Size

[Bnick]

I am wondering why they say when you start out to use a 6/8 or 5/8 razor. I have a 4/8 5/8 and a 7/8 and I do not notice any difference in how easy or hard it is to shave with either of them I find them all equally easy to use. Was just wondering why the size recommendation for new users.

[Joed]

As far as I am concerned you are correct in your findings but there are many that have different views. As with different foods, people have different preferences in straight razors. The 6/8's and 5/8's razors are middle of the road, like the chicken in a food analogy. They are middle of the road and a size that most people like.

[Tuxedo7]

Only a quick response ... bigger blades tend to be a little less "maneuverable" ... especially in places like under your nose and around your chin. They are also heavier, and some may sense a little more stability, or that they perceive the weight behind the blade makes slicing through a heavier beard a little easier.

Generally, however, I would go with what you are comfortable with. You will see many on the forums moving to a bigger blade as they get more experience, but you will also see many on here who have tried to go bigger, and have ultimately decided to go back smaller again. The big blades sure look cool, but I myself enjoy a nice intermediate blade ... 5/8 to 7/8. I do have a few biggies, though, and like to pull them out sometime.

My beard is probably intermediate, so maybe that's why I don't feel the need for a big blade, and like the maneuverabilty.

Whatever floats your boat ... but it sounds like you have a range that would give you an idea of a fat blade and a narrow blade ... so if you can't tell a difference, then there probably is not one for you.

I'm not sure how long you've been straight shaving, but this may change once you shave more. I don't think I was able to tell the difference early on, either. Technique and a good shave-ready razor will make a bigger difference than the blade size until you become very proficient, probably.

Sorry ... so much for the "quick response".
Good luck!

[Alembic]

I wish I could find it again, but Glen had an awesome post on this topic.

He stated that first - it was middle of the road in grind, width and weight. So starting with it would give somebody the opportunity to learn if they wanted to go up or down form there.

Next, he stated that a stiffer grind like a half-hollow is found by many beginners to be easier to start with because of the stiffness.

I think he also made a reference to being easier to learn to strop on.

[goaT]

I would have to agree with the idea that half-hollow's are easier for a beginner than a full hollow. I started with a full-hollow Dovo Special, recommended by Lynn, and shortly after got a half-hollow from the classifieds, and what a difference it made! It's a more forgiving blade at first. The full hollow seems to punish me for every little mistake.

[holli4pirating]

For size, I think that 5/8 to 6/8 is a good place to start. The razors are easy to manuver than larger razors (I can shave under my nose with an 8/8, but I've had some practice at it), but there is still enough blade there to let you really watch your angle. With smaller blades, it's very easy to all of a sudden find yourself shaving at a very high angle without realizing it.

Another plus for 5/8 - 6/8's is that they are readily available at all prices, so they are very easy to shop for.

As for the grind, I don't think there is a clear choice. The way I see it is this:
A full hollow is like tough love - You need better technique to get a great shave from a full hollow, so it will force you to improve quickly
A half hollow (or heavier) will coddle you - They are more forginving of poor technique, so you'll start off more easily, but it won't hilight your mistakes and force you to fix them.

[BladeRunner001]

I think this is one of those things where YMWV (your mileage WILL vary). As others have said, it's a general guideline.

[hoglahoo]

My technique must be very poor. I find large wedge razors to be my best friends for close, comfortable shaves

But I started with 5/8 sized razors, just because they were the most plentiful among the choices I saw

[MrAtomic]

Like many others, I started with a 5/8 blade. In terms of shaving it was a great size, but I found it easier to learn how to strop with a slightly larger, heavier blade like a 6/8 - 7/8 hollow or a Wapi. It took a bit longer to become comfortable flipping a smaller, lighter razor on the strop.

[thebigspendur]

No different than with anything else. General recommendations are to get the average person competent as easily as possible. Of course some are slower and need easier and some are faster and can go with what they like. Once you gain some experience you will go with works best for you anyway.

If you were learning to drive would you rather start with an intermediate car with auto tranny or a kenworth Tractor with multispeed manual tranny? I know guys who would rather start with the kenworth.