Thread: Big vs Small

I know the subject of big razors like 7/8s and 8/8s versus 4/8s and 5/8s smaller razors has been discussed before but what I would like to know, is when you use the larger ones do you think there is less feedback from the razor as it passes over your skin as opposed to a lighter razor.

I find that the larger razor with the heavy blade kind of the 600lb Gorilla of shaving will mow down anything in its path but it seems to lack a certain feel the lighter razor gives as you use it. Kind of like driving a 18 wheeler as opposed to a sports car. One has much road feel the other doesn't.

Some feel the heavier razor is better with heavy beards and I too instinctively go for the 7/8s when I skip a day but after all isn't sharp, sharp and shouldn't a sharp 4/8s shave a good as a sharp 7/8s no matter how heavy the beard? Maybe a little more pressure will be required with the lighter blade as opposed to the weight of the heavy one but shouldn't the end result be the same.

What do you think?

I've got a 4/8 Eric Antonberg that's beautiful and it shaves better than it looks. I don't hesitate at all to pull that one from my rotation inventory for a daily shave and it always gives me a super-clean shave. I'm not sure anything could shave any better. But I've also got a 6/8 Black Diamond that is an incredible shave and I must say I generally prefer it - probably the subconscious bigger is better thing. I've also got some Puma Gold 6/8 razors that are super shavers and my WonderEdge 5/8 is a delight, as well. I've ound that how much feedback and feel I get has more to do with the blade design than the size. I've got a medium hollow ground non-XLL razor that's more like a large wedge than anything else and it'll shave my face smooth as a baby's butt. But I don't feel or hear a thing when I run that razor across my face.

I started out with the 5/8 size. Then a few years ago decided I liked 6/8 and 7/8 sizes better. That was a good excuse to sell any buy to replace my rotation razors.

The difference is like be out in choppy waters in a small boat versus a ship. I feel a lot steadier with the bigger size, though the smaller size will get the job done also. Keen is keen.

Originally Posted by PapaBull

I've got a 4/8 Eric Antonberg that's beautiful and it shaves better than it looks. .

Rob,

I've got quite a selection of Swedish shavers mostly 5/8s but one 6/8s. They are all exceptionally fine shavers. My Erik Antonberg 6/8 spike with Ivory handles is also a beaut to look at and a pleasure to shave with.

Hal

Originally Posted by PapaBull

. I've ound that how much feedback and feel I get has more to do with the blade design than the size. I've got a medium hollow ground non-XLL razor that's more like a large wedge than anything else and it'll shave my face smooth as a baby's butt. But I don't feel or hear a thing when I run that razor across my face.

Rob,

I must admit that I do like that sound a full hollow makes when it cuts through the stubble on my face. On the otherhand, I do have three half-ground 5/8s Torreys complete with barber's notches. These don't make any sound whatsoever, but still offer a smooth close shave, everybit as comparable to my larger full hollow grinds.

hal

I really like the big blades as well, but have to say that one of my best shavers ever (actually I have two of them) is the TI Egyptian which is a 5/8 blade. I also had a Puma 3/8 that I would put in the same category. Never anything but a smooth, close and very comfortable shave. Lynn

Lynn,

I have yet to find a razor I don't like but I do prefer the bigones. But I do have a 3/8 or4/8 Puma that is also great.

As I evolve in the straight razor game, I am finding my way to bigger blades. I have written recently how much I enjoy my TI 7/8 spike point, and am considering more of these. I just had to shave a three day growth with it, and the sound and cut were unreal. Wow!

so is it all personal preference? Dovo vs TI?

if you were to rate the following steel for only shave qualities, forget about cost, maintenance, honing, stropping... Just shaving qualities.

Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel
Silver Steel ?

I noticed some of the more expensive straights are made with silver steel, to which i am not familiar, anyone able to enlighten me?

Silver steel is just a name for razor steel originally made in Shefield England and is in fact carbon Steel. Whether there is some supposed exotic trace material added I don't know but I doubt it. I'm sure if you compared Swedish Steel to the Shefield you'd find some trace differences but I doubt you could tell when shaving with each.

As far as differences between stainless and carbon I'm sure each person has his own opinion. Personally I find the stainless gives an equally good shave. Some say its not as comfortable but I think that depends on the razor itself. I have some equally as comfortable and some not. No different than the carbon some shave more comfortably than others. As far a closeness goes, as they say sharp is sharp.