Thread: Bigger or Smaller? That is the question...

Well I am about 5 months into my SR shaving experience and like most RAD took hold and I rapidly went from a single new DOVO Blackstar 5/8 full hollow to somewhere around 17 razors now. I have razors from 4/8 to 8/8, extra hollow to full wedge and some of those razors shave equally well be they 4/8 or 8/8, extra hollow or wedge.

Most of those razors were purchased from members on the Classifieds here and I've learned that one member's shave ready is not necessarily anothers and have changed my opinion on a razor simply by rehoning it to my standards (Yes, I've learned to hone along the way and use Lynn's Pyramid method to great results). I also learned that stropping correctly is also very important.

Preference wise the big razors are winning me over especially my Wade & Butcher Celebrated FBU but I also know I can pick up my Dovo 5/8s and get an equally good shave. I rotate them all. I am also fond of my framebacks. Have you tried framebacks yet? The RAD continues....

Larry

As others have stated, this simply a personal preference. If you are having a good run at it with a 6/8, I'd stick to a larger blade or maybe even bump it up to a 7/8. My preference if for nothing shy of a 6/8 and if possible, a heavy grind. A vintage chopper is what I seem to like best. I actually find that I get into the tough places a little easier with bigger blades. Its all personal. But analyzing it a little further, I think I like the heft of the larger blades. And the heavy grinds just seem to glide over my face so smoothly. There's no right answer. If God didn't want you buying more razors He wouldn't have given you RAD. Buy one of each.

It is difficult to find out what one will like best without trying several different razor types. I have close to 2 dozen straights and it is now starting to become confusing in use. It may be more productive to get two or three good razors of similar type and focus on developing shaving, stropping, and eventually honing skills.
Assuming good razor steel quality, heat treat, and geometry (no shape defects or damage issues), the keenness of the edge is the major razor factor.affecting shaving quality and comfort. Being able to acquire and keep a keen comfortable edge is key. I can get a good shave from many different style razors.
I now prefer to buy vintage razors in the best condition I can afford and avoid blades requiring significant restoration before they are usable. I take some comfort in using a blade that is in excellent condition, but may show signs of previous use. I do not then have to worry about remorse from minor wear marks appearing on a vintage razor in factory new condition.
Some of my current style preferences are:
-My stainless Friodur razors shave well and take away a lot of the worry about getting my blade wet, water spotted, or rusted, I have and also use and like carbon steel razors. I have not had many maintenance issues on carbon blades, but there is a reason why vintage stainless blades are usually found in good condition while carbon blades often require some cleanup or restoration.
-I prefer mid-level grinds, neither full hollows nor near wedges. For me, the mid grinds provide better feed back (sound and feel) in use than the near wedges, but are less angle sensitive and likely to flex and catch in use.
-I prefer factory slightly rounded square points and Spanish points. They allow me to get into tighter locations than a round point, but are not as likely to bite as a spike point. I also have, use, and enjoy round points.
-I like my 6/8 and 7/8 blade widths slightly better than my 5/8 widths because they are slightly easier to strop and hone and it is easier to see and hold the angle while shaving. However, I find the 5/8 blades light and nimble in use. There is a reason for the 5/8 width being the most commonly found vintage razor.
Razor preferences may change over time with experience as shaving, stropping, and honing skills develop.

Have not shaved with a 5/8 in many moons.Do not even own one.But as you travel thru your Journey In straight razor land,at least once you should embrace the magic of a blade that is exactally twice the size of a 5/8
Than you will know the rest of the story)

To the OP:

You started right in the middle ground, which is actually the recommendation we usually give... If you had trouble getting into certain spots on your face then you would know to move down a size on the next razor.. If the razor felt light or jumpy you would know to move up in size or grind next...

This is why we recommend a 6/8 size in a 1/2 hollow configuration it lets you decide what direction to move on the second razor if at all

You might find like many of us the the 6/8 could be your ideal size, you never know until you try and see...

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Have not shaved with a 5/8 in many moons.Do not even own one.But as you travel thru your Journey In straight razor land,at least once you should embrace the magic of a blade that is exactally twice the size of a 5/8
Than you will know the rest of the story)

That thing is HUGE!

Awesome replies! Thanks for all the info. I feared that the responses would be "you gotta try them all" but thats ok its all part of the journey. I think I like the idea of a bigger razor for my next one and have my eye on a 7/8 Henckels from the shaving shop, here's the link. What do you guys think of those razors? They also have a really nice looking 8/8 French point Carl Rader that looks like it would be a great shaver too but, alas, it is a little out of my price range right now

I haven't shaved with anything smaller than 8/8 in a year. I prefer them much larger, all the way up to a 12/8 that is my favorite. I have a 23/8, but I haven't worked up the guts to shave with it yet.

Originally Posted by ace

I haven't shaved with anything smaller than 8/8 in a year. I prefer them much larger, all the way up to a 12/8 that is my favorite. I have a 23/8, but I haven't worked up the guts to shave with it yet.

23/8 do's not exsist without a Pic

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

23/8 do's not exsist without a Pic

It exists:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...formation.html

Originally Posted by ace

It exists:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...formation.html

Forgot about that one I need one.