Difference between 6/8 and 7/8

[Richy]

I will be ordering a Thiers Issard in the next few days and I'm stuck between the 6/8 or 7/8 .Now I know the difference in size is only 1/8 but does it really have a impact on the razor use ?.I've used a 6/8 and found it to be a better size as opposed to the 5/8 .

Just want to get it right when I order ,specially at the prices I'll be paying !

[minstrel]

To me, 6/8 seems to be a pretty good size, small enough to be easy to position and move around, and large enough to be easy to strop and hone and get the correct shaving angle with. I haven't used a full 7/8, but I do have a 13/16 razor which used to be a 7/8 before I honed out some nicks in the edge (which took off 1/16 of the blade), and it definitely is a tad too big. However, some day I will get an 8/8 as well, just to be able to say I've tried one, but 6/8 and 5/8 are the sizes I think work best for me. But, as always, YMMV.

/Nicholas

[Richy]

Thank you for the reply.Happy Christmas mate

[joel]

Richy,
HERE (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28458) is a thread on razors sizes with some more info, but basically in my opinion the grind makes a bigger difference than the size. With a TI, all their 7/8th's are "singing" blades, AKA extra hollow, and as a result will have a very thin/delicate edge. Honestly - in my opinion, the larger "singing" razors don't tend to work all that wonderfully, as they flex TOO much (since they are larger, they have a wider area of very thin metal) and personally, I much prefer 6/8th's extra hollow, singing razors. What TI's are you looking at specifically, and what is your beard type, as we'd be more than happy to help you find something that fits your needs/requirements precisely!

Hope this helps!

[Richy]

Joel,

Thanks for the interest.My facial hair is I believe somewhere near to a medium coarseness {if there is such a term}.

I have a vintage 6/8 full grind {not singing } Joseph Haywood ,which for whatever reason feels better in my hands as opposed to the Dovo 5/8 ''special'' .

The 6/8 seems more positive during the shave .

I have honed and stropped both and again the 6/8 wins the game in terms of what feels right.

My question with regards to a 6/8 or 7/8 was merely interest as I have not used a 7/8 .

You have already seen the T.I that I am considering in the other post ,which it must be said you replied and gave excellent information as did the others .


I'm just testing the field really ,as already stated I will be ordering in the next day or so .

I'm really liking the Horn handle razor I posted ,though it has no information on the site as to whether it's singing or not.

P.s the link you gave was very informative ,and decisive as I am happy that a 6/8 is my way forward .My thanks .

[Thebigspendur]

Usually when you move up to a 7/8s from a 6/8s there is a large increase in the overall size of the razor and weight of the razor. They tend to be less maneuverable and sometimes the larger scales can get in the way so you have to alter some of your moves. I find 6/8s razors to be a very nice size overall and its what I prefer and I've used em all from 3/8s to 8/8s.

[Suzuki]

I agree with Joel and Bigspendur - the difference between a 6/8 and 7/8 is actually a big one.

For some reason, the move from a 5/8 to a 6/8 isn't a big deal, but the move to a 7/8 is a bigger deal. I nicked the crap out of my ear the first time I shaved with a 7/8 - something I'd never done with my 5/8 and 6/8 razors (I'd had a couple of months of daily straight shaving under my belt at the time and was reasonably competent).

As bigspendur said, a 7/8 razor is a fair bit bigger and heavier than a 6/8 in the same grind.

I think a 5/8 or 6/8 is the best/most practical grind - especially for the first few razors. When I looked for something stiffer, I looked to heavier grinds and stainless razors as opposed to going to the bigger razors - my heavy 6/8 razors are stiffer than my full hollow 7/8 razors.

Hope this helps.

[FloppyShoes]

+1 on what Joel, Bigspendur and Suzuki have said. There's a difference , but don't let it stop you from trying something a little bigger. It won't take you long to adapt.

EDIT: Post number 666 for me :devil:

[Richy]

Thats great ,thank you all.

With regards to the actual model I'll be buying I'm waiting for a reply back from Classic Shaving confirming whethr they can ship to me in the UK and if so how much.Really like he Super Gnome model and the Evide sonnant .Not for the price aspect but because I really like the plain appearance .

Anyone any advice/experience with these two models ?

[joel]

Thats great ,thank you all.

With regards to the actual model I'll be buying I'm waiting for a reply back from Classic Shaving confirming whethr they can ship to me in the UK and if so how much.Really like he Super Gnome model and the Evide sonnant .Not for the price aspect but because I really like the plain appearance .

Anyone any advice/experience with these two models ?

They're nice - however I'd recommend the Gnomes as they're 1/2 hollow instead of being full hollow - so they'll have a more rigid blade. :smile: