Dovo Ebony Spike Point

[BelefonteCristo]

Hello Gentleman.
I have a few questions and very much new to the art of shaving. I noticed there are different sizes of stright razors. 4/8,5/8,6/8. is that the length of the razor or width. and how do i know which will suit me the best? I also noticed there are different widths,and not sure what the different sizes mean. i am looking to buying this stright razor and i also noticed there is an option that the razor can be pre honed. now if its prehoned does that mean i only need to purchase a strop? or do i have to buy a knife stone and hone it myself ?thank you again,And looking forward to your replies.

[mparker762]

the size is the width of the razor in eights of an inch, i.e. a 4/8 size razor is 1/2 inch wide. Most razors are 4/8 - 8/8 size, and 5/8 is by far the most common vintage razor size though 6/8 and 7/8 are quite popular nowadays. There is some variation in the length of razors, but almost all razors have blades that are 2.75-3" long, which isn't really enough variation to matter much.

If the razor is sold as pre-honed then you should only need a strop and something to refresh the edge every now and then. A paddle strop with an abrasive paste applied to one side works well, though some guys use a barber hone or belgian coticule for refreshing the edge.

[BelefonteCristo]

so the width is measured in eights. What is the difference in 4/8 to 8/8 is it according to the size of the face or to the shave? so if the get this razor pre honed all i will need is a strop. I do not need to have it honed again?after serveral uses?