Importance of blade width

[Zig]

Hi, again,,, What criteria is used to determine which blade width one would need? Why would one choose a 4/8, 5/8, 6/8 etc? On a side note, my Dovo is 9/16 - half way between a 4/8 and 5/8. Is this a 4/8 or 5/8 or a hybrid (poor QC)?
Thanks again,
Zig

[SSLStudio]

Zig from what I understand is that the size doesnt matter somuch according to Lynn shaving wise they should all perform good, its more what your personal preference is.

I would imagine a smaller size would be more covenient on the upper lip but ive seen skilled people at work on their lip with any size straights.

Welcome to B&B !

[LX_Emergency]

Size is all about personall preference. No real advantages actually. I've tried everything from 4 to 7/8 and all can give a good shave.

[rikrdo]

Ive always heard.....

Length is more important than width
but.....
then again,
What do I know ??

[joel]

I have razors from 2/8 - all the way up to 9/8'ths and my favorite razors, and best shaving razors tend to be in the 4/8-5/8 range. When you use a straight razor, you are able to get such a good shave because you are able to constantly change the angle with which you are shaving at, even during the stroke, and for each part of the stroke, vary pressure, angle, lateral/horizontal movement, etc etc. While the big hunkin' razors are better for the straight shots (due to the huge amount of heft/power) much like a muscle car is good in a straight line - when you hit the cures, and have to vary angles, change pressures, etc - the inputs on a larger razor have to me much larger (to change the angle you have to move it quite a bit more), and are much, MUCH less precise, as the razor is so heavy on the 8/8+ razors, it's almost hard to tell if/when you are adding pressure, or feel feedback from hair being cut, or tell exactly what angle you are at coming around the chin, etc etc.

As with ALL things, if you stick to one, you'll get accustomed to it, so if you like big ole honkin' razors and you use big ole honkin razors - you'll get a superlative shave and you'll get used to the feeling, and different inputs needed on those particular razors.

It all really boils down to personal preference, but at least for me, my top shaving razors tend to be around 4/8-5/8ths.

[kozulich]

small ones work around your features better, but large ones hold more cream before you have to rinse off. Some people will tell you that large razors are better for heavy/coarse beards. I don't buy it. My beard is pretty heavy, thick, and coarse, yet I've never had better luck with bigger razors. In fact, my best shavers are 5/8s. I rarely use the 6/8 or 7/8. I also prefer shorter blades over longer ones (more maneuverable).

[xChris]

As with ALL things, if you stick to one, you'll get accustomed to it, so if you like big ole honkin' razors and you use big ole honkin razors - you'll get a superlative shave and you'll get used to the feeling, and different inputs needed on those particular razors.

I agree -- I get great shaves with my 6/8 - 8/8 (aka big ole honkin') razors.

[jscott]

im a 6/8th lover all the way.

just as joel mentioned above when i get to the 7/8 and 8/8 size razors they are just too hard to manuver around my facial features while feeling for feedback from the razor's shave.

i personally don't like the 4/8's too much as they don't hold enough lather on the blade. i have to rinse every single pass. the shave is no worse just more of a pain in my butt rinsing it off more then i want.

5/8's work just fine. no problems and easy to use. 6/8th are my favorite and go too razor size. full hollow - 1/2 hollow - wedge.... i'd like the 6/8ths.

~J

[sphughes]

Zig,

I think the underlying point in every response so far is that the answer is up to you. The width is very subjective and each size will provide it's own pluses and minuses based on what you want. The smallest width I have is 4/8 and I have 2 beautiful NOS razors this size that are great. As noted they are very easy to navigate around and easy to handle. I have mutliple 5/8's, 6/8's and 7/8's as well and they also are outstanding. When I see something either smaller or larger that triggers my RAD, I'm sure my family will grow....But my needs are really more than covered in this range.

I think the most important thing to consider, IMO, is maintaining the blade in the best possible condition that you can. This will ensure that no matter what size you use, you will get a great result. Also I strongly suggest you do what most of us end up doing; buy many different widths and rotate. Having the choices will allow you to take advantage of all the good things each width offers you.

