Need advice: does a small razor shave better around beards?

Hi there folks- I'd like a bit of advice. I love my Dovo 5/8" straight but I'm having trouble getting in close enough on my beard (I wear a 'short boxed' style), specifically on my cheeks. Just can't quite seem to get in there like I want. I have to tidy things up with my electric trimmer, and I don't like that.

My question: will a smaller razor help, and am I looking for shorter length or width of the blade (or both)? I can pick up a nice 3/8" which seems to be a bit uncommon.

Very happy for any input/advice/feedback/tips. I don't see anything on the classifieds that quite fits the bill, but if you've got something tiny and at least in good condition (shave ready, no fixer uppers) to sell please PM me.

It's kinda a personal preference thing. Smaller may help, or you may just get there with practice.

I would think that it would. A friend of mine with a beard tells me that he likes 4/8 sized razors and he had a couple of customs made with shorter blades for ease of getting around the edges of his beard.

I've read in a couple of threads that some members find spike points to be useful in trimming close up against their beards (goatees). I'm clean shaven so I really can't offer a personal opinion.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

I really preferred spikes for beard trimming when I first got started, but now I don't find much of a difference in the end result regardless of what point I use... as for the size of the razor, I feel strongly that it's just a matter of personal preference.

But just in case you want justification to buy another razor or two, or a reason to pitch the idea to SWMBO... you will probably get the best results if you try out all of the sizes :D

Oh, BTW... a while back I lost the goatee...

Hello, Vashanka:

A smaller blade might be more maneuverable; however, in skilled hands any size blade will work. Also, spike or square point razor might give you more precision; however, there, too, a skilled hand can overcome any barrier.

Regards,
Obie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Vashanka:

A smaller blade might be more maneuverable; however, in skilled hands any size blade will work. Also, spike or square point razor might give you more precision; however, there, too, a skilled hand can overcome any barrier.

Regards,
Obie

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I have to agree 100%...but it is an EXCUSE for a new razor as well...

Wow I am getting old, This month will be 30 years ago I grew my first beard, it also is when I had my first straight razor shave... My barber back then introduced me to a straight razor with these simple words, "Want Straight lines you need a Straight edge"

I have tried from 3/8 to 10/8, my personal favorite razor is the 11/16, spike point extreme hollow grind, I can actually trim individual hairs with them...But I feel really comfortable anywhere from 4/8 to 6/8 I have a couple of 7/8 and 8/8 but those are more for collectors then real shaving...

IME Way more important then size is sharpness my razors have to have two things to get really good lines...

1. A spike point
2. A stupid wicked scary sharp edge


Just my opinion YMMV of course

I saw new Dovo "junior" razors as a standard offering on a major razor retailer's site when I was looking around last week. It had a 1/2-3/4" shorter blade than standard that may make it easier to shave the box on your cheek going N-S instead of E-W. I looked quickly, but couldn't locate the site. I'd ask SRD if they can get one for you.

I get the best shave from my spike points, around the beard and elsewhere. All of them are either 5/8 or 6/8. The only smaller one I have is a round point and gives a mediocre shave, at best, not because of the shape (my other round points are fine) but the blade itself. I think the personality of the individual razor has a lot to do with it.

As stated above, it's all about skill. I prefer larger blades and have gotten used to using them. Even when I had my beard I used the larger blades, as the smaller ones caused me issues in the hold and feel department. I'm sure if I wanted to put the time into it I would be ok with small blades.... I'd rather not lol...

I kind of agree with the skill thing. In skilled hands a straight can do anything, and with time I am sure you will find that out for yourself, as we all have. However, that does not help you right now.

Logic does tell you that a smaller blade will be more manoeuvrable. I'd suggest you get a smaller razor, even if it is just to see if you like it.

In the meantime, try concentrating on shaving with the half inch of blade at the tip and the half inch of blade at the heel. I use that idea around my goatee and it seems to work pretty well.

Good luck.

James.