Thread: 5/8 or 6/8 ?

Getting a custom razor done. Wondering if I should go with a 5/8 or 6/8.

I've only had one razor until now, a Dovo 5/8. I like the size and it's what I learned (ing) on. So, I'm wondering if I should go with a 5/8 on this custom razor, or go with a 6/8?

Sometimes as I shave with the 5/8 I do think to myself I wish this blade was a bit bigger so it could hold more lather and I didn't have to rinse as much, so maybe a 6/8 is better. However, I do like the smallness of the 5/8 for getting into tough spots (by the earlobe on the neck, etc).

So, what to do.

All personal opinions are welcome. Thank you.

I'd go 6/8 but that's just personal preference... The bigger blade will hold more lather and, in my experience, it won't make the tough parts any harder... You're really getting a wider SPINE, so it doesn't change the edge much, just adds more weight, which -for me- makes the shave easier and smoother...

Bottom line is it's personal preference, but my personal preference is the 6/8 -and I want to try a 7/8-

Originally Posted by Toplin

Getting a custom razor done. Wondering if I should go with a 5/8 or 6/8.

I've only had one razor until now, a Dovo 5/8. I like the size and it's what I learned (ing) on. So, I'm wondering if I should go with a 5/8 on this custom razor, or go with a 6/8?

Sometimes as I shave with the 5/8 I do think to myself I wish this blade was a bit bigger so it could hold more lather and I didn't have to rinse as much, so maybe a 6/8 is better. However, I do like the smallness of the 5/8 for getting into tough spots (by the earlobe on the neck, etc).

So, what to do.

All personal opinions are welcome. Thank you.

I really like both and think that one is as good as the other but if I was having a custom made I would probably go 6/8. The old bigger is better mindset is hard to get away from.

So let's say a razor can have the following characteristics:

1. Width, which translates into:
   
   1. Manoeuvrability
   2. Ability to store excess lather
2. Weight, which translates into:
   
   1. Manoeuvrability
   2. Ability to let the razor do the work

So in theory, you want all of the above. However, a wider, bigger razor will give you less manoeuvrability. I think that's really it. A wider razor is simply more awkward to use. On the other hand, it makes it simpler to watch, and keep, the desired shaving angle.

So, I think the FAQ entry is still valid: a 6/8 is a good compromise between high manoeuvrability - but constant rinsing and more active steering (4/8, 5/8) -, and less manoeuvrability, but more steadiness, and little rinsing.

I started with two 4/8 Wackers, and I really wish they had been 6/8 Dovo Best Quality razors, especially the 1/2 hollows. Anything wider than 6/8 requires advanced shaving skills, I think, especially under the nose.

Regards,
Robin

it seems to boil down to 3 things
1 preference
2 preference
3 preference
i would suggest trying a few different inexpensive blades first
so you know what you want, and dont end up disliking your custom

I agree before you go the custom route you need to have shaved with a variety of different sizes and grinds so you know what you like. You don't want to make an expensive mistake and then be sorry you didn't get something else. Asking here will just tell you what others like.

The bottom line? You're not ready to buy a custom yet.

OTOH, buy one of each and you can't go wrong. Trust me, you'll like both of them.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I agree before you go the custom route you need to have shaved with a variety of different sizes and grinds so you know what you like. You don't want to make an expensive mistake and then be sorry you didn't get something else. Asking here will just tell you what others like.

The bottom line? You're not ready to buy a custom yet.

+1. I'm relatively new to this game, but I have shaved with a 5/8, 6/8 and a 7/8. My observations are these:

1. What's best is a personal preference for you to decide. For me, I like 6/8. I find 7/8 too big and 5/8 too small, but others like 7/8 and even 8/8. Still others like smaller than 5/8, but I think that's a minority. You need to decide what you prefer and you can do it much cheaper than a custom.
2. I think you will be surprised at how different these blades can be. I know I was. At first, I though, "how much difference can 1/8 of an inch make?" Let me tell you, a big difference. Keep in mind that most razors have an angle of between 14-18 degrees. So, when the blade width increases by 1/8 of an inch, the spine increases significantly. Personally, one of the things I like about a 6/8 is the added heft, but again, that's me.
3. Don't forget you've got all kinds of other decisions to make when you go custom too. It's not just a blade width question. Or at least it shouldn't be. e.g do you like round points, Spannish points, French points, etc? Personally, I started out loving Spannish points. I thought round points looked like a razor with training wheels. Now that I have a little more experience, I wouldn't go with anything but a round point, mainly because it's easier to use on my highly contoured neck. What about spine work? What are your tang preferences? How about the monkey tail? Custom makers should be able to customize all of these aspects for you.

So, bottom line, I'd try a few more razors and really dial in what you like before you pay the big bucks for a really nice razor.

As you already have a 5/8, I would go with a 6/8.

They both have their ups and downs, but I think there are many good things about a 6/8. My Dovo 6/8 Renaissance razor seems to be easier to keep stable on the hone and the strop due to it's wider edge and the slightly heavier blade. I personally would not go for anything larger than a 6/8 or smaller than a 5/8, but that's me.

<Sigh> i have them all! From 4/8 to 8/8! I still don't know which I like best, though I lean towards between 5/8 and 6/8 for right now (it could and probably will change).

Since you have a 5/8, go for the 6/8, that would be my $ .02. I would also get a different grind than the 5/8, and a different point as well. A full hollow 5/8 round point is going to be a different experience than a 1/4 grind French Point 6/8 for sure, enjoy the difference!