Thread: 5/8 v 6/8

For the fools pass I use pretty well the same method of the blade flat against my skin for all sizes
The only change is with wedges, I find that I need a slight angle as they don't sit as flat against the lip as the hollows do to get the edge right

Originally Posted by ibixon

3.2 mm? How in the world dud you calculate this?

One eight of an inch LOL

It is most people's weak spot when they start. Edhewitt has it right, it's just a different angle. An eight of an inch doesn't make a sharp object fit better or worse under your nose. You'll figure it out with either one.

Originally Posted by ibixon

Yes, but what about the area between upper lip and under the nose? This is kind of my week spot.

The filarmonica in the video is probably at least 7/8, a bit hard to manoeuvre when you are starting out. I learnt with a 5/8 but 6/8 would be fine. It is all technique around that area and once you have done it a hundred times or so, it all falls in to place. Don't attempt the fool's pass until you feel competent.

And then there this guy, Willi(?) who got me interested and obsessed with straight shaving until I finally dove in, turns out he is a member here/was as well...he's the man, takes it all the way and keeps it simple.

I still find this the best straight shave video I've ever seen personally, enjoy!

I prefer a 6/8" razor over anything smaller, but I agree that there's very little difference between the 5/8" and 6/8" sizes.

Having said this, I find that the larger razor has some advantages, especially when one is first starting out; here are a few:

• Wider razors are easier to strop. It's easy to lift the spine of a narrow razor off your strop, and you want to avoid doing that at all costs!
• It's easier to judge blade angle. Blade angle is critical to achieving a close shave, AND to avoiding bloodletting!
• They generally weigh more. A heavier blade can do more of the work for you, lightening your touch in the process.
• They hold more lather. Trivial, perhaps. But less rinsing or wiping means more shaving.

YMMV.

Originally Posted by ibixon

3.2 mm? How in the world dud you calculate this?

25 and a bit mm divided by 8

For me it depends on the razor. I have some 5/8 that shave great while others not so good. the same with 4/8 6/8 . I've noticed that the for me the extra hollow grind you have pay more attention to the angle of the blade to the face with the 5/8 but if the blade is sharp and the angle is right there should be very little difference.

When you begin searching vendor sites for new razors, the 7/8's and 6/8's always sell out first. Razor size does matter, male perception and this doesn't always translate to a better shaving experience. I must confess, I'll always purchase a 7/8's or 6/8's first even if a 5/8's is available in the same model.

Originally Posted by Phrank

And then there this guy, Willi(?) who got me interested and obsessed with straight shaving until I finally dove in, turns out he is a member here/was as well...he's the man, takes it all the way and keeps it simple.

I still find this the best straight shave video I've ever seen personally, enjoy!

Damn! It takes me longer than that to shave with an electric