Thread: Re-thinking 7/8th inch

I have two 7/8th inch str8s at home and luckily a very very easy to shave beard, it's very light. I am thinking of a blade that makes learning to shave with a str8s as simple as possible. Waht would you recommend.

I'm not clear what you are asking. What size is best for a beginner?

I think stropping is easier to learn with a 6/8 or 7/8 because the wider blade is harder to roll on the strop. For shaving, I still think the 5/8 is better. The smaller size is more maneuverable and easier to keep at the proper angle.

I'd ask my straight razor teacher if I had one

Then you have to think:
"Do I want to go up or down?"
I have a few 7/8s and I like them a lot.
I also have razors ranging from 5/8 to 8/8, and for me the size is mostly a mood thing.

You got the question exactly utopian.

It has been said that a 6/8 half hollow round point is the "best" beginners razor.

"Best" is totally subective though, and people with larger hands or faces may prefer a bigger blade and vice versa people with smaller hands might like smaller blades. People might prefer a wedge or a hollow ground dependant on their beard thickness and skin sensitivity.

I have razors ranging from 4/8 hollow ground up to 7/8 wedge. Actually my biggest blade is a 15/16 Wacker Antik. I like them all TBH, and I enjoy the variety of using different sizes and grinds of blade.

If you have a couple of big blades, I'd say get something like a DOVO Bismark or Black Star which are both smaller blades (6/8" & 5/8" respectively) and are known to be good performers and well made. I have both and I can testify that they are great little shavers.

Hope thats of some help!

IMHO - 5/8 - 6/8 is better. I just got honed a 7/8 and found that is is pretty darn tight under my jawline because of the sideways growth of my whiskers. I have to use some fairly advanced techniques, scything/shearing in particular (don't say it Utopian) to get these areas.

These techniques take some time to learn after you learn the basics. So if you find you need them while learning, you may have a hard time with those 7/8's.

Again, JMHO.

Beginners suck at all aspects of straight razor shaving.

All you can do is provide a shave ready razor, information and hope for the best.