Thread: Differences in Weight

Originally Posted by AxelH

Going to a half or quarter hollow would magnify that to a very satisfactory difference in heft. You may be so happy with it you won't be left longing for the 7s or 8s.

One of my wackers is no longer available 15/16, worked back, 3-pin in ebony. It was the shave of choice today, and I had to hurry somewhat. That's the only big blade i have. It seems to be a vegan, as I have to work at it to nick or cut. I find myself liking 6/8 best so far, though every time I use the big wacker, I just love it. Having big hands, I don't find 'maneuverability' to be an issue at all. It's fine w/ precise work (although it would be better if it weren't a round point). I can choke up on the grip, w/ 2 fingers on the spine, 2 on the shank for buffing stroke near the nostril.

Until the Williams arrived, my 'go to' blade has always been the 6/8, 1/4 grind spanish point. If funds were no object, I'd get another just for backup. The williams is also 6/8, 1/4 grind. The edge, provided by the honorable Riooso was from a high end Jnat, and is not to be believed. The wacker edge is mine from a c12k. The Jnat edge is a step up, but I would say the feedback on the wacker 1/4 grind is better.

If you wish to try different sizes/grinds without spending the big money, the vendors on this site would be my target. I always hesitate to mention specific ones, 'cause the ones I don't mention or haven't used, may well be wonderful as well. Your time on the forums will show you who does nice work. I've not spoken w/ one of them that hasn't been a pleasure to work with. John at Shavingshop.com is also wonderful. I WILL buy from him again.

I started straight shaving in early October, DE shaving for over a year. I started with 5/8 Dovo and Boker full hollows and just added a 6/8 TI Le Grelot with a 3/4 - full hollow grind. The Dovo and Boker each weigh 1.8 oz, and the Le Grelot weighs 2.5 oz. For what seems to be a small difference, the difference when shaving is day and night. The 5/8 are very sensitive to any change in sharpness, prep, time between shaves....you name it. The Le Grelot shaves me better than a DE, and thats 3 whole shaves. I'm sure that over time, as I become more experienced, they will equal out...maybe. Right now, it's hard to even look at the 5/8 razors. The difference is extraordinary.

The weight of the razor is primarily in the spine and the tang (scales also account for about half of it when properly done).
So yes, the grind can be fairly important.
Regular 5/8 dovo weighs 39g a typical 6/8 razor is around 45-50g and what I consider heavy razors are 55-65g.

The big W&B's have some serious heft.

I have a 7/8 Barbers Use being restored that surprised me with how heavy it was when I took it out of the package.

That's what you call a heavy blade.

Just a heads up on whipped dog's special:

TRADE FOR HONE

Any razor purchased from me may be traded for an equivalent value razor for the price of honing. This is a great way to try different style and size razors.

This is a great way to experience different sizes and grinds without investing in lots of razors.