Optimum blade lenght?

While looking at a badly rust damaged blade I was thinking of how to try to salvage it. To much for a barbers notch, maybe shorten it and add a notch? While my thoughts wandered I eyed others laying in a row. Out came the ruler and they are all 2 3/4" to 3". 100 years or so age difference and they are still relatively the same lenght. Different widths different grinds and I can find info on that stuff but nothing on length. That age difference and still the same length.:hmmm: There has to be a reason.

Maybe steel was sold in 12" sheets and they could get 4 to a sheet? [I know I am omitting the tang?:)]

Any thoughts?

Tim

It is interesting and something I've noticed as well. I have no idea as to the reasoning though..I guess if you had the perfectly shaped face you could use the full blade length and get away with 2 passes on your cheeks..lol..I dunno.

Not entirely sure either....what I do know is that I'm pretty used to 3". When I pick up some of my 3 1/2 inch blades, I really need to concentrate. I have this Wostie spike point that I love shaving with, but each time I use it I really have to think.

Maybe it was about maneuverability? 3 inches is fairly easy to twist and turn and move around.

I was thinking the same thing recently. I was wondering if there was a blade out there that was about the same length as a double edge razor blade (about 1.5 inches)? I think that would be much easier to maneuver and would speed the shaving process up.

Makes me wonder if I can shorten an old blade up and give it a try...

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Originally Posted by MackofallTrades

I was thinking the same thing recently. I was wondering if there was a blade out there that was about the same length as a double edge razor blade (about 1.5 inches)? I think that would be much easier to maneuver and would speed the shaving process up.

Makes me wonder if I can shorten an old blade up and give it a try...

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Japanese kamisori range from about 1.6" to about 2.4"
I find the 2" length perfect & it is my preferred razor.

I have seen older razors that are about 3.25 or a bit longer, so there is more of a range. I guess those sizes worked, so no one fixed them? I do find that shorter (western) blades are harder to maneuver, and the same for longer, but it could just be a question of what I'm used to.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Japanese kamisori range from about 1.6" to about 2.4"
I find the 2" length perfect & it is my preferred razor.

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Do you notice a pressure [for lack of a better term] difference with the shorter blade? Longer means more surface area? But then how much does one use the whole length? I am getting to the age of needing glasses so i can understand the depth perception problem of knowing where the end is.:( The scales fit in your hand and the blade fits in the scales? I must lead a boring life if this is my question of the day.:rofl2:

Tim

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Originally Posted by 32t

Do you notice a pressure [for lack of a better term] difference with the shorter blade? Longer means more surface area? But then how much does one use the whole length? I am getting to the age of needing glasses so i can understand the depth perception problem of knowing where the end is.:( The scales fit in your hand and the blade fits in the scales? I must lead a boring life if this is my question of the day.:rofl2:

Tim

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No, your hand controls the pressure on all blades, just you can be lazy with the heavy 'uns.
Not clear on the "scales fit in your hand etc" question.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MackofallTrades

I was thinking the same thing recently. I was wondering if there was a blade out there that was about the same length as a double edge razor blade (about 1.5 inches)? I think that would be much easier to maneuver and would speed the shaving process up.

Makes me wonder if I can shorten an old blade up and give it a try...

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Oh ya you can do it I had a Ern and I chipped the toe pretty bad and I cut about 3/8 in I believe the razor started out at 2 3/4 in. It was a nice nimble shaver, I liked it alot

Not clear on the "scales fit in your hand etc" question.[/QUOTE]

I meant could the size of the blade be determined by what fits in the scales which could be determined what fits best in your hand?
Tim

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Originally Posted by 32t

Not clear on the "scales fit in your hand etc" question.

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I meant could the size of the blade be determined by what fits in the scales which could be determined what fits best in your hand?
Tim[/QUOTE]

Oh I see ~ but have no answer :)