Another this or this thread

[scottish steve]

Hi guys
I like the idea of getting on the Wapi bandwagon (at only £31, shave-ready, who can argue) but also like this other one which is apparently in practically-new cdtn and has a really good edge. What do you think?

 

[bearbear]

To be honest, the one on the left only because the clunky scales are well clunky. The balde on both look nice, don't know if theres a diff in quality of shave.

 

[mdunn]

BOTH!

(someone had to say it)

 

[scottish steve]

I was assuming they wouldn't be a problem. To be honest, I never really notice the scales when I'm shaving, tho I don't like steel scales as they are too heavy. Got rid of my only T.I. to-date because of that. Can I just ask, there are no issues with Wapis are there? They're not any more difficult to strop or keep an edge on or anything? It looks really nice to me...very clean and simple

 

[mdunn]

no. wapis are awesome.

 

[scottish steve]

Ok. That's clear. Will get it if they still have it in-stock tomorow. Thanks!

 

[PhatMan]

Hi,

You won't regret it !

The 'plastic' Wapi is a very nice razor; mine shaves beautifully

In addition, InvisibleEdge does an excellent job on the honing !

best regards

Russ

 

[scottish steve]

Hi Phatman. Got a couple of razors from The Invisible Edge and his service has been good. It was only after getting the 1st one from him that I realised how not-set-up my Dovo and T.I. were. I got a 6/8 round-point Spikuson from the 30s and an M Chadunet olbique-point 5/8 from the 50s, which would be one of the few items I'd save from my house if it went on fire.

Addendum:
I eventually went with this:

 

[PhatMan]

Scottish Steve,

Looks good !

Is that the 4/8 Friseur ?

Best regards

Russ

 

[scottish steve]

It is. Got home so late on "Fri" that I had to chase the postman on Sat morning with the "you were out" slip he'd literally just left in my hall. This morning was my second shave with it and I think I really like 4/8" straights. Its xly light and manoeuverable, with a buttery-smooth edge and lovely balance. Makes my 6/8" Spikuson feel almost like its trying too hard, if you know what I mean. As a beginner's tool (and I still count myself as a beginner) its very good indeed. I don't know if 4/8"s were more popular in the past, but I suspect that as straight-shaving has become more confined to a niche-demographic, the emphasis has switched to larger, more impressive-looking examples, despite the fact that an edge is still just an edge. Any thoughts from our more experienced contributors on the advantages/disadvantages of biggger/smaller blades?

 

[gugi]

it changes with the period
the early 1800s razors are on the small size around 5/8 and often less, then they become large sometimes over 1", then around 1900 they become small again and in most cases full hollowed and the standard size has been 5/8 ever since. the swedish razors are usually on the small side.

the main advantage of smaller blade is that it's more maneuverable, the main advantage of a large one is that it holds more lather before needing to be cleaned. the weight is not and advantage or disadvantage, it's a personal preference.

 

[professorchaos]

BOTH!

(someone had to say it)

Seconded!

 

[scottish steve]

Thanks for the info, Gugi.

 

[gregs656]

I'm a real fan of small blades, 4/8s to 9/16s are my favorites.

I find the smaller blades are better balanced - but that could just be me.

 

[scottish steve]

I just found the Friseur a lot easier to deal with ATG and under the chin