Thread: Does size really matter?

I am a bigger guy and have big hands. Anything smaller than 6/8 feels like a toy. I can use a 5/8 ok but i always seem to end up with a bit of razorburn from to much pressure. Have yet to try anything smaller.

The more I shave with the different widths in my rotation, regardless of weight, the more I find myself relying on technique over all other factors. It's the instant changes I make to blade angle and shaving direction that becomes more important than size.

Usually a change in technique is all that is required no matter the width, but there are always exceptions to the rule. I can shave with anything 3/8 and up

my regular rotation consits of 5/8 to 8/8 of various grinds & points & just use which ever calls me on the day,
then it gets turned upside down so & try not to use it again until all have been used, then start again
like Razorfeld I find myself concentrating on technique rather than the blade itself as I can go from a 5/8 square to a 8/8 spanish to a 6/8 round in the same week

Originally Posted by jamesrupertball

And when I say size, I mean width

I've been shaving with a 7/8ths razor, and recently I bought a new razor (a 5/8ths) and for some reason I cant get as good of a shave with it. I know there could be dozens of variables as to why, but I'm wondering if blade width is one of them? Has anyone here had the same experience? I'm sure both are sharp and shave ready, nothing has changed in my shave prep, stropping etc.

Thanks for your help!

James

To answer precisely. No, blade width is not an issue if you can't get a good shave. The dozens of other variables you mention , may well be tho I would also eliminate blade grind. If the razor is properly honed you are simply unfamiliar with it.

I haven't tried anything other than a 5/8 as i am still new but i do look forward to tring different width once i have better technique to shaving with one size.

I own 2 6/8" and 2 9/16". I much prefer the 9/16". One of them is a full hollow, and my favorite. It gets insanely sharp, feels incredible to shave with, but I have to be really "on" with my technique. The slightest mistake and I will nick or cut myself so fast it is unreal.
Having said that, one of the 6/8" is a full hollow, and I have not shaved with it yet. Need to hone it. It might be the grind that I like the most, as I like the other 9/16" I have, but not as much as the full hollow. So we will see once I start shaving with it.

Originally Posted by SRNewb

I own 2 6/8" and 2 9/16". I much prefer the 9/16". One of them is a full hollow, and my favorite. It gets insanely sharp, feels incredible to shave with, but I have to be really "on" with my technique. The slightest mistake and I will nick or cut myself so fast it is unreal.
Having said that, one of the 6/8" is a full hollow, and I have not shaved with it yet. Need to hone it. It might be the grind that I like the most, as I like the other 9/16" I have, but not as much as the full hollow. So we will see once I start shaving with it.

As you have elucidated towards, the grind could play as big a part as the size, as could the profile and the tip type.
I know i prefer hollow grinds and framebacks over wedgier grinds regardless (within reason) of the size.

For such a seemingly simple instrument it's pretty amazing how different razors seem to feel and perform differently. The key to that is the fact it's a precision instrument and all such things cause a reaction as slight nuances vary from one to another. (Just ask a watchmaker who uses precision tools all day and how difficult it is to change to a different tool even though it may look the same).

With razors it's not only the gross characteristics like size and grind but the feel of the metal and the finish. Whether it has jimps and where they are and what kind they are and the tail configuration and the overall weight and balance and where the true mid point is as you hold it. Also the way the scales lie as you shave. additionally if the part you are holding is wet or dry or has shave soap on it or any lubricant or preservative residue.

It all matters.

In my experience, the quality of the edge trumps both size and shape, period. For smooth, effortless shaving, the best edge I ever achieved was on a 5/8 razor.

That said, I have wiry whiskers, and for whatever reason I generally find it easier to shave with larger and heavier blades. Could be their momentum, could be my mentality.