just asking. what do you think of a 3/8 straight razor? does it shaves good?.
and thank you very much.
and thank you very much.
have you tried shaving with a 3/8 straight razor?
- Thread starter hotrodheat
- Start date
I have, and did not care much for it. The razor was light and nimble, but a bit more difficult to hone, and required frequent blade rinses.
The lighter the razor, the more energy is required by your hand to get it to cut. My experience was that it made even a very sharp blade feel like I was shaving with a dull one. I've had a couple of 4/8ths that were nice shavers, but they were pretty meaty blades, wedges mostly. I sold a bowdin's wedge that was an excellent shaver. Can't imagine using a 3/8ths by choice.
- Thread starter
- #4
thanks, I am new in this, in your opinion. what gives a better shave. an 8/8 or a 3/8 considering I have never shaved with a straight before. I have a tough beard. and shave with a de. the razor that gives me the best shaves is a bakelite slant safety razor.I have noticed that some light weight safety razors can be more aggressive than a heavy one.
I don't know. probably straight razors are different anyways.
Only the edge touches the hair, so in theory it shouldn't make a difference. But as we find with many subjects we discuss here, the devil is in the details. The size, weight, and balance of a razor determine the amount of control you have over the angles and pace of the shave, and that's every bit as important as the edge itself.
A 5/8 or 6/8 is usually recommended for a beginner, who has no clue as to what his ultimate preference may be.
A 5/8 or 6/8 is usually recommended for a beginner, who has no clue as to what his ultimate preference may be.
Dont go 4/8s or lower or 7/8s and larger for a first razor. Ouch's answer is great and distills the issues.
I have a number of swedish 4/8 razors which I use regularly. As others have observed, they are quite a bit lighter than their heavier siblings which I also enjoy using. The growth pattern on my neck makes this area particularly challenging to shave, so much so that the comparatively smaller blades make it easier to clean this area. I have never tried going under 4/8. The smaller blade width also has the disadvantage that you have to rinse the blade more often.
I have a 3/8 Filarmonica that I use for keeping my moustache area evened up and to touch up eyebrows, etc. I don't think I would like it as a face shaver.
I have a 4/8 quarter hollow that I really enjoy. Sharp and nimble. Very easy to navigate around the face
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
I like messing with ebay rescues and I run into a lot of them that are simply worn down to that size. If you hone them up nice, they usually shave just fine. Great for upper lip. But my preference is for about a 5/8. I agree that they are not to be recommended as a first razor for a newbie, but don't let the size stop you from giving it a go.
Many razors worn to that size have geometry issues. They will also be wedgier than when new. So check out the dimensions if it doesn't shave well even after honing, and don't be shy about doing a little surgery on it if it is called for. Or toss it. Or ebay it. Or give it so someone who likes doing the dremel thing. Oh, and if it has worn down nearly into a wedge, hone it like a wedge. Flat without tape to set the bevel and run the progression, then tape the spine (carefully, center the tape well, and consider cutting the tape strip narrower) and hit the finisher. Especially if it seems to have a very acute bevel angle that would benefit from a compound bevel.
As for shaving with ultralight razors in general, my stroke is quicker, almost a blade buffing type motion with these little guys. No, there is not enough weight to bulldoze right through thick growth, but a little finesse can usually improve performance. Certainly, add a bit of a slice to the stroke. Don't waste your time with a razor less than scary sharp.
If you go your whole life without shaving with a little twig of a razor, you aren't missing anything. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to acquire one. But if you find one in your hands, give it a go.
Many razors worn to that size have geometry issues. They will also be wedgier than when new. So check out the dimensions if it doesn't shave well even after honing, and don't be shy about doing a little surgery on it if it is called for. Or toss it. Or ebay it. Or give it so someone who likes doing the dremel thing. Oh, and if it has worn down nearly into a wedge, hone it like a wedge. Flat without tape to set the bevel and run the progression, then tape the spine (carefully, center the tape well, and consider cutting the tape strip narrower) and hit the finisher. Especially if it seems to have a very acute bevel angle that would benefit from a compound bevel.
As for shaving with ultralight razors in general, my stroke is quicker, almost a blade buffing type motion with these little guys. No, there is not enough weight to bulldoze right through thick growth, but a little finesse can usually improve performance. Certainly, add a bit of a slice to the stroke. Don't waste your time with a razor less than scary sharp.
If you go your whole life without shaving with a little twig of a razor, you aren't missing anything. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to acquire one. But if you find one in your hands, give it a go.
Found a 3/8 wedge today, sounds like its 1880ish. It has a barbers notch and looks to be honed down a long way from original to 3/8 now. Would have pounced on it if it was a bit bigger.
I am currently shaving with a Heljestrand M&K 30. It probably used to be a 4/8 but it has been worn down to somewhere between 3/8 and 7/16. One thing I dislike about this size of a blade is that you need to rinse/wipe it quite often because the blade will not hold much lather. Apart from that, it is just like shaving with any other size razor.
I think a 5/8 razor is great for a first razor. I have 4/8-6/8. I have no interest in going smaller. I would try larger but 5/8 is still generally my favorite size.
This is how I feel about my 5/8! It's got a narrow spine and FH grind, which makes it a bit lighter than a normal 5/8, but it showed me where my taste lies. My other razors are 6/8, plus a GD which is a bit bigger with a heavy spine. I'm itching to try an 8/8.
Edit; My 5/8 was up in the rotation, so I just shaved with it. With the above posts in mind, I emphasized shorter strokes and getting the razor moving before contact. Got a great three pass BBS and enjoyed this razor more than in the past. I still like my heavier razors better though.
Last edited:
Dang, might as well shave with a piano wire 
Similar threads
