3/8... why isn't smaller better?

**erudolph** · 04-24-2012, 07:49 PM

Seems like smaller would be easier to get into tight spots.

Also, does the length of the blade tend to be standardized while the height varies, or do all dimensions vary?

**Doc226** · 04-25-2012, 08:44 AM

It is a preference thing. My first razor was a 5/8, I like bigger blades now, I am currently using an 8/8 Friodor or a 7/8 TI. Also the length of the blade varies but most are about 3 inches.

I can get to the spot under the nose just fine with a 8/8 blade.

I find honing much easier with the larger blades.

**ladykate** · 04-25-2012, 11:27 AM

I like smaller blades occasionally. The old steel is good stuff and the small blade will take a great edge. I have several 4/8 in my rotation. Bigger blades are ok, too. I like them all. The smaller blade is easy to handle but I wouldn't say it makes a big difference in agility or getting into tight spots. The length is about the same as the bigger blades (for the most part). My kamisoris are about as agile as I've found but they are stubby compared to any European Straight. I usually shave with 6/8 or 7/8 but I go up to 8/8 and down to 4/8. Just having fun is the name of the game for me.

**smalltank** · 04-25-2012, 11:33 AM

I havent tried anything smaller than a 5/8..BUT I am sure it takes a "holding ability" to hold onto a 4/8 or 3/8 if you have medium size hands or bigger

**paco664** · 04-25-2012, 11:39 AM

i could see a 3/8ths being a blood bath ...... i will stick with shaving with nothing smaller than a 6/8ths.. and normally nothing smaller than a 8/8ths...

**erudolph** · 04-25-2012, 11:45 AM

Hmm, Paco. I'm thinking about that... not exactly getting it. Can you explain to a newbie straight shaver?
Thanks...

**paco664** · 04-25-2012, 01:31 PM

*(to me) the little blades scare the crap out of me... i have shaved with several 4/8ths that i honed for members... they all bled me in some way or another... but with the big blades i am more aware of angle pressure and location....

its just a me thing... i personally prefer the big blades... they have an elegance to them *(imho) that is lacking in the skinny blades...

if you are interested in a smaller blade *(~5/8ths) i have a couple you may fall in love with...

**erudolph** · 04-25-2012, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

*(to me) the little blades scare the crap out of me... i have shaved with several 4/8ths that i honed for members... they all bled me in some way or another... but with the big blades i am more aware of angle pressure and location....

its just a me thing... i personally prefer the big blades... they have an elegance to them *(imho) that is lacking in the skinny blades...

if you are interested in a smaller blade *(~5/8ths) i have a couple you may fall in love with...

That's interesting Paco, that you seem to get better feedback with a larger blade. I'm using a 5/8 right now, that I bought from Vintage Blades. Am only on my 12th day of straight shaving. Have to see whether I can get good at it or not before thinking of buying any more... :-)

Thanks for the explanation!

**turtle** · 04-25-2012, 01:38 PM

My favorite blade is one I got from Paco. It is a short 6/8 Sheffield. It is the cat's pajamas. Gets in and out of anywhere as easily as a DE does BUT... I do like the narrow 4/8 and 3/8 normal length blades a lot too...

**brother cavefish** · 04-25-2012, 01:43 PM

i had a sweet lockwood 3/8 but the razor was bent , and i tried to straighten it , it broke-----------i was pissed

**kelton** · 04-25-2012, 02:38 PM

more rinsing which means more starting and stopping and I usually nick myself when the blade gets to the face not so much while moving the blade on my face

**erudolph** · 04-25-2012, 03:28 PM

Wow, this is a good thread for straight shaving info. Little tidbits.

**paco664** · 04-25-2012, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by erudolph

Wow, this is a good thread for straight shaving info. Little tidbits.

this is a excellent thread....

turtle i am happy you love that razor... it was a nice one...

**Doc226** · 04-25-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by turtle

My favorite blade is one I got from Paco. It is a short 6/8 Sheffield. It is the cat's pajamas. Gets in and out of anywhere as easily as a DE does BUT... I do like the narrow 4/8 and 3/8 normal length blades a lot too...

I recognize that Geo

**paco664** · 04-25-2012, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Doc226

I recognize that Geo

i WANT that gotta...

**PFP_Dad** · 04-25-2012, 06:23 PM

My current favorite a 4/8 but I haven't tried larger than a 6/8 yet. I just find it easier to control and move around my face, especially when experimenting with the whole left hand thing.

**Doc226** · 04-25-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

i WANT that gotta...

That is nice too.

**Great White Shavealo** · 04-25-2012, 06:32 PM

I can barely shave with anything below a 5/8 anymore. I have been spoiled by the 6/8 Dovo and TI I own. I tried shaving with my 4/8 Union Cutlery blade a couple days ago and i felt like I was using a Popsicle stick to shave with... it wasn't comfortable for me... and it was my very first blade!

**johnmrson** · 04-25-2012, 06:40 PM

I think that small blades can be great. I love the nimbleness of one. The only down side is having to wipe the cream and whiskers off it so often.

**maxman** · 04-25-2012, 07:11 PM

I had a 3/8 Puma. I didn't shave with it because at the time I didn't really know how to use a straight.
I kind of wish now that I had kept it.

Mind you, I learned on a 4/8 spike point Dubl Duck.
Not the best razor to start with.

Now I use a 5/8 and I'm thinking about bigger.

I'll betcha most guys out there will say something similar.