Thread: no (big) difference between 5/8 an 6/8 ?

Hi,
Today I used my 6/8 Renaissance (dovo) the first time. Since now I have used only
5/8 str8s (TI, Dovo, Wacker). I was very curious about the difference between 5/8 and 6/8 - but
then -- I could not find a difference in shaving - or maybe it is so small that
I will notice it only after several shaves? The only thing I noticed was that
wiping the blade was only necessary twice per pass - this is an advantage . I was a litte "disappointed" - no new exciting experience...

Is there really no big difference - what is your experience/opinion?

Regards
Hajo

This "Difference" really depends on the Brands..

In General.. Compared to a 5/8

The Spine and Tang on a 6/8 are heavier and larger giving the razor more heft and weight, this often makes it easier to shave with, the added 1/8 often makes it feel easier to control on the strops and the hones which in turn gives a better edge..

All these advantages diminish with more experience with more razors you just naturally learn to adapt to the differences better..

I used to prefer 5/8 because I felt they were very maneuverable and 'quick'. More so than a 6/8 and way more than anything larger. Nowadays I still like a 5/8 but I am starting to prefer the 6/8. Some of this might be because of the individual razor as much as whatever size it is. BTW, I have no use for 4/8s. Some guys prefer that size but the tangs are usually too small for my thick fingers and they just do nothing for me. As Glen said above, as we gain experience one becomes very like the other.

Yea, once you get some experience they all do the same job. For me I find larger razors like 7/8s and larger can be clumsy and the large scales get in the way. I'll take either a 5/8s or 6/8s any day. The 6/8s have a bit more heft to them but the 5/8s are more maneuverable. It's a matter of which you prefer.

At the end of the day it all turns out to be personal preference. Some like tiny 4/8's while other prefer the extra large 9/8 and 10/8's razors. I have all sizes and use whatever I'm in the mood for. That's the fun part. There is no set rule you have to use a given size. Throughout the years I have learned to enjoy them all.

Yea, it is all personal taste. Personally, if I were to shell out money for a custom it would be on a 6/8 sized razor having used razors sized 4/8 to 8/8. Gssixgun already gave the reasons. OTH 5/8 will do nicely too.

Bob