Thread: The best razor to start with

Now I know that everyone has there opinion. Here's mine and I hope everyone will add there's. I really believe that for a completely new guy starting out fresh with a straight razor it should be one that is 1/4 hollow or at least stiff enough to give little feed back. Also a round point. lesson the chances of the point digging in. Also I think that it should be a 5/8 at the most a 6/8. anywhere in-between. For someone starting out size does matter. I believe that a 5/8 is easier to get the angle right to the face for a beginner. Now the longer your in this sport the more razors you will end up with. It's inevitable. It's like a poison ivy it just keeps spreading. Or should I say it's like eating a potato chip. you can't just stop at one. And you'll end up with many favorites. A friend once told me he had many favorite razors and he's probably got thousands. So if some one ask me I would tell them a round point 1/4 hollow grind pro honed to start with. Of course if it was a close friend I would allow him to watch me shave if he was not that close (talking about distance you know) I would direct him to the many videos. Now this is my observation after 1 1/2 yrs using nothing but a straight. Now for all you more experienced blade slingers out there what's your opinion.

Everybody's different, of course so the "best" razor could vary but a 1/4 hollow round point would be a good choice.

If you are careful and the razor has a good edge, it doesn't matter.

Heavier grinds (half to quarter hollow) are often suggested because they are less likely to flex and bite, because there is less feedback from the blade (which can improve confidence), and because they feel like they "plow" through hair easier (more inertia combined with less feedback, I think).

Round points are often suggested because you are less likely to cut yourself with the toe if you apply too much pressure to your face or go a bit too far heel out/toe in.

5/8 to 6/8 is often suggested because of the compromise between having enough blade to watch your angle and to not roll the blade by accident while stropping or shaving, and too much blade where it becomes hard to see things or maneuver the blade around your face.

Yup, that ^ about sums it up for me at least.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Yup, that ^ about sums it up for me at least.

Bob

The sentence at the bottom of your reply made think back many years. I was in church one sunday morning when the preacher (who was a life long friend of mine) said and now for living example of sin and at that moment he said Roger would you stand up. I did and we all had a good laugh at that.

I bought a 11/16 for my first real straight

First Str8 was a 13/16" W&B Square point with 1/4-near wedge grind great blade & love it
but a week odd later I got a 5/8" W&B 1/2" hollow Square point & the bad ebay photo's made me buy it as a back up practice blade for learning stropping & using my barbers hone
I got the 5/8 it was now where near as bad & the pics looked the edge was near shave ready so I gave it a light clean stropped with it for a week every day then a few strokes on the Crown barbers hone then stropped again
had a shave with it found it was a great smooth shaver then used it almost exclusively for a couple of weeks

I found the lighter weight & maneuverability of the 5/8" so much easier to wield when learning than the 13/16" heavy blade, it gave a bit more feed back also which I liked
still love the blade & it is a constant in my rotation

so long story short
I recommend the 5/8"-6/8" also but with any grind & any muted point (as long as it is not a full spike) all is good

I remember the first time I saw a collection of 7/8 and 8/8. I was intimidated to say the least. Until then I had shaved for most of a year with 5/8 and my one 6/8 a Hart 1/4 grind. I immediately wanted one. When I finally purchased a 7/8 Ralph Aust, I was nervous about actually using it.

I think a 1/2 hollow or even full I'd fine to start. I agree, learn to shave before using a bigger razor. 5/8 of razor sharp steel at your throat is enough to deal with in the beginning. Bigger razors can be much heavier and less maneuverable especially if you are still working on other very important aspects of the shave like lather and stropping.

The best razor to start with is....one that is professionally honed!

I agree with the 5/8 round tip 1/4 to 1/2 hollow. It's cheaper than the 6/8 so you aren't out of a lot of money if you don't like it and don't sell it. I still don't like full spikes of any size.