Thread: Shaving with a Large Blade

Originally Posted by Maximilian

At least you got good work-out

I'm glad you survived that heavy monster. It is an impressive blade. 5.7 oz is not something to joke about.

No, it's not, and my hands were both worn out after the shave. You not only have to maneuver the beast around your face,
but you also have to continuously not allow the full weight of the blade to exert itself in the shave. Throughout the shave I was
wondering what one little 'slip' would do. Luckily, I avoided that.

Originally Posted by jdto

Are there pics of that beast post-restoration?

So far, no photos. Just try to imagine it shiny.

I'd like to see the finished article, ace.
Glad to see you survived with all your bodily parts intact and a workout as well - talk about multi-tasking.
Good job

Seeing as these "weapons" are so much bigger than any barbershop razor I have ever come across, I wonder for whom the cutlers who made them, intended them. Surely not for shaving faces, so what do you think?

I think you should one day try shaving with one.

Originally Posted by Blackpool

Seeing as these "weapons" are so much bigger than any barbershop razor I have ever come across, I wonder for whom the cutlers who made them, intended them. Surely not for shaving faces, so what do you think?

The Otto and Reynders may not have been intended for shaving faces, but it can be used for that purpose. On the other hand, the 8/8 and 9/8 Wade and Butchers we see out there WERE intended to be used for shaving. While they are a jump up in size, those who have tried them have generally liked them. They do make shaving more fun and interesting.

Here are my thoughts on big blades. Probably not 100% accurate but sounds good to me. I think that the larger blades were made specifically for barbers to shave other peoples faces. They made their money by getting people in and out of the barbers chair. A large blade allowed them to make fewer strokes and spend less time cleaning lather off of the blade. During the time that most of these larger blades were made, most men were wearing moustaches so there was no need to worry about using a smaller blade to get into the tight areas around the nose and mouth. Just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt.

Practically a badge of honor, shaving with that monster.

Originally Posted by Blackpool

Seeing as these "weapons" are so much bigger than any barbershop razor I have ever come across, I wonder for whom the cutlers who made them, intended them. Surely not for shaving faces, so what do you think?

They may have made them for anyone with the cash and a desire to own the biggest, baddest razor on the block, even back then.

I can just hear the salesman. "Sir, if you purchase this magnificent razor, you are assured the have the best shave of the day, every day! No one else will come close!"

FWIW, I tend to agree with Theseus. I have found in my own experience that I rinse off the blade way less with the larger sizes.