Thread: Does size and grind matter to you?

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

4/8 and under, earcutter, that's unique, surely? 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...

That's about as polite a way of being called an odd-ball as I have ever heard, and yes... I have heard, and continue to hear it often LOL! (Assuming that's what you meant lol) But alas, it's how things fell into play for me.

Range is good - great in fact! For some. As so many find the little ones awkward, ie. you and your thumb, I find the the larger sizes cumbersome and slow. Which is kind of too bad in that I find larger blades way more aesthetically pleasing.

That said, I am new to it all, and though I have given the larger ones a go in the past - I will not rule them out in the future. I personally feel that a larger blade, is easier to use when someone begins this fine sport... of course there comes a point where we hit diminishing returns on both ends of the spectrum For example threading and axes lol!!

All said and done though, when it comes to people getting started - I am with carlmaloschneider. Range is good, and one of life's "spices." Give them all a go if you can!!

Originally Posted by BobH

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

Bob

I beg to disagree! There is nothing quite like shaving under the nose and the "fools pass" with a heavy 11/8 blade. Those aren't really that hard to pull off, but they do require one's attention. Knowing each shave has the potential to be your last is fun in itself.

ace

Sorry about the misunderstanding. It was my weak attempt at humor. This is what I meant Urban Dictionary: wedgie . I am sure you are right about the big heavy 11/8 blade types though.

Bob

Well I am kind of with earcutter. I would be lost without my little 4/8. Although I always use 2 razors for a shave these days. I always had trouble with my right to left ATG stroke on the right side of my neck. (left side is fine)But I found that using a short 4/8 allows me to get the job done nicely in this area. Having said that, I use 5/8 or larger for all the rest.
I also find a 4/8 a little harder to strop and hone.

Oh i also use 4/8 for those nasty ear and nose hairs, (which remind me I am getting old.) although it is deliberately ground to a very narrow point at the toe to allow easier access.

Apparently you shouldnt even stick cotton buds in your ear, let alone razor sharp steel, but I have never had a problem with it.

I dont know if any of you have ever tried it. It works for me. I dont recommend it for "earcutter"though

I think it was JimmyHAD who posted something about "razor type to beard type" was very widely known when straights were popular..I have 1 hollow ground blade..its good and lightweight..easy to maneuver..but I also have a full wedge..VERY heavy and only the lightest touch to whack off whiskers is needed..both blades are 6/8 but my full wedge gets spots my hollow blade tends to miss..and both blades are very well honed and shave ready..YMMV

Like most of the guys....I'm a little fickle when it comes to size/grind...they're all good. If pressed i would go with a 7/8. Hollow to quarter hollow please.

6/8 to 9/8; 1/4 hollow or heavier grind preferred. I still enjoy several 5/8" (especially the vintage C-Mon). One is even a singing grind...

I have 5/8 to 7/8 razors all hollow ground. I have never tried a wedge. I like and use them all. The stiffer grinds are a little easier to use but full hollows are OK if very sharp. The 5/8 are nimble but require more attention to angle.

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

I have 5/8 to 7/8 razors all hollow ground. I have never tried a wedge. I like and use them all. The stiffer grinds are a little easier to use but full hollows are OK if very sharp. The 5/8 are nimble but require more attention to angle.

Just made a little peace with my 4/8 after this mornings shave. Your comment about full hollows needing to be very sharp is a telling comment. I spent some time yesterday refreshing the edge for the first time in 4 months. I was a little worried about my skill level with hones only having got them a week or so ago and did not want to mess up an otherwise good razor. The 4/8 was my first razor and I must have dulled it quickly. Anyway not the greatest edge but it gave a smooth comfortable close shave. So the smaller blades are now back on the list of users. Today's chore will be to hone the other small one to confirm that my problem with the small ones was dull edges. Still like the larger heavier blades slightly more though.

Bob

Refreshed the little SSA blade and it too shaves well now. Is true those little full hollow buggers needs to be sharp.

I like 6/8 that is a 1/4 or 1/2 grind but as has been stated variety is a good thing. I have and enjoy full hollows but my beard is really tough. If there is a lot of growth it is a PITA to us a full hollow. I can hear the edge literally catching on some hairs and the edge will deform and give me spots that are just short of razor burn. I also like the weight of a 1/4 hollow, just feels like I am holding a tool instead of a disposable. This topic is really a personal preference thing.


Take Care,
Richard