Thread: Blade Width

I normally shave every 3-4 days so I normally start off with my 6/8 as I find that its superior on my heavy beard as I can barely feel any pull or have to apply any pressure as it decimates by stubble (although this is more a testament to the Lynn hone job than the razor width I guess). I then switch to a 5/8 Amco (again, cheers Lynn!) for the second (and third if needed) pass as I find it more responsive around areas such as the chin which I find quite difficult to get consistently smooth.

I'm still most comfortable with the 5/8, but I can totally see how the 6/8 has a nicer heft. It shouldn't take me too long to get used to that more. Maybe that's really it. As one gets more used to handling a straight razor, the more they're able to maneuvre the larger blades with greater ease.

My 3/8 is tricky on the strop I'll admit, but considering how little I've shaved since xmas day, it's my current favorite.

5 5/8s and 1 6/8 (5/8 - Dovo Special; TI "Evide Sonnant Extra"; Hen & Rooster; Weltmeister (grandad's); Unknown (grandad's) and 6/8 - SRP TI)

I find the 5/8s are a bit more user friendly. Although, I can't discard the fact that my SRP TI 6/8 does give a great shave.

Still looking for the one that will finish off my weekly rotation. Any suggestions??

Jeff

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

5 5/8s and 1 6/8 (5/8 - Dovo Special; TI "Evide Sonnant Extra"; Hen & Rooster; Weltmeister (grandad's); Unknown (grandad's) and 6/8 - SRP TI)

I find the 5/8s are a bit more user friendly. Although, I can't discard the fact that my SRP TI 6/8 does give a great shave.

Still looking for the one that will finish off my weekly rotation. Any suggestions??

Jeff

Since you seem to like the smaller blades why not look for a 4/8 Puma. I like mine alot.

I thought about that as it would give me a bunch of 5/8s sandwiched in between a 4/8 and a 6/8.

I've kept my eye out on eBay for a Puma 5/8 but haven't seen a 4/8. I'd go for a 4/8, though.

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

I thought about that as it would give me a bunch of 5/8s sandwiched in between a 4/8 and a 6/8.

I've kept my eye out on eBay for a Puma 5/8 but haven't seen a 4/8. I'd go for a 4/8, though.

If I see one I will let you know

I started out with the 5/8s and still find them to be excellent shavers. Then I tried some 6/8 and initially was skeptical because they were a bit heavier than I was use to. But now I thing I prefer them. Recently purchased a Henckles and a B&W Meat Chopper. Got them honed up and wow.

I don't use different razors once I begin the shave. Have thought about one to clean up with to see if it is any better. But I already have a 4/8 that was given to me so don't need to invest to take the plunge.

jmsbcknr

Originally Posted by jmsbcknr

Recently purchased a Henckles and a B&W Meat Chopper.
jmsbcknr

That is my last purchase too. When they arive, I'll write my impresions...

I have a 4/8 and a 6/8 myself. The 4/8 feels entirely too light when working on my whole face. The 6/8 has a lot more heft to it and I absolutely love just having it glide across my face thanks to gravity and the inherent weight of the blade. I'd like to try a 7/8 or full blade one day to really get a better impression of the differences in blade size and weight. But what it boils down to is I like the bigger blades because they just feel far more efficient.

My favorite size would probably be 6/8. I have a no-name 6/8 spike that is a fantastic shaver. 7/8 and 8/8 is a bit much for me. They pass the point of mowing down whiskers with ease and move into the just plain heavy and unwieldly realm. I have mostly 5/8 and 6/8 razors, and the 5/8 are like driving a sports car around my face. The 6/8 are more like an SUV...they seem stronger and are more substantial. The wider blades ARE easier to keep flat on a strop, and in my mind, easier to hone as well. The other thing about the 6/8 is, with more steel there, I feel like they are the better buy. Not that I'll likely wear any of them down to a toothpick in my lifetime, but still....

jeff