/8, I don't think you'd choose poorly. The blade being bigger doesn't need to be rinsed/wiped quite a much as a smaller blade - for what that's worth. And may, with its slightly larger size, strop more comfortably.

For what that's all worth...

It's a personal preference. The more I shave, the more I like a 5/8 or slightly smaller full hollow because its easier to control. A 4/8 wedge is also really nice to me. Shave wise, I like old Sheffield curved blades because they handle my neck more comfortably, but these are rarely curved and also full hollows, so go figure.
Larger blades hold more soap and theoretically have a longer life. Once you get over a certain width its all about feel to me. I really like a 13/16 hollow slightly curved, but there are not a lot of razors made that way. Your face will tell you as you go along, so be patient and start with one. If you buy a quality blade, you can sell it and move up or down if you decide you don't like it.
Just my two cents in a very disorganized manner.

I have blades that I use regularly ranging anywhere between 3/8 and 10/8
I like the feel of the bigger blades for most uses, because the weight of the blade seems to do the work for me. When I use a 5/8 it feels small, and even the sharpest blade seems to hesitate before cutting my beard... ( I have very thick coarse beard hair) I have a very light (& ugly) 3/8 wedge that I shortened for the PCR thread, and I like that almost as much as my larger blades...

In all honesty, I think once you use larger blades you will not want to go back to a 5/8...

It's all preference. Unlessy you try them you won't know. Ultimately they all have a sharp edge, the difference is the wider the blade the more meat their is behind it. The more heft, if you like.

I pretty much routinely use 4/8 razors. I like the way they look, I enjoy shaving with them. I have 1 6/8 and I use it sporadically. I've used up to 7/8. My first razor was a 5/8 I believe, not used for a long time, but I keep it also because it was my first razor. Maybe I should use it again.

Larger razors tend to be heavier, but that is a function of size and grind. That weight can give the blade more momentum, making it feel like it's cutting more easily, but a smaller, lighter blade may feel more maneuverable. It's often easier to judge blade angle with a larger razor; I find that I feel more in control with a larger and wider tang because they are less likely to roll in my fingers - but once you are comfortable with any razor control shouldn't be a problem.

I like using a variety of razor sizes and grinds because I enjoy the differences in how they feel when shaving.

I too like a variety of sizes and grinds but I find that I like 5/8 full hollows a lot. Years ago when I would go into barber shops and ask the old fellows if they had any spare old razors they would sell the majority seemed to be 5/8 IIRC. I think a 5/8 full hollow will have slightly less flex than a 6/8 FH. I like the 5/8 best of all I guess. Just IMO.

Very helpful information to me guys...thank you all for taking the time...you can't beat experience!

To perfectly honest, yet probably very unhelpful, the width of the blade is pretty irrelevant. 7/8ths might be a touch wide for daily use.

On the other hand, shank width is really critical to me. I look very closely at the shank width. That is the point that your fingers make contact with and a tiny shank is a P in the A to strop.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

To perfectly honest, yet probably very unhelpful, the width of the blade is pretty irrelevant. 7/8ths might be a touch wide for daily use.

On the other hand, shank width is really critical to me. I look very closely at the shank width. That is the point that your fingers make contact with and a tiny shank is a P in the A to strop.

+1, also a short shank such as I've seen on a custom or two can 'cramp' my style literally. I'm holding the tang and the tip of the scales as I strop.

One of the things I don't like about ducks and some other Solingens is the smooth tangs without jimps. Relatively thin for my hand and I have to be more conscious of the grip when I'm shaving with them.