Moving on too soon?

[IrishShaver]

Hi guys,
Only starting with my straight razor but after 30 shaves I'm getting a good 2 pass shave with my 5/8 half hallow puma and was think of pick up another larger razor to begin my collection went I saw this beauty

Model: "IRISHMAN"
Name: "Erin Go Bragh!", designed and manufactured by "Art•RAZOR"
Region: Ukraine
Date: 2017
Steel: Udeholm arne (Sweden, O1)
Size: 8/8", wedge
Blade: slight hollow spine, smile edge, polished
Point: square
Handle: acrylic
Decoration: laser engraving (blade)

Now be honest, is it too much of a jump or is shaving with a wedge not much different?

[bluesman7]

A little different yes, but no harder IMO. When I started I found heavier razors easier to shave with. I think the mass helps with steadiness. Now it doesn't matter to me, though I find anything over 7/8 to be a bit overkill.

I should add that I've never heard of that particular razor and know nothing about it's quality.

[RezDog]

I think art razor from the Ukraine is a member here, Frans perhaps.
There is not a big difference in going from the full hollow to the wedge, but there is a bit of a change jumping from 5/8 to 8/8. Again it is not an insurmountable change. I am guessing you have been shaving with a straight for at least as long as you have been a member here, and you should be fine.

[Gasman]

I too think its a jump, but not a bad one. If it doesnt make you happy you can go back. But be sure to give the wedge a good chance. Use it for a couple weeks in a row to get used to it. I started jumping all over the place with razors when i started. I did ok but was not really getting to learn the razors. Ive slowed down now and get more comfortable shaves with many razors now. It takes time. Now the 8/8. Whatch ojt for your ears and such. Ha. And think about that angle!

[BobH]

Yes, the razor does look like the work of Frans.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...cts-frans.html

Yes, that is a big jump in size and grind. Nothing that you can get used to with some use. I see no reason not to try it and it will be a different experience to what you have been used to.

Bob

[beluga]

There is not a big difference in going from the full hollow to the wedge, but there is a bit of a change jumping from 5/8 to 8/8. Again it is not an insurmountable change.

I am with RezDog on this one.
Quite a bit of change, but not insurmountable.

But the question is what benefit do you expect from going for a 8/8 at this early (30 shaves) stage?
Like in many things mechanical, there is an optimum size for straight razors too and by straying away from this size disadvantages become more pronounced.

In case of a straight razor you have to balance heft (advantage big razor) against maneuverability (advantage small razor).

8/8 razor have quite a bit of heft, but will be harder to maneuver around the critical corners.

As someone who is a novice, you would be better advised to polish your technique, and a 6/8 or 13/16 razor would IMO be more appropriate.

This size turned out to be the optimum size for me, and even if I own much larger and much smaller razors, razors in this size bracket turned out to be my favorites and I use razors at the extreme ends of the spectrum (smaller than 5/8 and larger than 8/8) much less frequently.

Looking at what our predecessors shaved with, most vintage razors fell into this 5/8 to 13/16 size bracket too, and there may have been a valid reason for it, beyond demonstrating that someone can wield such a heavy razor with success.


Regarding the wedge vs. full hollow question, it is nice to have a wedge in one's collection, but overall I prefer full hollow. There are small differences in how the razor needs to be honed and shaved with, but this is nothing that should keep someone from using them.
Historically, once manufacturers had figured out how to make full hollow razors, they became the standard (probably because of their lower mass and better maneuverability) and I do prefer using these, one reason being the sound the blade makes when I mow down the whiskers.


B.


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[Wayne1963]

I've always liked big razors, and found heavier grinds to be more forgiving. That is the work of Art Razor. Frans work is very distinctive with a focus on nice etching and flowing lines. I hope to own one someday!

[Blamo]

Go ahead and buy the dang thing. I mean, if you are asking if you should get rid of your Puma and replace it with this razor and only have this razor for the rest of your life then yes...you should wait. However, seriously...your going to come down with (if you haven't already) a serious case of the RAD and in a few months time, your going to have about 7 razors. This thing is a monster and it will give you a great feel for a monster wedge and you will eventually fill in the rest of your collection with half hollow, full hollow, extra hollow, frameback, 4/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8 and then all over again with smiling razors, etc...

[mglindo]

Yes, most common vintage straight razors go from 5/8 to 7/8 in size. The thing is, they just look better in a larger size because there is more to look at. If you look at body builder contests, with all things being the same, the bigger body builder usually wins!


Mike

[thebigspendur]

Shaving isn't bodybuilding. Smaller razors are highly maneuverable and can get into tight places with ease. Large razors are clumsy and the large scales can get in the way. It's more like comparing driving a sports car to a truck.

When I started I thought big razors were the cats meow. I've gotten rid of just about all of them. I prefer 5/8s and 6/8s now.