Thread: Question on Grinds

These scales by Gary are a custom work of art. As for the blade itself, it's a beautifuly worked 8/8. It would make me as happy as a Livi piece would and it would shave just as well.

There is doubt in my mind that this razor is a beauty, the scale is beautiful, the blade is very impressive and they re known to shave well I am just not sure about the 8/8, I am under the impression the ideal size is 6/8 but those it really matter, If anyone happened to have the different dimensions could you explain the difference you see when shaving, otherwise I guess I will have to try and find out by myself but it'is more expensive

Norm

Actually size is more of a comfort issue. Mine are all in the 4/8-6/8 range, but I am working on a 13/16 restoration project. What's good about big blades is that there's more of a surface to work with if you wish to play around with shapes or decorative touches. Even though I prefer the 5/8-6/8 range, I'll get some 7/8 and 8/8 just to have a full size range.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Actually size is more of a comfort issue. Mine are all in the 4/8-6/8 range, but I am working on a 13/16 restoration project. What's good about big blades is that there's more of a surface to work with if you wish to play around with shapes or decorative touches. Even though I prefer the 5/8-6/8 range, I'll get some 7/8 and 8/8 just to have a full size range.

It is like everything, at the end it’s just a question of personnel preference, there is no good answer, I have to say that the big 8/8 are more impressive but technically a 6/8 is probably a better choice.

I have all types of razors and sizes and grinds in my collection and they all shave wonderfully. I depart from your thinking in that I would rather have 4 $150 razors rather than 1 $600 razor. A razor doesn't have to be expensive to give a great shave. I do have a maestro and yes it gives a wonderful shave but so do many others that cost a fraction of the price. If you are in a position to afford one you buy it for the workmanship and exclusivity more than the shave quality.

I would recommend people starting out obtain a variety of razors of all sizes and grinds and then decide which is best for you and then and only then if you can afford it go ahead and buy the big bucks razor. The last thing you want to do is spend $800 or more on a beautiful 7/8s maestro and find you hate big blades and it either becomes a display piece or your looking to sell it at a loss. Just my 2 cents.

I agree completely with thebigspendur.

I've been at this for just over a month - I have a bunch of razors in different sizes - many of them have been acquired shave-ready for between $35 and $50.

In that short time, I have developed definite preferences that will impact my furture acquisitions and I may even sell some of my current roster of razors.

Specifically, I now know that I'm not a fan of full-hollow 5/8 razors (they're a little too light for the S-N pass around the chin), but that a 6/8 or bigger full hollow works just fine. Similarly, a 1/2 hollow or wedgier 5/8 also works just fine. I may also try a 5/8 stainless (they're stiffer than carbon - supposedly), as I do like the nimbleness of the 5/6

My preferred size is 6/8 and I like a heavier grind 1/2 hollow and up, but a full-hollow 6/8 is very nice.

I have a couple of 7/8 and they're nice razors, but I really don't see my self getting any more "big" razors in the near future.

To get back to the point, had I invested the same amount of money in one or two more expensive razors, I wouldn't have as good an idea of what works best for me. Also, if you don't like a razor you spent $50 for, you can usually sell it for pretty close to what you paid for it - that's not always the case with the more expensive razors - even if you lose only 10% on resale, 10% of $500 is a whole lot more that 10% of $50!

From that point of view I have to agree with both of you to, I hate to purchase something I don’t really use therefore before investing that much money on a shaver it make complete sense to try different less expensive shavers of different style, I guess it’s part of the fun to and then once you know what are your preferences it is always possible to get a really nice one.

Gentlemen thanks for the feedback and have a great day


Norm.