-Scott-

[Suzuki]

I'm very new at this (about 1 month or straight shaving under my belt) - but my limited experience is that technique and having a sharp blade are more important than blade size.

I have a modest collection of razors ranging from 5/8 to 7/8 and a bunch of different grinds. I actually find the 7/8 a lot harder to use than the 6/8 and don't see myself getting anything bigger or even buying any more 7/8 razors.

I find that my (so far) favourite razors are a 5/8 that has a 1/2 hollow grind and my 6/8 razors (a TI Sheffield steel hollow, a 1/2 hollow Boker - I've also just aquired a very nice 1/4 hollow Crown & Sword that has great promise).

For me, grind is just as (if not more) important than size - I find a full hollow 5/8 a little too light for my heavy beard (but they will certainly get the job done) and 6/8 to be a good combination of weight and width.

Like everything else, personal preferences vary and use what you like.

I do think that new straight shavers should get familiar with a 5/8 or 6/8 before moving up to larger sizes - I sense that there seems to be a macho rush to go to big razors, which may have negative effects (i.e., cutting your ear off!).

[xChris]

I do think that new straight shavers should get familiar with a 5/8 or 6/8 before moving up to larger sizes - I sense that there seems to be a macho rush to go to big razors, which may have negative effects (i.e., cutting your ear off!).
Or puncturing your ear lobe! :biggrin:

[Steelforge]

I prefer to shave with larger razors, most of mine are 7/8 or 8/8. However, my very best shaver is a 5/8 Dubl Duck - and I have just ordered 2 more 5/8 razors.

More important than the size of the blade IMO, is the quality of the steel, and of course the quality of the honing job it's had done. The blade size is really more personal preference. As said above, the wider the blade the more cream it holds and the less often you have to rinse it during the shave.

[AFDavis11]

Wow! Such good posts, clearly knowledgable gentlemen here. Joel, your description is superb.

I like the smaller widths not only for shaving but for stropping too, flips easier.

[catatonic]

Large razor:

pro:more lather capacity, can clear more of one's face per pass than a smaller blade.

con: harder to maneuver, interference with glasses/nose/etc more likely.

smaller razor, just reverse the pro/cons around. And smaller razors tend to have a lower price than a larger one.

I'm a person that looks for things that are solid all-around. I feel that a 5/8 is the best blend of size, weight and maneuverability. So my collection reflects that, 3 5/8 and a single 4/8 I bought just to try them out. The 4/8 is nice, but it's just too small for me to feel comfortable using...I'm constantly afraid I'll drop it, ruining the blade in the process.

[BillEllis]

You need a 12/8 like this...

http://home.comcast.net/~cherylellis01/SRP/josh.024.jpg

But, on the serious side, width is not as important as the steel. Find an old Wostenholm 6/8, a 5/8 W&B wedge, or just about any Henckels.

[LX_Emergency]

Bill is showing that beast off all over the place! As he should it's awesome.

[SSLStudio]

You need a 12/8 like this...

http://home.comcast.net/~cherylellis01/SRP/josh.024.jpg

But, on the serious side, width is not as important as the steel. Find an old Wostenholm 6/8, a 5/8 W&B wedge, or just about any Henckels.

Wowsers ! what a beauty , suddenly I dont feel so scared for my little Dovo anymore ! thanks for showing that off , feel a bit more confident to try the Straight again.

[moses]

I was reminded of Bill's monumental masterpiece when I saw this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Wade-Butcher-Straight-Razor-1-1-8-Blade-Mkd_W0QQitemZ130056549020QQihZ003QQcategoryZ35990Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). It is not quite as big, granted, but getting there. I did not know commercial razors came that big...

-Mo

[rtaylor61]

You need a 12/8 like this...

http://home.comcast.net/~cherylellis01/SRP/josh.024.jpg

But, on the serious side, width is not as important as the steel. Find an old Wostenholm 6/8, a 5/8 W&B wedge, or just about any Henckels.

This reminds me of my favorite Elton John song..."Hatchet Man". Oh, wait, that was "Rocket Man". Never mind!

Randy