Thread: The myth of the big razor

Well its late Thursday night here and I think we need some fireworks here so I'm going to start this thread.

With all the newbees asking about weight and size and all you fellas here in the big razor club I thought this would be a good topic to start so here goes:

I will submit to all of you (being the devils advocate of course) and having a good assortment of different blade sizes and weights (and I'm really addressing weight more than grind though I realize you can't completely separate both) that when that heavier blade is on your skin you have that extra weight and momentum behind it. Its no different than using a 4/8s lightweight and you supplying the added weight with pressure as you shave whilst with the heavier razor that already being done for you.

If we assume that the old axiom of sharp is sharp is king here then where is that better cutting power you say you are getting from the heavier razor coming from. Will a heavier razor pass any test better than any lightweight razor? I don't think so.

Granted there is much personal preference here. Personally I find a big meat chopper just gets in the way and is hard to maneuver on my face while a smaller razor I can maneuver like a sports car.

However,I find it almost second nature that if I skip a couple of days shaving I instinctively reach for a 8/8s razor yet I know that any of my 5/8s will shave just as comfortably and closely as that meatchopper. I blame all you big razor guys for that Jedi mind control trick!

I like the larger reasons for the simple fact that they feel better in my hands. I'm a big guy, and the smaller razors feel "flimsy" to me, too lightweight. Since I'm more comfortable holding the larger razor (meaning 6/8 and 7/8, not a machete like JL uses), I'm more confident with my shave. So does the size make it a better shaver? Abso-maybe-lutely!

RT

Hell...I like 'em all. Sharp is king.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Its no different than using a 4/8s lightweight and you supplying the added weight with pressure as you shave whilst with the heavier razor that already being done for you.

Except that the mass adds stability. There's a tendency for the blade to twist into the skin as it hits the heavy beard, plus it's easy for the razor to deflect once you start muscling it around.

I also think that the wider bevel (and most heavy razors do have a fairly wide bevel, though obviously wedges are an extreme example) help prevent the blade from digging into the skin.

I don't know what to say, I am still disturbed by Joe Chandler's avatar. That poor guy looks like someone is coming after him with one of those big 8/8's.

Actually I agree, the big razor thing is way overrated. I have a 4/8 two 6/8's and a 7/8 that I use regularly and love them all just as much. Each one is just a good a shaver. Lately I've been using the 7/8 the most but that's simply because I'm still soo excited about my flashy brand new 7/8 TI sheffield steel.

Originally Posted by Sec162

I don't know what to say, I am still disturbed by Joe Chandler's avatar. That poor guy looks like someone is coming after him with one of those big 8/8's.

So am I!

I like them heavier. If they are too big I also find that it's harder to do the upper lip. I have used 2 razors in a shave, but this seems too much trouble... Have not shaved with my single 8/8 yet, maybe i'll get to it in several days... 7/8 felt ok, if a bit awkward, and 6/8 feels best for me

Having said this, I tried a 5/8 Wostenholm frameback wedge (very light but stiff) on my cheeks and liked it. Need to hone it and test it on the neck / chin area.

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by Sec162

I don't know what to say, I am still disturbed by Joe Chandler's avatar. That poor guy looks like someone is coming after him with one of those big 8/8's.

Looks like his momma had an affair with a hippopotamus.

I was a big fan of weight, until i discovered that stiffness worked just as well. My favorite razors nowadays are a couple of relatively light framebacks and a couple of extremely light but surprisingly stiff full hollows.

I like em all,I sometimes shave with a 3/8 old Puma I have ,Its different ,but shaves great.My regular go to razors are all meatchoppers I have some Joseph Elliot 10/8 razors ,and I sometimes shave with them,they are way heavy,and about as large as I think I could shave with,But I like all the sizes and grinds ,so part of the fun of shaving for me is mixing it up