Thread: The bigger the razor the smoother the shave?

I recently started using a 6/8 instead of the 5/8's I have been using since I started shaving with a straight razor. I can't believe the difference! The 6/8 is soo much smoother and there's soo much less irritation. Is that just from the extra mass of the blade, or what?

I think part of it might be due to the thickness of your stubble. Do you have especially wirey hair?

Originally Posted by fiddler

I recently started using a 6/8 instead of the 5/8's I have been using since I started shaving with a straight razor. I can't believe the difference! The 6/8 is soo much smoother and there's soo much less irritation. Is that just from the extra mass of the blade, or what?

There are just way to many variables here to make that determination of why the 6/8 shaves better on your face than the 5/8
But I would bet hard earned money that just the 1/8 difference is not the the single reason

If you are noticing a difference only in the areas of smoothness and level of irritation you are probably experiencing an improvement in the quality and sharpness of your blade. Maybe the 6/8 has a fresh Honemeister edge and the 5/8 is in need of one? In fact, the 6/8 might not have greater mass than the 5/8 if they are different grinds. By that I mean that a full hollow 6/8 may have a lighter blade than, say, a quarter hollow 5/8. Too many variables to make a generalized judgement. Anyway, whatever the reason, I'm glad you are enjoying your shave. BTW, today I had a great shave from a razor that falls between 5/8 and 6/8. Better by far than some of my larger blades.

Originally Posted by fiddler

I recently started using a 6/8 instead of the 5/8's I have been using since I started shaving with a straight razor. I can't believe the difference! The 6/8 is soo much smoother and there's soo much less irritation. Is that just from the extra mass of the blade, or what?

Originally Posted by fiddler

I recently started using a 6/8 instead of the 5/8's I have been using since I started shaving with a straight razor. I can't believe the difference! The 6/8 is soo much smoother and there's soo much less irritation. Is that just from the extra mass of the blade, or what?

You have a better honed 6/8, or a better 6/8 razor or both.

So, my 5/8 W&B Special or my 5/8 Henckels should shave just as well as the 6/8 Henckels when they are in the proper condition?

Originally Posted by fiddler

So, my 5/8 W&B Special or my 5/8 Henckels should shave just as well as the 6/8 Henckels when they are in the proper condition?

YES!!!!

Originally Posted by fiddler

So, my 5/8 W&B Special or my 5/8 Henckels should shave just as well as the 6/8 Henckels when they are in the proper condition?

Absolutely

I agree that your other razors should shave as well as your wedge. Of course, that is assuming that you have good technique!
I use both wedge and hollow ground and have found that a wedge tends to allow you to be a little sloppy on your technique where a hollow ground demands almost perfect technique! The thinner the blade the more true I find this to be!
I have found that I get wonderful shaves from wedges and hollow ground razors, but when I switch from a wedge to a hollow ground I find it takes a little time to adjust to using the hollow ground!

As far as 5/8s and 6/8s differences, they should be damned near equal!!

Originally Posted by JMS

I agree that your other razors should shave as well as your wedge. Of course, that is assuming that you have good technique!
I use both wedge and hollow ground and have found that a wedge tends to allow you to be a little sloppy on your technique where a hollow ground demands almost perfect technique! The thinner the blade the more true I find this to be!
I have found that I get wonderful shaves from wedges and hollow ground razors, but when I switch from a wedge to a hollow ground I find it takes a little time to adjust to using the hollow ground!

As far as 5/8s and 6/8s differences, they should be damned near equal!!

Ok, I have been incredibly brainless the last few days...I just reread this thread and see that there was no mention of a wedge.