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I am currently using a worcester 6/8 straight razor. I was thinking about buying a new razor around christmas time (hoping to get a dovo) but I would like to get somthing a bit smaller then a 6/8, but I don't know the different sizes. Can you guys help me out and tell me what a smaller razor would be? Thanks :)
-Zach
The Wiki:
Widths and grinds
The width of the blade is traditionally measured in 8th (or 16th) of inch (a inch being equal to 25.4 mm). For instance, a razor with an 18 mm large blade is called a 5/8. Width vary from 3/8 to 8/8 (9.5 to 25.4 mm) or even 9/8, with 5/8 and 6/8 blades being the most common.
5/8 for a start. This is a fairly common size to use. You might also like to look at a 7/8. I currently own two 5/8, a 6/8 approx(it's had some serious restoration work so it's slightly smaller) and a 13/16 which is close to 7/8. I actually prefer the 13/16(7/8, would love to drive a full 8/8 though) size, but use the two 5/8's more, simply because they are in a little homemade rack and always ready to go. The other two razors travel with me though.
Other sizes are 2/8 (used for eyebrows and such i believe), 3/8 (same as last one), 4/8 (now we're starting to shave), 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, 8/8 (Serious end of town) and I believe you can actually go bigger but that is a rarity. Most common seems to be 5/8 and 6/8.
I allow myself to be corrected in any of this as I'm no expert. there are other sizes, but the ones mentioned are the common ones.
Mick
Looks like Otto beat me to it with a better explanation anyway... :)
The 4/8 razor is seldom recommended here, and I don't know why. In my opinion, it is worth a try. As an aside, an old barbers manual I saw recently recommended the 4/8 for beginners. It certainly is nice for the harder to shave areas like under the neck.