Back in the day people would probably have not perceived straight razor shaving as a hobby like us but as a necessity. They would not have possessed 30+ razors and needed their razor to last a lifetime. A large blade would have survived much more honings, especially for barbers. Largeness of a blade may thus have been a selling argument. But I agree that large blades look cool.
Why So Big?
- Thread starter steve0580
- Start date
They blitz through dense growth in a way few more typically sized razors can. The only tiny blade that can monster through the way a huge chopper can in my experience is a kamisori but that is a totally different animal. It's just effortless... And you can go over half your face before you need to rinse it... Bigger wedges are actually more user friendly imo. Anything under 3/4 with a wedge feels very off to me as far as finding and maintaining your angle. an 8/8 round point solingen blade like a Dorko is a glorious thing. Another big part of it is if you like feedback, a huge hollow ground blade really sings when you use it. They are also a lot more comfortable for me to hold, in genera,l as the tang, scales and tail all have to be more generous and I have massive hands.
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Aesthetics, I just love the look of a meaty one-incher with a square point. Other than that, no real difference, if you know how to weld a straight, half an inch or a full inch will do the job.
If it is a wedge that is huge there is quite a big difference in the touch you must apply or back off on
This. ^^^
I have in my arsenal, all sizes, 2/8 to 7/8, and for myself I just prefer the larger 7/8 razor, for feel in hand and on my face. The 2/8 is a great small razor for trimming accurate edge line around my stash.
This. Also, I would imagine a larger razor would last much longer in terms of the number of honings. I like the weight and balance and less rinsing.
