Thread: Torrey Shave Manual

Originally Posted by Ryan82

To be fair, statement #1 isn't really saying that the size of the razor should be in direct proportion to the individual's hand; I read it as a commentary on the manual dexterity of the user (aka the "adaptability"). In any case, I don't see statement #1 as any kind of gospel truth, as I'm sure there are many with smaller hands who enjoy using a 7/8 or 8/8.

Early on in my straight razor shaving, RAD beginning, I picked up a 9/8 Robert Williams. It was used but shave ready. I have what I have been told are large hands. I shaved about half of my face with it and cleaned it and put it away. I was just not comfortable maneuvering that big blade around my face. A few months later I picked it up again and began to get used to shaving with it. Now large blades are fine for me while I can enjoy a 5/8 just as well. So you may very well have something there Ryan. That may be what they were referring to.

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

The following excerpts from a Torrey straight razor manual from around 1900 asserts the following...

- Pick blade width on how big your hand is.
- Pick blade grind based on whisker toughness and skin sensitivity

Do you agree?

Here are the excerpts...


Statement #1 - Blade Width Selection

The choice of [blade] width in a razor blade should be governed by its adaptability to the hand of the individual.

Statement #2 - Blade Grind Selection

In selecting a razor for use, adaptation to the beard is a very important consideration. For a heavy, coarse beard a too thin-ground blade should not be used unless one is somewhat of an expert... On the other hand, a light, wiry beard and tender skin require a thin-ground blade, which will lie flat on the face.

Where, perchance, might one acquire a scan of said instructional essay?

Originally Posted by MickRussell

Where, perchance, might one acquire a scan of said instructional essay?

They used to include the instructions with the razors. Here is a set I took a photo of.

Thanks, I appreciate it

I think the instructions are aimed at the new user so have some merit. They simply forgot to add YMMV

They obviously come from a time when the user didn't need to be told that "cruise control" != "autopilot". I like.

+1 on handle size. An XL size hand has a harder time w/ a light, thin, short shank. Its just ergos, which I find myself shopping for more than most other attributes. I like particular sizes and grinds, and yet 4 out of 5 of the blades I keep have almost none of these attributes. Either the ergos make up for the deficit or some other attribute outweighs the preference. I hate 4/8" blades. I only have one I've kept, other than for slashing the tops of home made bread. This humble, non-fancy Shumate Tungsteel just shaves like a house a-fire. 'Had a grin on my face through most of the shave. My preference would be a 6/8 spanish or french point w/ a thick spine and shank, but I can't deny that little Shumate just does magic, so I keep it and use it. Every time I use it, I wonder why I don't use it more often.