Thread: Does size and grind matter to you?

I am a 4/8 and under guy. Which works out, as they are cheap compared to anything larger.

Like most others - I didn't set out to like them small, it just sort of happened. I find them faster and easier to handle.

As for grind - I have them all but vastly prefer a extra hollow.

I am kind of jealous of those guys who whip through a collection of all sizes and grinds... Seems that would be fun!!

I'm kind of like Joed, I'm reminded of Will Rogers famous old saying, (link) he never met a man he didn't like and I never met a razor I didn't like. I do prefer 5/8 and up because I too have large hands/thick fingers. Twenty years of doing ironwork will do that. I like full hollows alright but prefer stiffer grinds if I have my druthers.

Bob, I'm w/ Joed and Jimmy - mostly for the same reasons. You mention likeing a razor w/ some heft. I think you'll find that preference stays with you for some time. A beefy shank for large hands is a natural, but heft in a spine moderates motion, not unlike target equipment (archery, air rifle) - the serious target gear is often heavier. It moderates any twitch or shake, keeping it in smooth motion, rather than more eradic. All my fav shavers are beefy, though I have a few light/small ones. I also found the length of the cutting edge matters. For me - 2.75" is about right. A little bit of smile to the edge seems helpful in the concave sections of the face.
If you have the opportunity - see if you can hook up w/ a member(s) that will let you try their gear. That way you can experience the difference in size/grind/steel/profile without going broke buying and selling them all. If you travels take you near the Portland, OR area - give me a hollar.

Pinklather

Know what you mean about a little extra weight steadies things down a bit if it is in the right place. Unfortunately I am about 400 miles from the nearest members so I'll just have to go broke, worse ways to go broke though. Fer sure if we ever get to the Portland area I'll give you a shout, thanks for the offer.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I am a rookie shaver that started off with two smaller sized, 4/4 and 9/16, full hollow ground razors. Along the way I picked up a few more vintage 5/6 and 6/8 razors one of which one appears to be 1/4 hollow ground. I have found the larger sized ones to be easier to shave with but the 1/4 hollow being the easiest to use and giving the least harsh shave. Anyone else found the heavier grinds to be this way? I was looking at current manufactured blades and very few seem to be of a heavier grind.

Bob

The only grind I'm not particularly fond of is the wedge because of the feel. In fact, if I were characterize what a shavette is like, it feels more like a wedge. I also like rounded edges because with sharp points I have a tendency to strike oil. Size-wise, the large ones are heavier in weight, have more force, and therefore do more of the work. Since I have pretty much mastered the straight razor, I enjoy the smaller ones (5/8) because they're lighter and more agile.

4/8 and under, earcutter, that's unique, surely? Size and grind certainly do matter to me; mainly because I want a range. I'm the sort of person who feels a seven day set, no matter how 'perfect' would be boring. I like how a full hollow sounds. I like a 4/8, but as I use the heel a lot for edges, I find me thumb gets in the way. I'm currently looking for a 6/8 or wider to fill that niche. I understand how one can get to want to stick with one type, but for me I do want a range. I also feel for me they have different strengths and weaknesses...

Being a rookie shaver another thing I think I am finding is that the Sheffield made razors don't seem to give as harsh a shave as the Solingen ones even if size and weight are the same. Think I'll wait on using the 4/8 ones till I have better technique and can hone a better edge and see if then I can get as decent a shave out of them. I see no other reasons why the smaller ones should not work as well too.

Bob

Bob,

As you can see from these posts, it's very much personal preference. I like 5/8th's and up. 6/8'th's being the sweet spot for me. The bigger heavy blades are fun to use as well. It's all good.

Harsh shaves has a lot to do with honing, Size and Grind, not so much IME, YMMV. Sheffield steel is legandary, and it's also hard as hell when it comes to honing IME. I swear I've had a few you'd think were diamond coated.

8/8 and bigger, and near wedge and wedgier

Had a wedgie once and it wasn't much fun ace.

Bob