Thread: how short is too short

While I realise that in theory the answer is as smaller fraction of a mm as you could make the blade, practically what is the shortest usable blade length.
The reason I ask is that straights seem to usually be around 3" long, whereas some Japanese blades are 2.5" long and some members have talked about shortening damaged blades beyond this, but at what point would the blade become harder to use due to its length?
This is purely academic, I just wondered if anyone had played around with this?

The smaller Kamisori are 40mm

How long is a typical modern Gillette cartridge razor? I don't think length has much to do with it.

I noticed that the Kamisoris were sometimes shorter than 'normal' straight razors. For a guy with a beard or a goatee to trim around I bet the shorter blades would be very handy. On the other extreme, I once had a custom, since sold it, that was 3 1/2 from heel to point. I had to really pay attention when beginning the pass in front of the ear. Being used to 3" that extra half got me a couple of times.

Jimmy,
I got to say I get where you are coming from and could not agree more,

but that last sentence... well it just don't sound right...

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

How long is a typical modern Gillette cartridge razor? I don't think length has much to do with it.

Would guess about 35-40 mm based on it being about 1.75 thumb widths and my thumb being about 20 mm wide.
if a square toed razor is more likely to cut you, due to the "point" of the corner, unless you round it slightly, so if you had a very short blade the chances are that the toe would be in contact with your face more, and therefore more likely to cut you, that was roughly my train if thought anyway.

Kamisori's are really double spikes and you can really do a number on your face with the short blade and two spikes. But, like anything else once you master it it ain't nothing.

Here's a mini made by Maximillian

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...cobaltium.html

looks like fun to me!

Originally Posted by RMarsh

Here's a mini made by Maximillian

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...cobaltium.html

looks like fun to me!

I really like that razor. I think it would work on the contours of my face better. Maybe one day I can splurge and commission one!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Being used to 3" that extra half got me a couple of times.

So to speak!